Short traveling time but no shortage of fun time
University time is usually the best time to travel thanks to an abundance of independent time and student discounts. It is even more true for an international student like myself – who knows if I will ever be in Europe again?
I set out to explore the nooks and crannies of Ireland and so I have been for the past 2 months. These are my favourite day trip destinations, which are affordable, only a few hours away from Limerick and can make for a fun day out.
1. Galway
- Travel time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Transportation: €15.20 for a round trip with Leap Card on Expressway bus
- Why Galway:
This student city is also a tourist city, and you will get the vibe as soon as you arrive. The main streets are jampacked with motion and music from daytime to night, while the food scene alone is worth a trip. I could roam the streets to weave in and out of random shops all day long, but here are a few must-visits for you.
University of Galway
Big universities’ campuses are always a sight to see, and the University of Galway will not let you down. Find your way to their Quadrangle area and experience stepping into a Hogwarts-like scene with grandiose buildings, blooming flowers and red vines covering up the walls. It must be a great motivation to go to school for students!
The Latin Quarter
This is the epitome of Galway’s offer, and likely where you will spend most of your day. My best picks included:
- Finnegans: A traditional pub that offers delicious lunch meals at an affordable price.
- Crazy Corn: Awesome tacos and other Latin street food.
- Charlie Byrne's bookshop: The interior looks like a never-ending maze of old and new books at discounted prices. I would love to spend a whole day there.
- Wooden Heart & The Sheep: Pretty souvenir shops with an assortment of cuteness.
2. Adare Village
- Travel time: 20 minutes – although buses are prone to be late
- Transportation: €5.2 for a round trip with Leap Card on Expressway bus
- Why Adare:
Deemed “the prettiest village in Ireland”, Adare is basically one main street that you can cover within 2 hours or so, but scenic and peaceful enough to chill out at for a couple of hours more. Try to visit on a sunny day for the full experience!
While you shall encounter most of the attractions on the main street, here are some more low-key destinations:
Augustinian Friary
It is only a stone’s throw away from the town. You are likely to be the only visitor in this 700-year-old building in ruin, making it chilling and exciting at the same time to walk this ancient ground.
Adare Courthouse Museum
This room used to be an actual courthouse and is now situated on the second floor of Auntie Lena’s bar, sometimes used as a function room for courthouse-themed weddings and events. How about that for a pitch?
Just come inside the bar and ask for the museum, and the staff will take you there. Even though it was only a small room, we had way too much fun taking silly photos with the wax figures.
Draiocht Art Gallery and Shop
Right behind Aunty Lena’s bar is this gallery full of quirky ornaments and souvenirs. My favourite was a series of gorgeous marble magnet imprinted with Irish knitting patterns - so Irish and so classy.
3. Dublin
- Travel time: 2.5 hours – The Big Green Bus are prone to take longer
- Transportation: €14.5 for a round trip with Leap Card on the Big Green Bus
- Why Dublin:
Yes, it’s a longer trip and yes, it is hard to cover Dublin in a day, but accommodations can be expensive so several day trips might still be more economical.
Dublin is where everything is. For me, it is a heaven of Asian markets where I can get the majority of ingredients I want for Vietnamese dishes. There is also an abundance of free attractions for you to check out.
National Museum of Ireland
The museum is spread out in 4 different locations, and these alone are enough for a day’s worth of visits. However, be aware that the Natural History location is currently closed for maintenance, as well as some other attractions during the winter, so make sure you check their websites before coming.
Áras an Uachtaráin (The President's house)
There is a free guided tour for Ireland’s President’s house every Saturday. Tickets are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Some online forums have advised arriving at 9.15 - 9.30am to ensure you can secure one. If you end up without a ticket, the place is located within Phoenix Park, where you take a stroll for a chance of crossing paths with a deer.
Dublin portal
This LED screen offers a real-time livestream 24/7 of other locations in the world, shuffling between New York, Lithuania and Poland. There is no sound in the livestream but people find different ways to communicate, which is exciting to watch. I will definitely wear my One Piece T-shirt to the portal next time to connect with fans from the other side of the world!
IKEA store
I have never been to an IKEA store before, thus while it is an hour away from the center, I was determined to visit. It seemed more like the size of a village than a store and I almost got lost. In the end, I regretted not visiting it sooner to shop for affordable, high-quality home appliances that were one-third of the price I paid for my purchases. Incoming students, don’t miss your chance to save costs!
George’s Street Arcade
If you want souvenirs, don’t skip this address. Shops here are small but full of adorable quirky gifts, while the commonly found magnets and postcards are €1-2 cheaper than those in Carrolls.
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I have come to appreciate the strategic location of Limerick, which allows quick access to Ireland’s most scenic sights and vibrant cities. My travel wish list remains long and I aim to tick them all off!
-Mai Nguyen, Vietnam
