In this day and age, it’s easier than ever for Americans to travel abroad, which is why many are currently eyeing a number of European luxury tours. But with so many different locations to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down your tour options to a specific country. Although travel is more physically accessible, it’s still a luxury and not something that everyone can indulge in on a regular basis — so you’ll want to be sure that you’re choosing the right place. While many destinations offer historical sites, they may lack in modern conveniences or attractions. Conversely, many of the countries that are “up to date” by American standards lack the historic and cultural charm that travelers want. The beauty of Ireland is that it offers so many conveniences, while still feeling like a place very different from home for American vacationers. Furthermore, the variety of different tours available in Ireland is stunning — from castle tours to pub crawls in Dublin, travelers won’t run out of things to do in the Celtic island. With that being said, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the options available in Ireland. Let’s look into why people travel to this beautiful country, and what you may want to focus on while you’re there.
Ireland: The Conveniences
Even some of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, like Italy, are still quite “behind” in many areas compared to the United States. It can be difficult to use your credit cards in these locations, and language barriers can only add to the typical tourist confusions. In Ireland, everyone speaks English–though some do still speak Irish as well. Furthermore, Ireland — which is separate from Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom — is a part of the European Union. This means that it uses the Euro, a currency that often trends similarly to the U.S. dollar, making it easier for Americans to spend money without worrying about losing too much in the conversion rate. Furthermore, the Euro can be used throughout the E.U., whereas the Great British Pound, for example, can only be used in the United Kingdom. Therefore, if you want to travel to a different European nation before or after being in Ireland, you can still use your leftover Euros. In general, though there always cultural differences to be found in different countries, Americans won’t suffer as much cultural shock in Ireland. It’s a modern country full of young people — the median age in the nation is 34 — with an old history — you’ll love it!
Castles: Don’t Miss Them!
Castle tours are a major part of Ireland’s tourism industry at the moment and with good reason. Privately guided castle tours in Ireland allow travelers to step back in time, into an era that can’t be found in American historical sites. While the oldest European settlements in the U.S. are less than five hundred years old, Ireland still has castles that are nearly twice that old. Not only are castle tours fun, allowing you to see the beautiful buildings for yourself, and at your own pace — they contribute to the industry that is keeping these historic sites preserved and respected. Right now, there are over 30,000 castle ruins scattered throughout the Irish landscape — you could really see more than one on your vacation if you want! Try to see a cathedral as well; at 84%, Catholicism is Ireland’s dominant religion, and the country’s historic churches are truly magnificent.
Dublin: A Capital To Remember
Dublin is popular amongst natives and tourists alike. You can really take your pick of the attractions to visit in the city — try the Guinness Storehouse if you’re in the mood for a drink; visit Grafton Street for shopping. The National Gallery is full of stunning artwork, and the Trinity College and College Green is perfect for photos! Keep in mind that if you’re visiting Ireland, you’ll want at least a week there. The more time you have to take in the country, the better!