Ireland

Introduction

Welcome to Ireland!

Ireland's mild climate and bountiful rain give this impressively green island the title of the Emerald Isle.

The Irish countryside is home to castles from the Middle Ages, majestic cliffs, rich culture, and settings for movies like P.S. I Love You.

With over 60 million Americans claiming Irish descent, it's only natural to have curiosity about the heritage of the old world. It's the perfect destination for group travel and your next adventure!

Duration: 7 days & 6 nights

Start: Please be ready to go at Dublin International Airport (DUB) at 8:00 a.m.

Finish: Trip ends in Dublin City Center 

Plan to depart at any time on Day 7. Travelers are responsible for their own transportation to Dublin International Airport.

Airfare booking details will be sent after registration--please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.

What's Included

  • 7 days & 6 nights shared accommodations in boutique hotels and authentic guesthouses
  • 6 breakfasts & 5 dinners
  • Scenic cliff walk in Howth
  • Historical cycling tour of Kilkenny
  • Visit The Rock of Cashel
  • Visit the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher
  • Experience Connemara National Park
  • Visit a traditional Irish farm
  • Take part in an Irish dog herding demonstration
  • Learn the importance of Irish turf cutting from local farmers
  • Hike Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park
  • Walking tours of Kilkenny, Galway, & Dublin
  • Private airport pick-up upon arrival
  • Entrance fees to all included activities
  • Private ground transportation throughout Ireland
  • Over30Experiences Trip Leader
  • Personal recommendations for optional activities
  • The chance to meet some kick-ass people
  • Access to the Over30Experiences Community
  • Taxes always included, never hidden fees, & NO blackout dates

Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Ireland.

Transportation and optional activities are not included.

Highlights

  • Three Irish cities: Kilkenny, Galway, & Dublin
  • The picturesque fishing village of Howth
  • Pints in local pubs, listen to live Irish music, and chat with the locals
  • Bike tour the medieval town of Kilkenny
  • The majestic Cliffs of Moher
  • Hike through the beautiful Connemara region
  • Visit a traditional Irish farm

Is this Trip for You?

Come to Ireland, where the grass really is greener!

This trip includes visits to historical monuments and activities like cycling and hiking. The hike in Connemara National Park on Day 4 is challenging. The other hikes at the Cliffs of Moher and in Howth are moderate, so an active lifestyle would be helpful.

There will be some long drives on this trip, providing the opportunity to enjoy the scenery, see both coasts of Ireland, and get to know your group.

Weather can be very rainy in Ireland, please pack accordingly to stay dry and warm!

Irish pub culture is present in this itinerary. Though the days are filled with visiting iconic sites and exploring the outdoors during the day, most evenings travelers spend their free time in the pubs and bars. Do expect this to be part of the experience.

-Age requirement: 30s and 40s

-Group size: 16 max, average 13

-Physical rating: Moderate. Some activities include physical activity like hiking.

Travel Community

Before your trip, you'll have the opportunity to join a custom WhatsApp Group and connect with other members of your group. Many travelers meet at the airport or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a country after their trip.

During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to foster an open, supportive environment, where people feel safe to truly be themselves.

After your trip, you'll be an official O30X Alumni and part of our community where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups that range from simple happy hours, to hikes, to outdoor movie nights.

More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.

Itinerary Disclaimer

Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.

While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into it, and on occasion, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and are subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Meals

Breakfast will be served at your hotel or guesthouse. Dinners are mostly enjoyed in local Irish restaurants a short walk away.

Sample Breakfast Menu:

  • Eggs, sausage, pudding, bacon, beans, smoked salmon, pastries, cereals, yogurt, fruits, coffee, tea, and juices.

Sample Dinner Menu:

  • Fresh seafood, steak, chicken, potatoes, and dessert
  • Most dinners are a set menu with two courses included. There is usually a starter and a main course. There will be multiple options to choose from but they are more limited than a full open menu.

Sample Vegetarian Menu:

  • Vegetarian pasta with a mixture of vegetables
  • Selection of dips with bread
  • Mixed greens salad
  • Pizza

We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Most meals can be modified for special requests and food allergies.

Transportation

You'll be traveling in private, locally-owned ground transportation throughout your trip.

  • Private ground transportation from the airport on day 1 (included)
  • Private ground transportation to and from your hotels around the country (included)

Accommodation

You will be staying in shared hotel rooms and guesthouses for the duration of your trip. Please be aware that rooms in Europe can be smaller and don’t always provide a minibar, air-conditioning, or a safe. Most of the guesthouses that you will stay in are family owned and operated.

Laundry service is available at some hotels for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.

Accommodations may vary but will be the same quality.
Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender.

Private room options are available upon request, subject to hotel availability for an extra charge.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory in order to participate in any of our trips.

When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all travelers must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of 200,000 USD for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure that all the activities you plan on participating in are covered by your travel insurance.

We recommend using either Wanderwell or World Nomads to purchase your policy. The Wanderwell “Preferred Plan” or the World Nomads “Explorer Plan” will cover all included activities on U30X trips. Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.

If you have travel insurance with your credit card we require proof of purchase of the trip in the form of a receipt or credit card statement on a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage, and emergency contact telephone number.

Cancellation Policy

Very Flexible

Give us at least 30 days notice and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

If you have an emergency cancellation that is less than 30 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company as they may cover you for some expenses. We are not able to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 30 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.

