This is a personal selection of tour operators we know do a fine job, and who really work hard to provide a top quality service, no matter what end of the market they operate at.
They haven’t paid to be listed, and can’t, so it’s a completely independent unbiased selection.
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Picking the right tour company to organise your trip to Ireland is the first major decision you take when planning your vacation – and possibly the most important.
This isn’t an descision you can just throw money at, here are good, mediocre and poor operators at all levels of the market – these tips will help you pick the one that’s right for you.
Read MoreBrochures from a wide range of tour operators including those offering special interest tours, castle tours or walking and cycling tours which you can have sent to you free.
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Irish lace, modern or antique, is hard to find and expensive, as the tradition of lace making has declined considerably from it’s peak in the late 1900s.
A revival of interest in old crafts means new lace makers are now appearing around the country doing very beautiful work that is worth seeking out.
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Reviews of the top selling Irish Cream Liqueurs, including Bailey’s, Carolan’s, O’Mara’s, Ashourne and Bushmill’s, as well as a few private labeled ones.
Not all Irish Creams are the same, the quality of the whiskey and of the cream as well as the added flavours gives each one a distinct character.
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If you don’t want to buy Irish Cream or can’t find the perfect one, the good news is that it’s quite simple to make. There are two good recipes here, which I selflessly tested on your behalf!
Irish Cream is also an excellent ingredient for making luxurious and indulgent desserts – in fact just pouring it over ice cream makes for a quick and delicious treat.
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Fuel in Ireland is expensive, and it’s even more expensive in Northern Ireland. This is partly down to international oil prices, but also to heavier government taxes on fuel than in other countries.
On the positive side however, rental cars here tend to be new and quite economical to run and there are some other ways you can save a little money.
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There are limitations on touring Ireland by public transport – train cover is patchy and you are a prisoner of bus time tables.
However it can be a very cost effective way to tour, especially if you are eligible for one or other of the cut rate transport cards available.
Read MoreFor most people planning a significant amount of train travel in Ireland, an Eurail travel pass, available only to non-European residents, is good value.
There are a number of different pass options – this overview will help you to select the right one for you, and there are also some tips about getting the best value from your pass.
Read MoreInterRail passes are available to residents of Europe and North Africa only and are valid for travel in up to 29 countries.
Information here about what passes to buy, where to buy them and how to get the maximum value from your pass.
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There are a number of discount cards for travel on bus and train in Ireland and Northern Ireland, but whether or not these will save you money depends on how much you will use them.
There is a list of approximate prices for standard train journeys here as well as for the various cards available, so that you can see what would work best for you.
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Teddy bear paradise in Ireland at this workshop and exhibition space where visitors can see teddy bears being painstakingly created by hand.
It’s a delight for kids (of all ages!) and a must-see for teddy bear lovers.
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