Complete Ireland Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
Ireland is best known for St Patrick’s Day, four-leaf clovers, the Titanic, Guinness beer, and its natural wonders. The country receives over 11 million tourists each year. Planning international travel can be overwhelming and time-consuming while working full time. Use this Ireland travel guide and the following Ireland travel blog posts to plan your perfect vacation. The top destinations in Ireland are Dublin, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, and Giant’s Causeway.
Why Visit Dublin
Over 9 million people visit Dublin each year. The city is full of pedestrian-only cobblestone streets, pubs, musician corners, iconic doors, and bridges, history, literature, and folklore. Dublin is also the home of Trinity College, Guinness, and Jameson Irish Whiskey.
Read 100 Things to Do in Dublin, a Bucket List City
Read 24 Hours in Dublin
What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Ireland
Where is Ireland
Ireland is a country in Western Europe with a population of 5 million. At 32,595 mi², the country’s size is comparable to the state of Indiana. Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the Irish Sea, and the Celtic Sea. Dublin is the capital and largest city in Ireland. One-fourth of Ireland’s population lives in Dublin. Ireland is divided into two parts: Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.
What is the language spoken in Ireland?
The national language of Ireland is Irish. English is also the official language of Ireland and is spoken by 99% of the population. Even though English is a standard language in Ireland, be sure to look up slang terms and popular phrases.
Do I need a visa to visit Ireland?
According to Project Visa, US citizens do not need a visa for a visit up to 90 days in a 6 month period.
What is the currency in Ireland?
The currency in Ireland is the Euro, but it is the British pound in Northern Ireland. US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Don’t be fooled by ‘0 commission’ money exchangers because the ‘service fee’ is high. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.
Can I use credit cards and ATMs in Ireland?
ATMs are available throughout Ireland. Small businesses may be cash only. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in Ireland and google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Ireland, you will need a 4 digit PIN from the bank. American Express and Diner’s Club may be accepted at hotels. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and make purchases in euro (or pound).
How much should I budget per day in Ireland?
According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in Ireland is $133. Expect to pay $1,865 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.
When is the best time to visit Ireland?
The high season in Ireland is June to August, expect high prices and crowds. The shoulder season is March to May and September to November. The low season is November through March, crowds are low and temperatures are moderately chilly. Snow is rare in Ireland but rain is common. Christmas Markets are held from November to December and the St. Patrick’s Festival is held annually on or around March 17.
What type of transportation does Ireland use?
Ireland has four international airports: Dublin, Cork, Shannon, and Belfast. Take the 747 or 757 city bus line from Dublin airport to the city. Bus transport is the main form of public transport in all Irish cities. Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Derry, Limerick, and Galway have suburban rail networks. Dublin does not have a subway, public transportation is by tram or bus. An International Driving Permit is not required to drive in Ireland. You must ask for an automatic transmission and may pay extra. If you plan to drive into Northern Ireland, tell the rental company and expect to pay an extra fee. Remember to drive on the left side of the road. The roads in Ireland are narrow and winding, so rent a small car. Also, it’s a good idea to get the insurance, side mirrors are commonly broken off on narrow roads. Be sure to have cash on hand for tolls and parking meters. It is possible to get around the country using a combination of train and bus transport if you choose to not rent a car.
What kind of adaptor do I need in Ireland?
The plugs in Ireland are type G. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection. You will need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.
What should I pack for Ireland?
The overall clothing style in Ireland is casual and jeans are common. The Irish do not wear revealing clothing; avoid crop tops and short shorts. Weather can be unpredictable. Wear layers and be prepared for rain. Light sweaters, long sleeve shirts, and waterproof hiking shoes are the best choice in summer. Expect long dresses to get wet and always wear them with tights underneath. If you plan to go swimming, you must wear a swim cap.
Is Ireland a safe country for solo travelers?
According to Travel Safe Abroad, the overall risk of traveling in Ireland is low. Women traveling solo are at a medium risk of being sexually assaulted in Dublin. There is also a medium risk for pickpockets and muggings. Stay aware of your surroundings, there is a medium risk of terrorist attacks. Dial 112 in an emergency. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.