Trip Leader Expectations

All Over30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.

The goal of the Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends.

You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.

Gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t required on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations. We suggest around 3-5 USD per person per day for Trip Leaders.

Packing List

Please be eco-friendly!

  • Bring a reusable water bottle to refill where clean water is available.
  • Bring a reusable straw to limit the amount of single-use plastic waste.
  • Use as little plastic as possible by declining straws and plastic bags at restaurants and when shopping.
  • Please avoid aerosol bug sprays as they negatively affect the environment.

We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A day pack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

Below includes our staff picks of the best items on the market that we travel with! All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and organically inspired when possible.

Passport & Visas

Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders:

Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any more questions.

Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.

Health & Insurance

Check out our Travel Alerts Page for up-to-date COVID requirements.

The tap water in Ireland is safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep Ireland beautiful.

Our suggested travel insurance vendor is World Nomads and has a minimum of 200,000 USD coverage.

Please consult with your doctor before traveling in regards to physical activity and vaccinations.

No inoculations are required to enter Europe from the United States but the US Center for Disease Control suggests routine vaccines for all travelers. Required vaccines should go through CDC, recommended vaccines should be through your doctor.

Money & Currency

The official currency of Ireland is the euro (EUR).

We suggest bringing €300 EUR (335 ~USD) in cash to be used at establishments that do not accept credit cards.

This is not the total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.

ATMs are available in the cities and towns we visit. Although you can withdraw Euros from any ATM in Ireland, it's a good idea to come with some local currency just in case.

Remember to call your bank and credit card company and let them know you'll be traveling overseas.

For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the app XE.

Please be advised that US Dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100 USD.

Safety & Security

Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance, vaccination card, and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.

Keep your passport and any valuables locked in your hotel room.

Don’t leave valuables unattended.

US Citizens, please consider registering with the US Department of State “SMART Traveler Program” who can contact your family in case of emergency.

Weather

Irish weather can be unpredictable. While the weather can vary, it’s rarely extreme. The Emerald Isle lives up to its nickname, and you should expect plenty of rain, but long bouts are rare.

Spring Months of March to May

  • Average high is 54°F (~12 Celsius)
  • Average low is 43°F (~6 Celsius)
  • April is considered particularly pleasant.

Summer Months of June to September

  • Average high is 68°F (~20 Celsius)
  • Average low is 50°F (~12 Celsius)
  • July and August are the warmest months and get about 18 hours of daylight. During this time it stays light out until around 11:00 pm.

cultural information

Ireland or “Eire” in Irish is an island in the North Atlantic. The island is now divided between Northern Ireland, which belongs to the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland in the south.

Ireland has a strong pub culture. Pubs are not only places where people drink but also places where people gather and meet friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

Irish people are known for being very friendly and for loving their country.

Key Phrases
  • Ireland Forever -- Éirinn go Brách‍
  • Welcome -- Fáilte‍
  • A good time or fun -- Craic
  • Cheers -- Sláinte‍
  • People of Ireland -- Muintir na hÉireann
  • French fries -- Chips‍
Tipping Customs

While tipping isn’t customary, it is certainly appreciated especially when you have received great service. Be sure to tip in the local currency (euro) to ensure the recipient does not have to pay additional fees when exchanging. Here are some common guidelines to follow:

  • Dining at a sit-down restaurant = Add 10%-15% of your bill 
  • Taxi drivers = round up to the nearest euro
  • Hotel cleaning staff = 2-5 euros per day
  • Tour guide (non O30X activity leaders)  =  Add 10% of what you paid for the tour

Optional Activities

The activities below will be paid in euros. All amounts are approximate prices in US dollars.

Kilkenny
  • Kilkenny Castle: 10 ~USD
    Take a tour of Medieval Kilkenny Castle.
  • Saint Canice's Cathedral: 7 ~USD
    Climb the Round Tower at Saint Canice's Cathedral for an incredible view of the city.
Galway
  • O’Connor’s Bar: Free
    Visit the famous pub where Ed Sheeran's Galway Girl music video was filmed.
  • Salthill Promenade: Free
    Take a scenic walk along Galway Bay.
  • Cupán Tae: Free
    Have a traditional Irish tea room experience.
Dublin
  • Guinness Storehouse: ~20 USD
    Learn the story of Ireland's most famous beer.
  • St Patrick’s Cathedral: ~9 USD
    Visit the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland
  • Trinity College & The Book of Kells: ~15 USD
    Walk through the historic college and see one of the most famous artifacts on display in Dublin
  • St. Stephen’s Green Park: Free
    Visit the historical park and garden in the city center.
  • Tour Dublin Castle: ~15 USD
    See what was once the seat of the British government's rule in Ireland.
  • Temple Bar
    Experience Dublin's nightlife in this popular area.

While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Over30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.

General Rules

Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.

Do your best to keep yourself and fellow travelers out of harm’s way.

It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes, but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself, or ask.

Travel involves contact with new cultures. When confronted with a different way of living than you’re used to,do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.

Know your limits! This applies to physical ability, emotional space, social situations, and alcohol consumption.If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.

Trip Leaders are working in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something it’s not because they’re tyrants, but because they want you to have a good time!

Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any of the activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.

Staying longer or arriving early?

Hotel & Hostel Recommendations in Dublin

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