Every year around St. Patrick’s Day, Ireland jumps to the top of just about every traveler’s bucket list. The rolling green hills, historic cities, and pub culture make it one of those destinations that feel just as magical as they look online.
But if you’re actually thinking about going, there’s one big question:
Should you explore Ireland by cruise… or on a land-based trip?
This is something we’ve actually talked about before on the podcast, in one of our earliest (and only non-cruise-focused) episodes. Our friend Blake had just returned from a trip to Ireland, which sparked a really interesting conversation about which kind of trip makes the most sense.
Now that some time has passed, and we’ve cruised a lot more since then, we wanted to revisit that conversation, especially with St. Patrick’s Day here.
🇮🇪 Blake’s Ireland Experience: A Land-Based Adventure
Blake’s trip to Ireland was done entirely on land, and in a way that a lot of travelers picture when they think about visiting.
He and his wife flew into Dublin and stayed in a bed-and-breakfast right in the heart of the city. This made it easy to walk almost everywhere they wanted to go. That alone is one of the biggest advantages of a land-based trip, being able to stay central and experience a city on foot.
During their time in Dublin, they mixed iconic experiences with more laid-back exploring, which is really where this type of trip shines.
Some of the highlights included:
- 🍺 Guinness Storehouse tour, which is one of Ireland’s most famous attractions
- 🥃 Jameson Distillery tour is another must-do while in Dublin
- 🏙️ Walking the city and exploring shops, streets, and local spots without a strict schedule
- 🍻 Local pubs not just for drinks, but for some of the best food they had on the trip
One of the standout parts of the experience?
The pub culture.
Rather than only hitting major tourist restaurants, they spent time in smaller, more local pubs. These are the kinds of places that might not look like much from the outside, but end up being some of the most memorable spots of the trip.
Blake specifically called out:
- Fish and chips as a go-to staple
- And of course, having a proper Guinness in Ireland, which just hits different
🌊 Getting Outside of Dublin
While they stayed based in Dublin, they still made an effort to explore beyond the city.
One of their biggest excursions was:
- A full-day (13-hour) bus tour to the Cliffs of Moher
Since the cliffs are on the opposite side of the country, this was not a quick trip. It is one of the most iconic sights in Ireland and something they made a priority early in the week.
They also mixed in a more relaxed day trip:
- A train ride to Bray, a small coastal town just outside of Dublin
Even though they visited in November, so it was quieter and a bit cold, it gave them a different perspective outside the city and a glimpse into what smaller-town Ireland looks like.
What This Style of Travel Gives You
This kind of trip gave Blake something you just do not get the same way on a cruise:
- The ability to move at your own pace
- Time to fully experience one area like Dublin instead of just a quick stop
- The chance to mix major attractions with unplanned moments
Instead of rushing from place to place, they could:
- Spend extra time where they wanted
- Adjust plans on the fly
- Experience Ireland in a more personal and immersive way
Ireland Cruise vs. Land Vacation: Which Is Better?
The truth is, neither option is better. It really comes down to how you like to travel.
Choose a Cruise if you:
- Want a low-stress, easy-to-plan trip
- Prefer having everything organized for you
- Like the idea of seeing multiple cities without worrying about logistics
- Enjoy the cruise experience itself, including food and entertainment
Choose a Land Vacation if you:
- Want maximum flexibility
- Care about exploring small towns and hidden gems
- Do not mind driving, especially on the left side of the road
- Want to fully immerse yourself in the culture
What We’d Do Now
Looking back on that original conversation, and with more travel experience now, there is a strong case for both options.
But honestly?
The ideal trip might actually be a mix of both.
A cruise could give you a great introduction to Ireland by hitting the major cities and giving you a feel for the country. A land-based trip then lets you go deeper and explore at your own pace.
If Ireland is high on your list, especially around St. Patrick’s Day, it might not be about choosing one over the other. It may be more about figuring out how to experience both.
🍀 New Thoughts from Blake (Follow-Up)
We wanted to revisit this topic with Blake and get his perspective now that some time has passed since his trip:
Blake, looking back on the trip years later, what was the main highlight you go back to? The pub scene – great culture and friendly people. Would stay away from the more touristy things.
After doing your Ireland trip, would you still choose land travel over a cruise? Destination dependent. More places to see on a cruise, but also only the tourist-trap places. It is a great way to see major “hub spots” in the Mediterranean.
What was the most stressful part of the trip, if any? Landing in a country and hoping all the things you’ve read and planned from a travel perspective pan out (i.e., taxi transport from the airport, getting around a place you’ve never been)
Was driving in Ireland as difficult as people say? We didn’t drive, but the opposite side of the road and narrow back country roads = always stressful. Requires more brain power when driving (I.e am I on the right side of the road, is this the right direction, am I getting in the correct side of the car)
Is there anything you missed that a cruise might have made easier? Nothing in Ireland, per se, but a cruise is a more controlled environment for planning and getting from point A to B.
If you were to do it again, would you consider a cruise-and-land combo? Could be an interesting combo. Would be interested to do it. Gives more time to explore more off the beaten path that a standard cruise port doesn’t allow due to time constraints.
Would you recommend visiting Ireland specifically around St. Patrick’s Day? Hear it’s one of the best places to be on St Pattys Day and the Guinness is flowing more than it already does!
🇮🇪 Final Thoughts
Ireland is one of those destinations that truly lives up to the hype, whether you are exploring it by road or by sea.
If you love flexibility and off-the-beaten-path experiences, a land trip might be the way to go.
If you prefer ease, structure, and seeing multiple destinations without the stress, a cruise could be perfect.
Either way, there is really no wrong way to do Ireland.
And if St. Patrick’s Day has you thinking about finally making the trip…
Whether by cruise or land, we can help you figure out the best option and get everything booked.
Start planning your trip here!