Trips to London and Ireland
A blog about my trips to London and Ireland. I’ll be sharing my experiences, what I did and saw, and offering tips if you’re considering a visit.
Why visit London and Ireland?
There are many reasons to visit London and Ireland. Here are just a few:
- London is a world-class city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and endless things to see and do. From the famous landmarks of Westminster Abbey and Big Ben to the more modern attractions like the London Eye and Tower Bridge, there’s something for everyone in London.
- Ireland is a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, friendly people, and a wealth of traditions and folklore. From the wild cliffs of Moher to the tranquil lakes of Killarney, Ireland is sure to delight visitors of all ages.
- Both London and Ireland are easy to get around, making them great destinations for travelers who want to explore without feeling overwhelmed. With plenty of public transportation options and plenty of things to see and do within walking distance, visitors can easily make the most of their time in both cities.
What are the best times to visit London and Ireland?
The best time to visit London is from April to May or from September to October. These shoulder seasons offer more comfortable weather and smaller crowds than the busy summer or winter months. However, London is a year-round destination, so there’s never a bad time to visit.
The best time to visit Ireland is from March to May or from September to October. These shoulder seasons offer milder weather and smaller crowds than the busy summer months. However, Ireland is a year-round destination, so there’s never a bad time to visit.
What are the must-see attractions in London and Ireland?
If you’re planning a trip to London and Ireland, there are plenty of must-see attractions in both countries. In London, some of the top sights include Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey. You can also tour the
Houses of Parliament, see a West End show, or explore one of the many museums. In Ireland, top attractions include the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, the Ring of Kerry, and Dublin Castle. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find plenty to see and do in both London and Ireland.
What are the best places to stay in London and Ireland?
There are many different areas to stay in London and Ireland, each with its own unique atmosphere. Depending on what you’re looking for in a vacation, you may want to stay in a more central location near all the action or find a quieter place more removed from the city.
In London, some of the best places to stay are in the West End near attractions like Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, and Leicester Square. The East End is also a great choice if you want to be near popular spots like Brick Lane and Spitalfields
Market. If you’re looking for a more laid-back vacation, consider staying in Hampstead or Greenwich.
There are also many wonderful places to stay in Ireland. Dublin is a great choice if you want to be near all the action, while
Cork and Galway offer a more relaxed atmosphere. No matter what kind of vacation you’re looking for, there’s sure to be a perfect place for you to stay in London or Ireland.
What are the best things to do in London and Ireland?
If you’re planning a trip to London or Ireland, check out our list of the best things to do in each city!
In London, you can visit world-famous landmarks like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, explore fantastic museums like the
British Museum and the Tate Modern, or take a scenic stroll through Hyde Park or Buckingham Palace Gardens. If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, consider visiting Covent Garden, Camden Market, or Greenwich Park.
In Ireland, you can tour epic castles like Belfast’s Cave Hill Fort or Dublin’s Malahide Castle, explore rolling green hills and hidden waterfalls in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, or take a ferry ride to one of Ireland’s magical offshore islands. For a truly unique experience, try your hand at sheepherding at one of the many working farms in County Kerry.
Museums
A trip to the museum is one of those great experiences that can be shared with a large group of friends, or with a family. It can also be something you go on alone when you’re not sure what you want to see and how much time you have. If you’re heading to London for an exhibition, there are hundreds of museums that could take your fancy.
The choices are endless: there are the usual suspects in London (Britannia, Tate Modern, National Gallery), but also some fantastic new additions that have really piqued my interest: Jewish Museum; Orkney; Frick Art and Historical Society; Dublin.
Here are a couple of suggestions for where to go if you’re in London:
- The British Museum
- The Natural History Museum
- Science Museum
- Tate Modern
- National Gallery
And if you’re going to Dublin, here are a few suggestions:
- Dublin Castle (or just walking around the walls)
- Dublin Zoo (it’s free!)
Theatre District
In a nutshell, the theatre district is where you can find the most live theatre in London. It’s also a great place to visit with your friends if you want to show off how cool you are because you’re in London and not in some other country.
In short: the theatre district comes with many benefits:
- It’s close to where everyone works, so it’s always busy
- It’s fun to go there on workdays, just do a quick stroll around and enjoy life
- You can walk down any street and be in a different part of town every time (it’s amazing)
What are the best restaurants in London and Ireland?
If you’re planning a trip to London or Ireland, you’ll want to know about the best restaurants in both destinations. Here are some of our top picks:
In London, you can’t go wrong with The Ledbury. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves modern European cuisine using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Another great option is The Clove Club, which offers British-inspired dishes with a focus on wild and foraged foods. And if you’re looking for something truly unique, check out Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, where you can enjoy dishes like “meat fruit” (a dish that dates back to the 16th century).
In Ireland, one of the best places to eat is Chapter One. This Dublin restaurant serves contemporary Irish cuisine with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients. Another great option is Eipic, which offers inventive modern dishes inspired by traditional Irish cooking. And if you want to experience something truly unique, head to Loam in Galway, where chef Enda McNulty creates dishes using ingredients foraged from the surrounding area.
What are the best shopping experiences in London and Ireland?
There are many wonderful shopping experiences to be had in London and Ireland. In London, some of the best places to shop include Selfridges, Harrods, and Liberty. For a more traditional shopping experience, try the covered markets at Covent Garden or Leadenhall. And don’t forget about the famous street markets, like Camden Lock Market and Portobello Road Market.
In Ireland, Dublin is home to many great shops, including Grafton Street, Brown Thomas, and Iris Divas David Jones. For a truly unique shopping experience, be sure to visit Avoca Handweavers, one of the oldest woolen mills in Ireland. And don’t forget to explore some of the smaller towns and villages for charming independent shops selling everything from handcrafted pottery to Donegal tweed.
What are the best nightlife experiences in London and Ireland?
There are a few different areas of London that are known for their vibrant nightlife scenes. Soho is a popular area for its lively bars and clubs, while Shoreditch is known for its hipster vibe and abundance of bars and pubs. Camden is another popular nightlife spot, with a more alternative scene.
As for Ireland, Dublin is unsurprisingly the best place to enjoy the nightlife. There are a number of well-known music venues in the city, as well as plenty of traditional Irish pubs to enjoy. Cork and Galway are also worth checking out for their lively atmospheres.
