I offer a lot of Ireland travel advice. In over 22 years of travel to and through Ireland, I have made dozens (hundreds?) of mistakes and have learned a lot. Additionally, I spend a lot of time researching anything new, confirming and updating the information I have, and traveling (on my own dime and not on hosted trips) to get the same experiences that you would have on your own visit.

So when I offer advice you can know that it is genuine, based on my own experiences, and not something that has been purchased, or paid for.

That said, I do have travel partners that I recommend. These partnerships actually came about after I used a product, experienced a tour, or visited somewhere. Like the advice that I offer, recommendations and referrals are based on experience.

Why am I sharing this with you?

Because I want you to understand where my advice and opinions originate. And because what I'm about to say may seem the opposite of what you might imagine.

Cliffs of Moher 2002

This article is based on the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 260.
Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article.

There is No Wrong Way to Visit Ireland

While I may have plenty of opinions and advice on how to make your Ireland trip the best it can be, what I share are, ultimately, my opinions.

You are the Authority on Your Ireland Trip

YOU know best how you, your family, or your group, travel.

YOU know best what you like, and more importantly, don't like.

YOU know what is important to you when it comes to everything from accommodations to food, activities to transportation.

So when I am sharing advice I hope you take what is useful to you, discard what isn't, and when you have questions, reach out and ask. I share my email at the end of every podcast and you can also reach out to me on the Ireland Family Vacations Instagram and Facebook accounts.

My entire goal is to help you have an amazing trip to Ireland.

Tips to Get the Most Helpful Results from Ireland Travel Forums

You may be wondering what inspired this topic.

After being mentioned and tagged in some Ireland travel forums, I joined a few. I comment once in a while when I know I can offer the most thorough advice, but mostly I just lurk. And, quite often, feel very badly for the person who asked the question as so many of the responses are not helpful, not on topic, or even judgmental.

I'm not saying that forums are a bad place to get information – far from it. There is some really good advice to be gained – especially if you ask questions correctly.

1. Avoid: “Best”

• Why? “Best” is subjective—what’s best for a backpacker is different from what’s best for a luxury traveler.
  
  
• Better Alternative: Be specific with your question, “Which hotel in Dublin has a family room for 4 people and isn't too far from attractions?” or “Which day tour to the Giant's Causeway allows the most flexibility?”.

2. Avoid: “Must-See” or “Must-Do”

• Why? Everyone’s interests differ, and you may get a list of overhyped tourist traps.
  
  
• Better Alternative: “I love history and scenic landscapes—what sites in County Kerry would you recommend?” or “I want to hear live music but don't like to stay up too late, which pubs in Galway have early sessions?”

3. Avoid: “Affordable”

• Why? This term, like ‘best' carries different meaning for different people. Be specific with value and cost.
  
  
• Better Alternative: “What are some hotels in Dublin under E200 per night?”

4. Avoid: “Safe” (in an overly broad sense)

• Why? Asking, “Is Belfast safe?” may get unhelpful or fear-based responses.
  
  
• Better Alternative: “Are there any areas in Belfast where solo travelers should be extra cautious at night?”

5. Avoid: “Off the Beaten Path” (Without Context)

• Why? Many places marketed as “off the beaten path” are actually popular among experienced travelers.
  
  
• Better Alternative: “I want to avoid crowded tourist hotspots—any suggestions for lesser-known but amazing castles to visit?”

When using travel forums to get advice, keep these five key tips in mind:

1. Be Specific with Your Questions

Vague questions like “What should I do in Ireland?” will get generic responses. Instead, provide details: dates of travel, interests, budget, travel style (luxury vs. budget), and any must-sees. This helps others give you tailored advice. I would also advise to ask multiple smaller questions focused on portions of your trip rather than asking questions that could lead to answers that span the country.

2. When Searching the Archives Check the Date of Responses

Travel information changes frequently. A post from five years ago about a bus route or a great restaurant may no longer be relevant. Always look for the most recent advice or verify older recommendations with a quick search.

3. Consider the Source

Not all advice is equal. Some forum members are locals or frequent travelers to Ireland, while others may be first-timers giving opinions based on limited experience. Look for users with a history of detailed, knowledgeable posts.

4. Verify Before Booking

Even if a forum suggests a great deal or itinerary, double-check prices, hours, and availability on official websites or trusted platforms before committing. Forums are great for ideas, but they shouldn't be your only source for finalizing plans.

5. Engage and Show Gratitude

If you found the advice someone offered very helpful, let them know. A simple “Thanks!” goes a long way. If you take their advice and it works out well, consider updating the thread – not creating a new one- with your experience to help future travelers.

Answers to the Most Common Ireland Travel Questions

Planning a trip to Ireland can feel a bit overwhelming—but don’t worry, I’m here to help!