When to Begin Planning Your Ireland Vacation
You've decided to go to Ireland! YAY! Now the fun begins! It's time to plan your trip!
This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page to listen.
When Should I Begin Planning My Trip to Ireland?
As soon as you decide that you want to go to Ireland is a great time to begin planning.
2019 was a record year for Irish tourism. And 2020 was set to follow – until the pandemic struck. And stuck around for nearly 2 years.
This year (2022) Irish tourism began slowly due to travel restrictions but, by early spring, tourism numbers were stronger than expected and when all is said and done I believe 2022 will be near 2019 tourism numbers.
All that to say that visiting Ireland on a whim and ‘winging it' through the country is difficult to do – especially if you travel during high season and have very specific desires for your trip.
And, more importantly, if Ireland is a ‘once in a lifetime' trip don't you owe it to yourself to plan the perfect trip for you? One that will leave you with amazing memories and stories to share for years to come.
Planning to visit in 2 years or ‘someday'? I recommend you begin planning the basics 9-12 months in advance.
Can you plan in a shorter period of time? Of course! But what I have found is that people who plan a spontaneous trip to Ireland get overwhelmed very easily.
There is a lot to consider… Which airport to use? Tour, self-drive, public transport, or chauffeur? What to see? Where to stay? How much to spend? What to pack? City or country? WIld Atlantic Way or the Ancient East? North or south?
And the list only goes on as you research… and well-meaning friends offer tips of things you ‘must' do.
What If I Don't Like Trip Planning?
Well, you're in luck – because I LOVE trip planning! And I am here to help you!
Beginning next week – podcast episode 125 – I am going to lead you through my Ireland vacation planning process.
Step by step. For the next 16 weeks.
You'll learn everything you need to know to plan your own magical Ireland vacation.
Each episode will be available in podcast, video, and written article format so you can absorb the information the way YOU learn best.
My Ireland Vacation Planner & Journal
If you love a great planning tool be sure to grab the My Ireland Vacation Planner & Journal.
It is the perfect accompaniment to the podcast series!
This 58 page planner is filled with Ireland travel tips, planning worksheets, and a journal (with fun prompts) to help you remember every bit of your magical Ireland vacation.
This spiral bound planner is sized to tuck in a travel bag or backpack, making it your perfect travel companion.
Archival quality ‘no bleed' pages and a coated cover mean that your memories remain safe and sharp.
Other Ireland Vacation Planning Assistance at Ireland Family Vacations
If I haven't sold you on the fun of planning your trip to Ireland I have a few other ways to help!
Join me on one of my small group tours!
My exclusive tours only happen once or twice a year and have a maximum of 12 guests per tour. You can expect unique adventures, incredible experiences, and first-class treatment. Take a look at upcoming tours.
Let me do all the planning – you just tell me what you like & don't like. We will work together until your itinerary is perfect.
Let me help you refine your trip with one or two 30-minute calls. I'll answer your questions, offer advice, and follow up with a written outline of the itinerary we planned as well as links to helpful resources and tips for your trip.
Use these free Ireland itineraries to jumpstart your vacation planning – or follow them day by day for a great trip.
So… how can I best help you??
Save or Share This Article
Use the handy bookmarking tool in the lower right corner (requires sign in) to set up bookmarks of your favorite articles across the web!
Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 124
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | iHeartRadio | RSS
- Unveiling the Secrets of County Kerry (get off the tourist trail) - January 21, 2025
- The Best Time to Visit Ireland - January 14, 2025
- Hiring a Driver in Ireland {2025 Guide} - January 11, 2025
