Ireland A Philosophy For Travelers

Create artwork in the otherwordly surroundings of the Burren.
Speak Gaelic like a pro after studying in isolated gaeltachts.
Study conflict resolution and peace in Belfast.
Teach people with learning disabilities in Kilkenny.

As a tourist, you are always a foreigner. While hostel-hopping and sightseeing can be great fun, you may want to consider going beyond tourism. Experiencing a foreign place through studying, volunteering, or working can help reduce that touristy stranger-in-a-strange-land feeling. Furthermore, travelers can make a positive impact on the natural and cultural environments they visit. With this Beyond Tourism chapter, Let’s Go hopes to promote a better understanding of Ireland and to provide suggestions for those who want to get more than a photo album out of their travels. The “Giving Back” sidebar feature also highlights regional Beyond Tourism opportunities.

There are several options for those who seek to participate in Beyond Tourism activities. Opportunities for volunteering abound, with both local and international organizations. Studying in a new environment can be enlightening, whether through direct enrollment in a local university or in an independent research project. Working is a way to immerse yourself in local culture while financing your travels.

As a volunteer in Ireland, you can participate in projects ranging from organic farming to advocacy for the homeless, either on a short-term basis or as the main component of your trip. Later in this chapter, we recommend organizations that can help you find the opportunities that best suit your interests, whether you’re looking to get involved for a day or for a year.

Studying at a college or in a language program is another option; more and more students are visiting Ireland to learn Gaelic. Many travelers structure their trips by the work available to them along the way, ranging from odd jobs on the go to full-time, long-term stints in cities.