Howdy, everyone! The stars have aligned, and I’m going to be going on a pretty last-minute trip to Ireland at the end of January.
I was wondering if any of you have recommendations for things I should see/do while I’m there – I’ll be in Dublin primarily, so I’d like to keep the things to fairly close to that area.
In addition, I’ll be going to London, so if you have recommendations for London, I’d love to hear them as well!
I’m hoping to be able to also make it to the western part of Europe if the logistics of transportation aren’t too tricky. I plan on trying my best to get to Germany, so recommendations for there would be great too.
Thank you in advance! I know my request is pretty vague, but I still have a lot of planning to do because things just lined up for me, so I haven’t gotten a chance to narrow down to too many specifics yet.
I don’t have any recommendations, but I just want to say have fun! That sounds like an amazing trip and I’m a little envious but I wish you safe travels and lots of amazing times!
Thank you! I’m absolutely dumbfounded that I’m even able to make it – I didn’t even have my passport when I was asked by a friend if I’d be interested in going, so I booked the first available appointment to submit my passport application on a Saturday, and I had my passport in my hand about 10 days later!
I spent a whirlwind three days in Dublin on my way back to the US from Scotland many years ago, so I’m afraid I don’t have much in the way of recommendations. I remember there are a few castles/ruins relatively close to Dublin that could be done in a day-trip. There was also one neat museum in the city that I enjoyed, but I’m afraid I don’t remember the name.
The highlights of my trip were a spontaneous nose ring piercing (long gone now) and indulging in afternoon tea time every single day - so again, take my recommendations with a grain of salt!
London is absolutely loaded with interesting museums, galleries, shops, and pretty much anything you can imagine! I remember not being too impressed with Buckingham Palace (you can’t go inside, of course, and there’s not much to see at the gates) but I was impressed with the collection at the National History Museum and the grand final boss of all museums: the British Museum. I believe both are free to enter. Shakespeare Globe Theater is a must for theater fans - if you go, rent the optional seat option.
Afternoon tea time there is superb and definitely worth it if you have any interest in tea or tasty snacks. Most hotels seemed to offer tea time packages even to people who aren’t staying there and prices are way better than tea time outside of the UK.
There is a lot to do outside of London, but transportation can be a nightmare. There are also sometimes strikes on the metro and buses in the city. Having a back-up option for plans (and very good walking shoes) is recommended
Any idea where in Germany yet? I’m afraid I’ve never made it to Berlin, but Munich is a nice stop if you’re heading south.
Wishing you all the best as you plan your exciting adventure! Please do keep up updated (and I’d love to share pictures of the trip if you’re up for sharing!)
Thank you for the recommendations! I’m pretty sure I went to the Globe Theater one of the other times I was in London, but it’s been so long that I don’t remember, and it would be like seeing it for the first time all over again! haha
As for where I’m potentially going in Germany, I’m not sure yet. I have a friend that I’d like to visit in Gondelsheim, but there aren’t really any other attractions there, so I was thinking about maybe going to Heidelberg since there are lots of museums and things to do, plus it looks like it’s a quick public transit ride to Gondelsheim. There’s a museum in Heidelberg that displays art by people who were in psychiatric hospitals, so I think that would be SUPER fascinating to see!
Part of me wants to have every moment planned, but part of me wants to just have the absolute basics (transportation and lodging) arranged and then wing it when I get there! lol
Winging it is highly recommended, though having ideas to start are good. Mom always said it was good to go to a travel aid office in the area, since they can guide you to some really cool, lesser known stuff. If such an office is lacking, ask the locals what they think, like the hotel manager or wait staff at the restaurants you visit.
One idea in Germany, please do not dismiss clock or doll makers: I did just because I wasn’t taking German in high school (field trip to a Michigan sister city). When we finally went on a trip by ourselves, Mom and me, I realized how wonderful the dolls and carvings were! Clockwork actions were timed to music in a wonderful way! It was worth the time spent and crow eaten (pardon me).
