Close
Articles by Year

<<     >>

Articles by Category
Book a Call
Flag

Locations

Selected Trips

    Solo Female Travel in Ireland

    Author: Dawn Rainbolt, Marketing Project Manager
    More by Dawn

    Why Ireland is A Great Place to Travel Solo

    The first time I thought about travelling solo along the Dingle Peninsula, I hesitated.

    Not because I didn’t want to go – quite the opposite. I had been intrigued by the Dingle Way for years – the wave-worn Atlantic coasts, quiet country lanes, the crumbling castles and mysterious ancient Neolithic monuments, music drifting out of pub doors in the evening. Long intrigued by the era of exploration and Antarctic explorations, Kerryman Antarctic explorer and sailor Tom Crean is a bit of a hero of mine, and visiting his pub in Annascaul was like a personal pilgrimage.

    But the logistics seemed daunting. Multiple walking stages. Luggage transfers. Navigation. First aid. Accommodation in remote villages. But the hardest part was the thought of doing it all alone.
    Instead, I was lucky enough to take part in a small group walking tour along the Dingle Way. Here, I joined a group of like-minded travellers from places as far apart as Australia and Quebec, many of whom I have kept in touch with.

    Not only did my guide, also a Tom and also a former sailor (Tom Meehan, former navyman, and no less hardy than Tom Crean), take care of the route planning and logistics, but he turned my experience into something truly extraordinary. What might have been just a beautiful walk became something richer.

    Travelling in Dingle

    Along the trail, we learned how to interpret carvings on ancient Ogham stones, heard stories of St Brendan the Navigator, learned snippets of the Irish language, and listened to guide Tom spin yarns from real-life explorers to mystical folklore – not to mention learning more about explorer Tom (Crean) and his Antarctic adventures.

    In addition to learning the traditions behind the music playing in Dingle’s pubs, our little group got to hear Tom play his own guitar in Dingle’s pubs – a real treat! (Learn more about Tom Meehan on his bio here).

    By the time the trip was over, the Dingle Peninsula had become one of my favourite parts of Ireland, I had a network of lifelong travel acquaintances, and perhaps more importantly, I felt sure that I could easily recommend Ireland as an ideal destination for solo women travellers.

    Guide Tom and his trusty guitar.

    Why Ireland Is Ideal for Solo Female Travel

    Many women consider travelling alone at some point in life. Sometimes it’s about independence. Sometimes schedules don’t line up with partners or friends. Sometimes it’s simply the joy of exploring somewhere on your own terms.

    “Solo travel” can be a misleading term. Of course, solo travel can mean spending your entire trip on your own. But it can also mean joining a group trip solo, with the aim of meeting new people, exploring places that expand your horizons, and challenging yourself to try something new.

    Ireland is a great place for your first solo small group tour. Having consistently ranked among the world’s safest destinations, Ireland has a long tradition of warmth and hospitality. Conversations with strangers are common, directions are happily offered (often accompanied by an invitation to have a cup of tea), and local guides are proud to share the stories behind their landscapes. In short, Ireland is friendly, welcoming, and safe.

    For many visitors, what stands out most is the sense of welcome – particularly as Ireland is known for being the land of a hundred thousand welcomes (“Céad míle fáilte”).

    Travelling solo in Ireland rarely feels lonely. Rather, it often feels like being quietly included.

    View Group Tours

    Is Ireland Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

    Many women considering a solo trip ask, Where is the best place for a woman to travel alone? As most would expect, safety is one of the main considerations for many women when contemplating travelling alone.

    Ireland has a strong reputation as a safe and friendly destination, and violent crime rates are low compared with many other countries, and it regularly ranks among the safest countries in the world according to the Global Peace Index. Like anywhere, normal travel awareness applies — particularly in cities at night — but visitors often comment on how comfortable they feel travelling solo in Ireland.

    In smaller towns and rural regions, the atmosphere can feel especially relaxed. Village cafes and pubs are community spaces where locals gather for conversation, news, and music, and visitors are frequently drawn into friendly chats.

    For solo travellers, that welcoming culture can make a big difference.

    The Social Side of Solo Travel

    Longtime female friends hiking the Dingle Way.

    One of the biggest surprises many women discover is that travelling solo often leads to more meaningful connections.

    When you join a small group, you’re surrounded by people who share similar interests — whether that’s following windblown coastal trails, exploring ancient historical sites, or discovering Ireland’s hearty food and traditional music culture.

    Enjoy a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Many groups include other solo travellers, couples, and friends travelling together, all drawn by a shared curiosity about Ireland.

    Spend your days exploring windswept peninsulas or wandering colourful villages, while evenings often end around a pub table listening to traditional music.

    For solo travellers, it’s an easy way to enjoy both independence and companionship.

    Women in Adventure: Travelling with Confidence

    Some women prefer travelling in women-only groups, particularly for their first solo adventure. In fact, this is why we launched women-only departures. These are a selection of trips reserved for female travellers, encouraging more women to take part in adventure travel, meeting new people and trying new activities along the way.

