Skip the €10 pint – a look at Ireland beyond Dublin

Ah, Dublin. Home of the Liffey, the Guinness Storehouse and, how could anyone forget, Paul Mescal in his GAA shorts. 

It’s a popular destination amongst students looking for a cheap weekend getaway. 8.6 million tourists passed through the city last year. And with returns from Birmingham from £28 (God bless Ryanair), who can blame those who want to get in on the craic? 

Alas, checking your bank account the morning after to discover the brutality ravaged by Temple Bar’s €9.95 (£8.34) pints of Guinness could turn away anyone from returning to the capital. And for anyone holding out to fulfil their Normal People dreams, I regret to inform you that Paul Mescal (Connell) is no longer resident in the city. Tragic, I know.

The eternal words “You are now entering Free Derry” have stood since 1969—an enduring symbol of resistance and Irish identity in the city..

It is at this point, I would urge students to venture a little further across Ireland in planning their next set of ‘reading’ week antics or St. Patrick’s Day exploits.

For the history enthusiasts – or fans of Channel 4’s hit sitcom Derry Girls – heading north may be the answer. Derry features a raft of museums dedicated to recording the history of the Northern Irish Civil Rights Movement, the Museum of Free Derry perhaps the best if you’ve limited time.

A walk through the Bogside will introduce you to the city’s striking political murals. The People’s Gallery, a series of large-scale artworks painted on the gable ends of houses, depicts key chapters from The Troubles, from civil rights marches to the events of Bloody Sunday. A short stroll away, you’ll find Free Derry Corner, where the eternal words “You are now entering Free Derry” have stood since 1969—an enduring symbol of resistance and Irish identity in the city.

And if you need a break from all that history, there’s always the chance to grab a bite to eat and traverse the walled city with all the pretentious whimsy of Erin Quinn. International students will be pleased to hear this one won’t require an EU Visa if you fly into Belfast either.

Continue south and you’ll stumble upon the vibrant County Kerry village of Dingle—a place where colourful shopfronts and lively trad sessions make for an unforgettable stop..

And how could anybody talk about Ireland without mentioning the Wild Atlantic Way? The island’s west coast is a gold mine for beautiful landscapes. From Donegal and Sligo scenery to the perhaps more dramatic terrain of Irish-speaking Achill Island and Connemara National Park, it would be difficult to select a highlight from the Atlantic road trip.

Nonetheless, following your south County Galway trips to the celebrated Moran’s Oyster Cottage in Kilcolgan and day out in the delightful sea port village of Kinvara, The Burren in County Clare offers a uniquely fascinating geology. As does the nearby Flaggy Shore, once inspiration for a Seamus Heaney poem, and a trip to the Cliffs of Moher shouldn’t go amiss. 

It’s equally affordable too. Flights from Birmingham to Shannon Airport, located in County Clare start at a £28 return.

Continue south and you’ll stumble upon the vibrant County Kerry village of Dingle—a place where colourful shopfronts and lively trad sessions make for an unforgettable stop.

Albeit much smaller, Yeats’ so-called ‘Venice of the West’ more than makes up for it with its bohemian charm, buzzing Latin Quarter, and a pub scene that could give the capital a run for its money..

The village also lies on the same peninsula as the famous ‘Hold a baby lamb’ sign. Yes, I can confirm it’s real, and frankly, how could you sleep at night knowing you’d missed the opportunity? (It’s practically a rite of passage.)

Film buffs will also find plenty to geek out over. The rugged cliffs of the Dingle Peninsula doubled as Ahch-To, Luke Skywalker’s remote island retreat in Star Wars, while a trip down to the spectacular Cliffs of Kerry offers a glimpse of the dramatic coastline that appeared in the Harry Potter franchise. If the scenery’s good enough for the wizarding and galactic elite, it’s probably worth a visit.

For those somehow unexcited by the prospect of Ireland’s stunning coastlines and idyllic countryside, Galway City emerges as an urban contender for Dublin. Albeit much smaller, Yeats’ so-called ‘Venice of the West’ more than makes up for it with its bohemian charm, buzzing Latin Quarter, and a pub scene that could give the capital a run for its money. Whether you’re after street performers on Shop Street, a shot at a big win at the annual Galway Races in July, or just a pint by the Spanish Arch, Ireland’s second city has a way of winning people over—rain or shine.

For all its charm, Dublin is just one piece of Ireland. Beyond the capital’s cobbled streets and overpriced pints lies a country bursting with history, culture, and landscapes that could make even the most devoted city-dweller reconsider their love of concrete..

You could also finally indulge in the Irish tradition turned Tiktok trend of purchasing a Claddagh ring with a trip to the centuries-old jewellers. Just be sure to wear your keepsake the right way – worn on the right hand with the heart facing out, you’re single; turn it inwards, and you’re spoken for. 

Further south-east and a 90-minute train from Dublin sits the medieval city of Kilkenny. A visit to Kyteler’s Inn should also make the to-do lists of anyone willing to brave the haunting of Dame Alice le Kyteler. With its own stories of witchcraft, you’re in for a spine-tingling experience—whether you believe in ghosts or just fancy a pint in a pub with a dark past. Allegedly Ireland’s first recorded witch, Dame Alice managed to escape execution, but her maid wasn’t so lucky. Locals still whisper about strange happenings within the inn’s walls, so consider yourself warned.

Kilkenny is also known as the hurling capital of Ireland—although the people of Cork and Tipperary may have something to say about that. Anyone looking for an authentic Irish experience ought to attend a match of hurling or camogie (that’s the women’s version) at some point, and where better than in a county that treats the sport like religion?

For all its charm, Dublin is just one piece of Ireland. Beyond the capital’s cobbled streets and overpriced pints lies a country bursting with history, culture, and landscapes that could make even the most devoted city-dweller reconsider their love of concrete. So, next time you’re planning a trip to Ireland, why not look beyond Dublin?