Would you please post your experiences so we can live vicariously through you? I will enjoy seeing what you go through!
It sounds like you have a lot of fun ideas and a list of interesting places to explore. I’m sure that wherever you go will be a memorable adventure
I’m going to second Georgia that traveling spontaneously can lead to some wonderful discoveries, but it does help to have a general route planned. A fully open itinerary can lead to stress both pre-trip and during trip (at least for me!), which I’ve found can take away from being able to enjoy and immerse oneself in the first part of the trip. Having a light plan can also help one stick to their travel budget, as both spur-of-the-moment activities and detours quickly become pricey in Europe
All that is to say, I’m sure you’ll be able to find the middle path between fully planned and an open schedule that will work for you.
Good luck, happy organizing, and I’m seconding Georgia about the updates - I’d love to hear how things go for you! Have fun!
Hi lovely, just one tip for London, sorry to be bringer of bad tidings but cell phone theft is one of the highest in Europe. Tips, zip everything up, any bags wear cross body and don’t use outside cash machines or answer or use your phone whilst in the street. If you see a scooter or push bike coming close, be alert this is their go to vehicle. Have a great time, London is fun, and Londoners are fab but just be street savvy there particularly in tourist areas.
I wouldn’t consider that to be bringing bad tidings – it’s important to point that kind of stuff out because I think a lot of people have over-romanticized perceptions of London, and it’s important to be realistic!
I’m always super paranoid about that kind of thing, so I’m getting a neck wallet to keep most of my stuff around my neck under my shirt, and I’m going to put as sturdy of a wrist strap I can on my phone case so that if/when I have my phone out, I can have it attached to me.
I’ve been to London a few times, and even a long time ago, it was a little sketch in that regard, and when I was in Barcelona, the scammers would put ketchup or mustard packets on the ground so that when people stepped on them, someone would rush over and “clean off your shoes” to distract you while someone else was pickpocketing. I had also heard that in Barcelona, people would ride around on bikes and throw a baby doll at someone to try to make them think that the baby fell off the bike or something, and I actually witnessed that happen to someone right beside me! Fortunately, they were just like “wtf was that??” and kept walking
Lucky you! This sounds like a fantastic opportunity, and I’m so happy for you!
I spent time in London this past summer, and can wholeheartedly agree with @BryWisteria about visiting as many of their fabulous museums as you can. The National History Museum is free of charge; I can’t speak to the others.
Also, a simple walk across the Westminster Bridge is a lovely way to take in the combined sights of the River Thames, Big Ben and the Parliament buildings and just breathe in the history of the area. It was full of people in August; you’ll likely fare better this time of year. Even full of people it was an easy walk.
Prowl the streets, walk through Piccadilly Square, and visit some pubs.
You can do all of this in just a few days, since you’ll be moving on. We headed to Paris after 4 days in London (and a day trip to Stonehenge, which you may not have time for), and felt pretty satisfied given the time frame.
Can’t speak to Ireland or Germany as they remain on my bucket list. Have a great trip and I hope you can share some pictures with us!
My mum spent 6 months in Ireland (I’m.assuming Eire and not Northern territory) and you must sample their Guinness, it’s not like anywhere else in the world, it’s a delicious meal. If you get lucky and visit a pub in the evening, you may be treated to a live fiddle band and the locals get up and do some proper clog dancing.
Wishing you safe travels, lots of culture and some good old fashioned local fun.
That sounds like an amazing trip and I’m a little envious 
but I wish you safe travels and lots of amazing times!
I’m absolutely dumbfounded that I’m even able to make it – I didn’t even have my passport when I was asked by a friend if I’d be interested in going, so I booked the first available appointment to submit my passport application on a Saturday, and I had my passport in my hand about 10 days later! 
haha
It sounds like the trip was meant to be – I hope you have an amazing time!