Anetera Bryant is a rising junior from Miami, Florida, attending Howard University’s School of Business as a Marketing Major. She worked with CIE Tours for the summer of 2024 as a Marketing Intern and as part of her internship had the opportunity to visit Ireland on the Taste of Ireland tour. Here she shares some tips and tricks from her experience: 

When I travel, I typically embrace a sense of spontaneity, learning things from the locals and my own experiences - Ireland is no different. So, in the spirit of sharing what I've learned about traveling in Ireland, I’ve complied a small list of some things that I wish I knew before I got there. 
 

Dublin

Most CIE Tours trips to Ireland feature the opportunity to take the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour of Dublin included in the price of the tour. You hop on not knowing anything and you hop off feeling like a history teacher.  With more than 20 stops, you’re getting a better bird’s eye view than any bird could see. 

Tip: Print out your vouchers before you leave for Ireland. Having them on hand lets you access the Hop-On Hop-Off bus from any stop. 

Trick: On the Taste of Ireland tour, you can take the Dart Train to get in the city centre from the Clayton Hotel in Ballsbridge. Round trip is only around 4 euro. 

Blarney Castle

Going to Blarney, 

A beautiful sight, but will I survive?

But I could hardly get through it, even though I’m only 5’5

Tip: Blarney Castle is incredibly cramped inside. The other intern I was traveling with, Joe, is around 6’4 and he had trouble maneuvering inside the castle. The width of the stairway was around the same length as the width of his shoulders.  If small, tight spaces bother you, there are many other ways to enjoy a visit! Stroll through the enchanting Poison Gardens and visit Blarney House, or grab a bite from the cafe and stroll through the park grounds. Find a spot and relax by the water, enjoying the scenery with your meal.  

Trick: If you definitely want to receive the gift of gab and have time to treat your stomach to a gift, too, head to Blarney Castle first. The lines can get long waiting to kiss the Blarney Stone.     

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher is one of Ireland’s most visited spots. It's also one of the most breathtaking views of the Atlantic Sea. They have multiple options for you to see the views. If you have mobility issues, use assisted devices, or have small children, the Cliffs of Moher have designated trolleys to take you up to see the views. If you make the trek by foot, take breaks if you need to. It’s a steep journey. 

Tip: Wear your walking shoes and raincoat this day. Ireland is prone to rain but on the cliffs the wind and rain can be worse, since they are on the West Coast of the country. Though even with the biting winds, the view makes up for it.  It was comforting to realize that despite my small place in the world I could still feel a connection with the earth and with the people around me.

Trick: Your tour guide will probably tell you this, but take the path to the right along the Cliffs of Moher. O’Brien’s Tower is on that side and you can take a nice picture.

Killarney

Want a sweet tip for a sweet treat in Killarney?

Tip: Try Murphy’s Ice Cream, it’s a staple in Ireland. 

If you're feeling lost on what to do in Killarney, remember “Not all those who wander are lost” so... 

Tip: Try the Shire Bar a Lord of the Rings themed bar, with a suspiciously delicious mystery drink. 

Trick: Don’t try the mystery drink if you don’t want to wake up hungover.

Limerick

A Limerick in Limerick? 

A poem for the poets all around,

A small but mighty town,

County Limerick, what can I say.

You’re not like County Clare, County Kerry, or County Galway. 

Quiet and Quaint, it’s not a mistake. 

Tip: Take a walk along the River Shannon during the sunset. You’ll get some amazing pictures.

Trick: Try Dolan’s Pub, live music and great atmosphere! 

Galway

Galway felt more like a city than Dublin did, and that might be because I could feel the love in the air and the wind in my hair. 

Tip: Buy your Claddagh ring at the original claddagh ring store called “Thomas Dillon EST 1750 Claddagh Gold”. I missed it and accidentally bought mine at another shop. 

Trick: Get the best fish and chips in Ireland right here in Galway at McDonagh’s. They’ve been open for over 150 years, and you can tell! The fish is cooked to perfection and with a little salt and vinegar you’ll see Mr. McDonagh himself.

And those are my tips and tricks from a 20- something traveling in Ireland. If you want to test them out, check out the Taste of Ireland 7 Day/6 Night tour, where you can visit all of these unique towns, attractions and more. 

If you’ve already been to Ireland and are looking for a new adventure, check out our other destinations, like Spain, Italy, Iceland, and Britain. Remember it's your journey...let us be your guide. 


See Anetera's article on the sheep dog demonstration she saw as part of her tour: "1 Sheep, 2 Sheep, Red Sheep, Blue Sheep"