RESOURCES
TRAVEL RESOURCES
Long before I developed this website, there were many travel tools and companies that I used, some with great success; others not so much. On this page, you’ll find some of the resources that I have found personally valuable when traveling to Ireland indeed anywhere around the world. Disclosure: Please know that some of the links here are affiliate links that are no additional cost to you. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.
AIRFARE BOOKING SITES/AIRLINES
Skyscanner – This is one of my favorite tools since it gives me lots of options when it comes to layovers, in particular. If you are flexible with your travel plans, Skyscanner can be a great solution for finding cheap fares.
Aer Lingus – You can get some great deals with Aer Lingus. However, their best fares can be found during the off-peak season, such as spring and fall. Their vacation packages are also worth checking out.
Google Flights – Besides being able to find cheap flights in record time, Google Flights shows you prices for each day several months in advance. You can also set up a Google airfare price alert, which means you'll be notified when the price drops.
ACCOMMODATION/BOOKING SITES/HOTELS/RENTALS
Booking.com – I like Booking.com for its ease of use and consistently good prices. You can cancel penalty-free on most bookings.
Hostelworld – If you’re looking for cheap, good-quality accommodation, this is by far the best site to start your search. There is also a large number of properties on the site to sift through.
Radisson Hotels – All the Radisson hotels in Ireland are part of the Radisson Blu brand. They are comfortable and stylish and include all the amenities you’d expect in a modern hotel chain.
Hotels.com – I've used this hotel booking site in the past and have always found the company's customer service to be good, especially when I needed to change an overseas hotel reservation at the last minute.
Vrbo – this is a good site to consider for self-catering accommodation in Ireland.
TripAdvisor – this is my go-to travel search engine when I want to check out the reviews of potential accommodation. They are often more detailed than the other booking sites.
For more information on accommodation in Ireland, check out this post where you'll find some helpful tips.
CAR SERVICES IN IRELAND
Dublin Airport Collections – a reliable car service at Dublin Airport.
CAR RENTAL SUPPLIERS
Discover Cars – A relatively new company in the car rental supplier market that is worth checking out. You'll find deals with all the major car rental companies in Ireland, including Avis, Hertz, Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, National, Sixt, Europcar, and Budget. Read company reviews on TrustPilot.
Auto Europe – This is one of the oldest car rental suppliers in Europe, with 24,000 car rental locations across the world. The company offers free cancellation 48 hours before pick-up and a 24/7 support hotline during the length of your rental.
EuropCar – I admit I haven't used this car rental company, but as with any other car rental competitor in Ireland, you should do your homework first before booking.
Rentalcars.com – The world's biggest car rental supplier providing rental cars at over 60,000 locations across the world.
For more information on renting a car in Ireland, check out this informative post.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Dublin Bus – This is a great way to get around Dublin. The company operates an extensive network throughout the city, with more than 100 routes. Eighteen are operational throughout the night in the city and in the greater Dublin area, including in Counties Wicklow and Kildare.
Irish Rail – You can get a train to most of Ireland's larger towns and cities with Irish Rail. Irish Rail also operates the DART, an electric rail system that runs north/south along the Dublin coast, from Howth in North County Dublin to Greystones in Co. Wicklow. Special fares are available with the Leap Visitor Card.
Bus Eireann – You can travel anywhere in Ireland with Bus Eireann. Be sure to avail of its special passes.
Translink – Translink operates coach, bus, and train services that connect towns, villages, and cities throughout Northern Ireland.
Learn more about getting around Ireland.
FERRY SERVICES TO IRELAND
Irish Ferries – Irish Ferries operates a service from both the U.K. (from Holyhead to Dublin) and France (Cherbourg to Dublin).
P&O Ferries – P&O Ferries operates a service from Liverpool to Dublin and also from Cairnryan in Scotland to Larne in Northern Ireland.
Stena Line – Stena Line Ferries operates four ferry services from the U.K. They include Cairnryan to Belfast, Liverpool to Belfast, Holyhead to Dublin, and Fishguard to Rosslare.
Brittany Ferries – Brittany Ferries operates two routes to Ireland. One is from Roscoff to Cork. The other is from Roscoff to Rosslare in Co. Wexford.
TOUR COMPANIES
The Dublin Pass – The Dublin Pass is a card that gives you free entry to over 30 top attractions, monuments, and museums, as well as wide range of additional discounts and dining offers.
Get Your Guide – Get tickets for all sorts of tours and attractions, including walking tours, immersive food and, beverage tours, cooking and craft classes, bucket-list experiences, and more.
Viator – Viator, which is owned by TripAdvisor Experiences, allows you to search for tours, activities, and attractions.
Discover some day trips you can take from Dublin.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
World Nomads – This company has great customer service as well as competitive prices. Both Lonely Planet and National Geographic have recommended World Nomads.
All Clear Insurance – This is a great insurer for European travelers. All ages and various medical conditions are covered.
Travel Insurance Master – U.S.-based travel insurance startup that uses a smart algorithm aimed at providing results based on a traveler's specific needs.
WIFI
Wifi Candy – Reasonable rates and Wifi coverage pretty much across Ireland with this handy little device. The Wifi Candy device can be shipped to your accommodation, and you can mail it back or drop it off at the airport at the end of your vacation.