We run trips all over Europe including our "Dublin and the Gems of Ireland" trip. Of all of these Ireland small group tours we run, this is the one that groups of families and friends reserve as a private tour or as part of a regular tour.
Why is Ireland so popular?
Irish People are Friendly: Everyone feels at home in Ireland. The Irish are happy to enjoy a pint with you, give directions, and in general, just strike up a conversation with you. People always feel welcome in hotels and as visitors wherever they go.
Many Travelers Can Trace Their Heritage Back to Ireland: Over 30 million Americans can trace their roots back to Ireland. Only 5.3 million people live in Ireland. In Dubin, the EPIC Museum tells the amazing story of Irish immigration to the Americas and other places in the world.
Mode of Travel: To travel around Ireland, about the size of the State of Indiana, it requires traveling from place to place, usually by luxury van. Friends and family like that closeness of being part of a small group throughout their road trip through Ireland.
Music: Our favorite place in Ireland is Dingle. It has over 50 pubs. Pubs are not just for drinking but they provide entertainment. Once you sit down and listen to Irish music you will see how much influence it has had upon American music, especially modern American music. And it would not be uncommon to hear songs by Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond along with Irish artists in a place like The Dingle Pub.
The Food: Irish stew, potatoes, soda bread, and corned beef. All washed down with a Guinness. Who can argue with that?
The Hospitality and Culture: The way the Irish take care of visitors in hotels, pubs, restaurants all seems very familiar to all of us. There is no need to assimilate, everyone fits right in.
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Professor Steve Solosky, The Traveling Professor, is the founder of Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor, operating since 2009. A former college professor and author of The Traveling Professor’s Guide to Paris, Steve has planned and led small group tours throughout Europe, Canada, South America, and beyond. His travel expertise has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, WCBS Radio, and The New York Times Travel Show.
Each article is written or reviewed from the perspective of a working tour operator who plans real itineraries, works with local guides and hotels, and helps travelers prepare for successful small group trips.