Hello Everyone! It’s Jeff from UL Global here. So as I’m sure you’re all aware, you have a week off next week for the Easter Holidays. Now, of course I know you’re all inundated with assignments and study, however a break from the books never does any harm! I’m going to list some of the destinations within Ireland, I would recommend visiting during the break which are easily accessible via public transport. Methods of transport (Trains/Buses) will be at the end 🙂

1. Dublin (East Coast)

I put Dublin as number one because it’s the Capital of Ireland and offers the most activities in one city. You can reach Dublin by Bus/Train from Limerick Colbert Train Station (bus station is outside of the train station) and takes 1.5-2 hours.

Activities/Places to visit in Dublin

1. Guinness Storehouse Tour – A must-see for everyone
2. Killiney Hill Hike – Take the DART train from Connolly station in the city to Dalkey (approx 30mins)! Enjoy the hike and magnificent view at the top!
3. Irish Whiskey Museum – Learn the ins and outs of whiskey while trying some samples! (Not too many….)
4. St Stephens Green – Relax and have a picnic and enjoy the beautiful surroundings
5. Dundrum Shopping Centre
6. Grafton Street (Shopping)

2. Cork (South West Coast)

Cork, Irelands largest county by landmass! A county with a variety of things to do, places to see and of course, the infamous cork accent!

Activities/Places to visit in Cork

1. Cork City Centre – With a selection of amazing shops and beautiful restaurants, it makes for the perfect day out!
2. The English Market – The hub of Cork – One of the oldest and best covered markets in Europe open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm.
3. Blarney Castle – one of Ireland’s greatest treasures built nearly 600 years ago just outside of the city. (Take the 215 bus from Drawbridge Street in city to reach the castle)
4. Cobh – Attractions for tourists include shore and lake fishing, sailing and water sports, bird watching and countless sites of historical interest and importance. (Take the train from Cork Kent station to Cobh)

3. Waterford (South East Coast)

Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city which was founded by the Vikings. It lies on the coast in the ‘Sunny South East’ of Ireland and is beautiful year round, especially at the beach in summer months!

Activities/Places to visit in Cork

1. Waterford City – Enjoy a stroll around the city, do some shopping and eat some good food!
2. Reginald’s Tower – Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland founded by Vikings. Visit Reginalds Tower built by Vikings 800 years ago!
3. Waterford Crystal – Waterford Crystal is a manufacturer of lead glass or “crystal” with significant history and heritage. Book a tour of their factory and watch the pro’s make crystal in front of your eyes!
4. Tramore Beach – Enjoy the day at the beach, walk along the Doneraile walkway and finish off the day with a ride in Tramore Amusement Park! (Take the 360 bus from the city centre approx 15mins)

4. Galway (West Coast)

Galway is one of the brightest and most intriguing jewels of the West of Ireland along the Wild Atlantic Way and is a beautiful city that is a must see in my opinion, especially as the weather improves!

Activities/Places to visit in Galway

1. Galway City Centre – Quay street in the center contains the best restaurants and bars as well as an unmatched atmosphere year round.
2. Connemara National Park – Take in the beautiful and serene landscape of the west of Ireland in one of the 6 national parks in the country (take the 424 bus from Spanish Arch to Furbo Bridge & it’s a short walk from there)
3. Salthill Promenade – A breathtaking scenic walk along the Atlantic coast.. you could even jump in for a swim… although it is a bit too cold 🙂
4. Galway Bay – Take a stroll and some pictures along the stunning Galway bay

Belfast (North)

Belfast is a city in Northern Ireland and is full of life, history and heritage. I know some of you think you may need a passport / ID to get to here as it’s technically part of the UK but the answer is you DON’T. There is no border or border control on the Island of Ireland and people are free to travel around the Island.

Activities/Places to visit in Galway

1. Titanic Experience – Drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features you will explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way from her conception in Belfast
2. Black Cab Tour – Tour the city and peace walls and learn all about Ireland’s dark and bloody past.
3. City Hall – Daily tours of the building allow visitors to admire the superb art collection, formal rooms such as the Council Chamber and Great Hall while its opulent interiors are lit by a stunning collection of stained glass windows
4. Victoria Square Shopping Centre – Get lost at this magnificent shopping center which includes over 70 shops, several restaurants and the Odeon cinema.

How to get around…

In Ireland we have a network of public transport providers which include

1. Bus Eireann (Bus in cities)
2. Expressway (InterCounty Bus ran by Bus Eireann)
3. Irish Rail (Trains)
4. Dublin Coach (Bus)
5. JJ Kavanagh
6. Free Now (Taxi App for Andriod/Iphone)
7. Luas (Tram) DUBLIN ONLY
8. Dart (Train) DUBLIN ONLY

We hope using these methods of transportation you can plan a nice getaway during your time here in Ireland. PRO TIP – Always book your train/bus tickets online and at a student rate as it is cheaper!!

BON VOYAGE!