    These trips create a supportive atmosphere where you, as a traveller, can feel comfortable trying new activities, exploring unfamiliar landscapes, and sharing experiences with others who may be stepping a little outside their comfort zone too.

    Learn more about women-only departures, including which trips will be reserved just for women, as well as a bit more information about women in travel below.

    Women in Adventure

    Who Are Our Solo Female Travellers?

    Enjoying a boat tour.

    Age & Demographics

    The majority of travellers who choose to travel solo are women over the age of 50. Some women join a group tour solo, while others may be joined by a friend or family member for at least part of their trip to Ireland. Mother-daughter duos, sisters, and female friend groups are common.

    Visitors come from all over the world and from dozens of backgrounds and nations. From countries as far away as the US and Canada to New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Southeast Asia, being a female solo traveller is a global phenomenon.

    Interests

    Sporting a variety of interests from birdwatching to weaving, the Irish language to wild swimming, joining a trip solo means you’ll get a chance to spend time with like-minded women while also expanding your horizons.

    Considering Your First Solo Trip to Ireland?

    If the idea of travelling on your own appeals to you but the planning and logistics feel overwhelming, joining a small-group tour can be a wonderful way to begin.

    As part of a group, you’ll enjoy both travelling with like-minded visitors and quiet moments throughout the day. Guided travel offers the reassurance that the details are taken care of and expert guides are there to share the deeper stories behind the places you visit.

    Many travellers who join their first small-group tour as solo guests walk away with newfound confidence to explore the world.

    Solo Travel Tips

    Walking along the iconic Cliffs of Moher.

    • Work with our travel consultants to find a trip that best matches your interests and ability level.
    • Join a guided group trip, where all logistics and details are taken care of.
    • Balance social elements with moments of peace – you choose which nights you want to eat with the group, and when to enjoy room service.
    • Want your own space? Limited single supplements are available for travellers who want their own room.
    • Walk or cycle at your own pace.
    • Want a day off? Feel free to hang back at the hotel or spend a quiet day in town if your feet need a rest.
    • Choose from a few select women-only departures if you prefer to travel with women only.
    • Let our team help you with your in-country travel plans and logistics.
    • Pack lightly – bring just what you need to make transport in Ireland simpler.
    • Read through our first-time travel to Ireland tips page, our solo travel tips page, as well as the packing list and other info provided at booking.
    • Read our FAQ page for detailed info.

    FAQ: Solo Female Travel in Ireland

    Is Ireland good for solo female travellers? Read More

    Yes. Ireland is widely considered one of the safest and most welcoming destinations for solo female travellers. Friendly locals, a strong tourism infrastructure, a generally safe country, and compact travel distances make it especially approachable. Many travellers rate Ireland as one of the best destinations for solo female travellers.

    Is it safe to travel alone in rural Ireland? Read More

    Rural Ireland is generally very safe and relaxed. Many visitors explore small villages and coastal regions comfortably, particularly when travelling as part of a small group tour. If travelling in rural areas, you’ll need a car to get around. Ireland drives on the left – if this isn’t something you are comfortable with, you might prefer to join a guided tour.

    Are there tours specifically for women travelling alone? Read More

    Yes. Some tours are designed specifically for women, creating a supportive and social environment where travellers can explore together. Learn more here.

    Will I feel out of place travelling solo on a group tour? Read More

    Not at all. Small group tours often include several solo travellers, and many people join specifically to meet others while exploring a destination. We have a maximum size of 8 people on a small group tour, so you’ll enjoy a mix of group and individual time.

    What is the best way for solo travellers to explore Ireland? Read More

    Small group tours are a popular option because they remove the stress of planning logistics while providing expert guides, local insight, and a ready-made travel community. All-inclusive tours for solo travellers may help assuage any concerns you may have about planning and travelling on your own.

    Do I have to pay a solo supplement? Read More

    No, you do not have to pay a solo supplement as long as you are happy sharing with another guest of the same gender. If you prefer your privacy, there are a few solo supplement places on each trip. Check with our friendly sales team, who can advise you on availability, price, and further information.

    Will there be other female solo travellers in my group? Read More

    While we can’t guarantee this will be the case, the odds are in your favour. There will likely be other solo female travellers in your group – many groups include solo female travellers, with the majority of solo women travellers over 40 and 50. Chat with our sales team to find the trip that suits you best.

    Which Trip Will You Join Solo?

    Meet the Author: Dawn Rainbolt

    American by birth but European in spirit, Dawn has called the US, Costa Rica, Spain, England, Poland, France and now Ireland home over the years. While she has travelled to more than 30 countries, she has fallen in love with the rich Irish culture and sweeping landscapes of Ireland. Armed with a Masters Degree in Tourism Marketing and a love of writing and photography, she has been a part of Wilderness Ireland's marketing team since 2017.

    View profile More by Dawn

    mail

    Want more Wilderness in your life?

    Be the first to hear about new trips, locations and activities with our monthly newsletter