What food do I need to try in Ireland?
Irish stew (mutton, onions, and potatoes), coddle (slow-cooked sausage, bacon, and scalloped potatoes), Sheppard’s pie (beef, onions, carrots, peas, herbs, potatoes), bangers and mash, corned beef and cabbage, bacon and cabbage, shellfish, fish and chips, colcannon (cabbage or kale with mashed potatoes), battered sausage, boxty (potato pancake), Irish breakfast, soda bread, barmbrack (sweet bread with dried fruit), sticky toffee pudding, Irish coffee, Bailey’s, and Guinness.
Ireland Travel Guide: Tips for Traveling in Ireland
- It is safe to drink tap water in Ireland.
- It is normal to tip 10 to 12 percent but check the bill for a service charge first.
- City buses do not stop unless you put your arm out to flag them and they rarely run on time.
- Press the stop button AND walk to the door to get off the bus, or the driver won’t stop.
- Many businesses open late and have limited hours on Sundays.
- Save money on attractions with a Heritage Card from the Office of Public Works.
- The Irish are very friendly, they like to complain and use profanity.
- Be sure to look to your right when you’re crossing a road and expect to see a lot of jaywalking.
- People take turns buying rounds at the pub. Liquor stores close at 10 pm.
- Place a coaster on top of your drink to indicate you will be right back.
- It is illegal to smoke in enclosed public places, including pubs.
- If you are traveling with young children, book the hotel for 2 adults. If the children are older, book for 4 people and expect to pay more.
- There is an app for the Game of Thrones filming sites from the tourist bureau.
- Purchase a sim card for the “3” network for unlimited smartphone data in Ireland.
- Many Irish people believe that fairies exist and have magical powers.
Top Things to See and Do in Ireland
- Have a pint and listen to traditional Irish music in a Dublin pub.
- Photograph the coast from the Cliffs of Moher.
- Drive the scenic Ring of Kerry through seaside villages.
- Step back in time to Aran Island.
- Wander the colorful fishing town of Galway.
- Tour Kylemore Abbey, Ashford Castle, and the Rock of Cashel.
- Visit the Titanic Museum in Belfast.
- Walk across Giant’s Causeway’s interlocking basalt columns.
- Photograph the Dark Hedges, from the Game of Thrones.
- Explore the Dingle Peninsula and drive the Wild Atlantic Way.
- Go for a hike in Killarney National Park and view the Torc Waterfall.
- Kiss the world-famous Blarney Stone.
- Explore the medieval city of Waterford and buy souvenir crystals from the famous factory.
Check the Ireland Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Interesting Facts About Ireland
- Ireland is the third-largest island in Europe, after Great Britain and Iceland.
- There are over 30,000 castles and ruins in Ireland.
- Wild Atlantic Way is the longest coastal driving route in the world.
- Over 1 million Irish died during the Potato Famine.
- The Irish are the second-largest ethnic group in the US, approximately 34 million Americans report Irish ancestry.
- There are more Irish people abroad than in Ireland.
- The President of Ireland performs ceremonial duties and has very little power.
- Ireland has had two female presidents, more than most countries in the world.
- 88% of Irish citizens are Roman Catholic.
- Ireland has the highest number of red-haired people per capita in the world.
- Irish surnames that start with “Mac” mean ‘son of’ and surnames that start with “O” mean ‘grandson of’.
- Dublin once had the largest red-light district in Europe.
- The oldest pub in Europe is located in Ireland.
- Ireland was the world’s first country to ban smoking in public spaces.
- Being drunk in public is a criminal offense.
- The Irish consume on average 131.1 liters of beer per year.
- More Guinness is sold in Nigeria than it is in Ireland.
- The harp is the national symbol of Ireland (not the shamrock).
- The concept of peaceful protests originated in Ireland.
- There are no snakes in Ireland.
- The Titanic was built in Belfast.
- Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis, Bram Stoker, and James Joyce are Irish.
- Halloween originated in Ireland.
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