Ireland feels like the cool version of the UK to me. We have traveled to Ireland many times for weekend trips – both short and extended and there is always something to discovery on this history-rich island.
There used to be a very party-friendly flight schedule going in and out of Cologne, Germany to Dublin, Ireland. Yanny, our friend Kevin and I used to board the plane on a Friday evening, party it up in Temple Bar and get back on a Sunday afternoon. Back then, airplane tickets only cost 10 € per flight and a night at a hostel would cost less than that.
As we grew older, we upgraded our accommodation to a hotel and venture out a bit more.
Besides the capital Dublin, this nation has to offer beautiful landscapes and scenic towns. Check out my articles about Dublin and the smaller towns of Ireland along the M11.
Preparation
Brace yourself for a rather starchy diet. This country is proud of its big potato industry. Dairy products and alcohol are other big industries. Many tech companies from overseas register their European headquarters here as well! Speaking of Europe, this land is part of the European Union and as well as part of the monetary union, meaning the local currency is Euro!
Eire, as the Irish call it, is one my favourite destinations for a short weekend trip. With a rather short flight time of only two hours, you can dive into a new culture and get a breath of fresh air without having to take time off of work! Again, this is a destination you can do with just your carry-on bag.
Personally, I hardly do any shopping in Ireland, so a little suitcase is more than enough for me.
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