How to Travel Ireland From Your Home During Covid-19.
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5 Tips for a Perfect Virtual Holiday
Although our Travelodge Ireland properties are currently closed and many of our guests are saddened that they couldn’t experience and discover Ireland during the Easter break, there are many ways to explore and experience Irish culture from home. With this in mind, we have pulled together some of the most positive and entertaining ways to ‘digitally travel’ and experience Ireland and its culture from the comfort of your own home.
1. Listen to a Podcast
Podcasts have really taken off in Ireland over the past year and a lot of our favourite Irish influencers now have shows, which can be found on Spotify or other apps. This is great news for those of us in need of light entertainment. One of our recommended Irish favourites is Fireside. Fan of Irish folklore and mythology? Fireside is an Irish Storytelling Podcast hosted by Kevin C. Olohan. Join Kevin, as he presents a story from the Folklore or Mythology world and dives into the craft, culture and history of storytelling.
2. Read a book
With all the newfound time on your hand, now is the perfect time to get lost in a new novel. If you are living outside of Dublin there may be Dublin slang that you have yet to master – if you haven’t before, ‘Roddy Doyle – Paddy Clarke Ha-Ha-Ha’ will give you an inside look at the unique Dubliner Dialect.
3. Listen to Irish music
While nothing can beat a live set of a traditional band in the likes of Róisín Dubh in Galway, our Irish music is culture in itself and many, even those who have left to travel can put these artists on to feel like they are at home. So whether you’re missing Ireland, our amazing pubs and live music scene, or your long awaited holiday to the Emerald Isle got cancelled, don’t be upset. Put on a Playlist and catch up on some of the best Irish songs. Try listening to traditional Irish artists like The Dubliners, Beoga, and Clannad, or explore world renowned Irish artists such as U2, and The Cranberries.
4. Irish movie marathon
With very little new programmes being shown at the minute, now is the time to discover or rediscover some classic Irish movies that are either inspired by Ireland or were filmed here. So grab a cup of tea, cuddle up with your blanket and work your way through our list of recommended Irish Movies.
For romantic comedy fans or couples cocooning at home – there are the obvious like P.S. I Love You, Once and Leap Year. Or even one of our favourite romantic musicals, Sing Street.
For historical movie fans there are of course Bloody Sunday, Michael Collins, Black ’47, and The Wind that Shakes the Barley.
And let’s not forget about some of the most beautiful animated movies like Song of the Sea or The Secret of Kells. Living alone? Gather your travel buddies for a (virtual) Netflix Party, and watch your favourite Irish shows and movies “together”.
5. Plan Your Post Covid-19 Trip
Last but not least, let’s not forget, restricted travel won’t last forever. When the restrictions are lifted, we will be gasping to get out and about again. So one of our top tips is to plan your next trip now. Whether you’re planning a staycation or hoping to visit Ireland from abroad, with all the extra free time many of us have, planning the perfect trip should seem a little less daunting. We can assure you, there is an abundance of hidden gems and adventures in Ireland. Looking for inspiration? Check out our below guides.