Every traveller has his own way of travelling! There are many different types of holiday in Ireland… Whether you’re traveling on a self-drive tour, hitchhiking on a road-trip or exploring the country on a package tour, there are as many possibilities as there are travelers in Ireland! But did you know that there is one practice that stands out from the rest? It’s called “Slow Travel”, and it’s a new way of experiencing travel that’s increasingly appealing to adventure lovers…
As time goes by, travel never stops reinventing itself! It changes and evolves with current issues, giving rise to new practices…
Slow Travel is one of the best examples!
It was born of a real awareness. With today’s realities, such as climate change, pollution and the excesses of mass tourism, many travelers have seen the need to find a more respectful way of traveling…
By dint of reflection, they have given birth to a new philosophy in the way they experience their travels. The solution? Slow Travel!
It’s about taking the time to travel. Forget commando itineraries: slow travel encourages travelers to take their time, immerse themselves in the destination, soak up the local culture, and establish a real bond with the locals and the place visited.
It’s a way of reconnecting with what’s most important, and sweeping away the intensive consumption patterns associated with mass tourism.
Here, it’s not a question of quantity, but of quality. Slow Travel encourages us to reduce the number of places we discover… to better appreciate their beauty.
But that’s not the only argument for Slow Travel… It’s also about adopting a more environmentally-friendly way of traveling. By concentrating on people, landscapes and the quality of moments, we find ourselves limiting our ecological impact. Clearly, the more time you take, and the more you focus on what matters, the better you travel!
In other words: what’s good for Slow Travel is also good for the planet!
Ireland is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rolling green hills and rugged coastline. Take the time to walk in the countryside, breathe in the fresh air and admire the natural beauty that surrounds you: it’s the best way to reconnect with what’s essential.
Forget the stressful hustle and bustle of your daily routine. Reconnect with nature, the elements and take time to enjoy your discoveries. It’s the secret to happiness!
Slow travel encourages authentic encounters. Chat with the locals, discover their stories and share moments of conviviality. Don’t forget to ask the owners of the Bed and Breakfasts where you’re staying for advice: they’ll be able to point you in the right direction for places to discover in the surrounding area!
You could even find yourself in a traditional pub listening to Irish music with the locals! It’s the perfect way to forge unforgettable bonds that will literally transform your trip!
Avoid the big tourist towns and explore the small villages. Here you’ll find craft stores, cosy pubs and friendly locals.
Here, life flows peacefully, and remains human-centered. A refreshing and refocusing experience!
Irish gastronomy is rich in flavors. And slow travel recommends that you discover the best of local cuisine without preconceptions!
Try traditional dishes such as colcannon (mashed potatoes and cabbage), smoked salmon and soda bread. Local markets are also great places to sample fresh produce and discover Irish terroir.
Favoring short circuits and organic foods is also the best way to travel with your taste buds!
To be complete, a trip to Ireland must have a cultural dimension. Because you can’t just consume a country: you have to discover it in its entirety, both for its landscapes and its culture.
Be sure to visit its castles, archaeological sites and museums to learn more about Irish history.
Attend Irish dance shows or traditional music concerts… It’s another way to capture the essence of Ireland!
Slow travel is all about taking your time. Don’t rush from one place to another. Enjoy quiet moments, magnificent scenery and unexpected encounters.
Relegate your watch to the bottom of your luggage. Put your smartphone in airplane mode.
Get back into a biological rhythm, where time no longer has a hold. Take a stroll, enjoy the moment, eat when you feel like it… That’s what vacations are all about: freedom!
The ideology of slow travel significantly distances you from excessive travel, where one visit after another is followed by another. This limits your carbon footprint, and makes your trip more environmentally friendly.
By getting back to basics, you’ll experience a holiday that’s closer to nature and closer to people.
All in all, Ireland is the ideal destination for Slow travel. Take the time to appreciate every moment and connect with this country full of charm and authenticity. Bon voyage!
