First time traveling to Ireland alone
 

Hi All,

I plan on traveling to Ireland sometime in early April for a few weeks and while I have been looking at different prices of hostels and availability my frustration rises. I want to stay at hostels to save money, but at the same time since its my first time and traveling alone I want to be able to go different places where ever and whenever I chose. So my question is, is it plausible to just fly into Ireland, find a hostel for a few nights and then jump from different one hostel to the next in different cities without having to worry so much on availability and price? I know its more of a risk but if its possible to be done somewhat easily I would like to do that. Also while keeping the price relatively low. I see hostel prices being around 30 right now that I plan on going to, I just want to make sure they have walk ins also so it won't be midnight and I'm forced to pay for a high priced hotel to have a roof over my head for a night.

While we stayed in B&Bs rather than hostels, when we travelled to Ireland in early April, we found that it most of the B&Bs where we stayed had availability since it was prior to "the season". I would expect you'd find the same in hostels. But, but there's no way to be sure that you will find a bed in a specific place if you try checking in at midnight. I'd suggest booking a bed for the night sometime during that day once you have a good idea where you'll be stopping for the night.

Great! Thanks for the response, that's what I'm looking for and yea definitely I'll try planning a day or two ahead while I'm there and can ask around, it just seems like a huge undertaking if someone is trying to plan a few week stay at a bunch of different places to try to line everything up. So if its plausible to be able to do that then that works out well. Thanks again!

We are in the same boat if it's any comfort lol
Except we are a couple with a daughter so we might be hard pressed to find triples/family rooms but like you I'm hoping we can just get in and find something for the night
We will have a car so our phones can be charged and ready to do the bookings on approach
I've just got some names of b and bs written down and the Irish tourism board sent me a booklet of registered b and bs
We are going in February fingers crossed cos we have only booked the first and last nights

With only a few weeks, you are better to plan and book your trip...this is what I was advised a few years ago and I am so glad I took the advice. A lot of time can be wasted trying to locate suitable accomodation and that can also be complicated depending on your transport. The world is a lot bigger than you think,,,I ended up doing a lot of research and was really happy with the itinerary that I settled on. A much smaller 'loop'' than I originally planned...just have to save the rest for next time.

The only ones I'd really worry about in advance are your first and last nights in the country. And it saves a lot of angst if you know you're sorted for when you arrive and when you are leaving. As has been said above, you're not talking about the peak holiday season, so there should be no problems with accommodation. A lot of hostels have free wifi and free internet, so booking a day or two in advance should be no problem and no cost! Incidentally the bus service between the centre of Dublin and the airport (several stops, so you won't have to walk far between hostel and bus stop) is fast, efficient, and a lot cheaper than a taxi.

thanks everyone, i took something from everyones response. I think I'll def have some set days that I book now set with different places but in between I'll book a few days in advanced while I'm over there. I def don't want to be stressed while I'm over there but I also want freedom to do something or go somewhere if I want to.

That being said though, is it also plausible to rent a car for those few weeks? I looked up the quotes to rent a car for 3 weeks and its right around 650-700. So I keep going back and forth of spending more and getting a car so I can go where I want when I want more easily. Or go there and take taxis, buses, trains etc.

Cars are expensive to rent in Ireland and gas is also expensive. Have you driven a standard on the left side of the road, before ? There is also the expense of parking in the cities......even if you can find a spot.
Unless you have a lot of luggage, you might want to consider using public transport. The buses are very comfortable, run quite often and are reasonably priced. Try https://ecommerce.buseireann.ie/asp/ExplorerList.asp for some pricing and timetables. You can mix and match with trains where available. There is a huge variety of tickets types available. There is a bathroom on board and they are WIFI enabled..........and you will get to see more of the countryside than you will when driving.

Where are you flying into? Dublin or Shannon.
I would suggest booking a Bed and Breakfast or a hostel for your first two nights.
If you are flying into Dublin I can give you some names of places and locations.
If you are flying into Shannon look for a B&B near Bunratty or Limerick.
In April you will be ok not to have pre-booked places and it also gives you more flexibility.
You can always phone ahead from the place you stayed the night before if you have a plan to get somewhere by that night. What itinerary have you in mind and what are you interested in seeing and doing.

i haven't bought the plane ticket yet, but I assume it will be Dublin. My plan is to just roam around and golf as much as I can and when I can, then also sight see different places also. I have a few places in mind to go to, but I kind of just want to get there and see whats exciting and ask around for what people recommend. To really experience Irish lifestyle, not just being too touristy and go in large groups to see landmarks. Although I probably will do a few things like that I def want to experience the pub life. But if you can give me any names or locations that you think are worth looking into that would be great!

thanks again

Here is a website for youth hostels in Ireland. You can put in your dates and the cities and get an idea of the rates... http://www.anoige.ie/
B & B's will obviously be more expensive, but have more privacy.
Many hotels offer special rates for 2 nights, which include an evening meal and breakfast, and they are sometimes a much better better value than an actual B & B. Worth checking out.
I don't think you will have any problem finding vacancies in April.
Good luck.

Twill be chilly..dress in layers and have a rain type of jacket. If you don't ever need it count your blessings.