Are you traveling to Ireland? Is it your first time visiting Ireland? If yes, then here are a few things to know about Ireland for an amazing vacation!
Since I have been going to Ireland for years now, I can help you with some of my best Ireland tips.
Ireland is a beautiful European country that is located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is the third-largest island in Europe and has a pleasant climate year-round.
There is honestly so much to see and do here that I would suggest you spend at least 7 days in Ireland.
From Dublin to Galway, to the Cliffs of Moher, there is no shortage of unique things to see in Ireland.
Plus, the rich Irish history, food and drinks, and gorgeous scenery make it a top tourist destination.
Are you confused about how to plan your Ireland visit? Well, then keep reading my list of the 15 Important Things to Know Before Traveling to Ireland.
Traveling to Ireland: 15 Important Things to Know
Check On Your Country’s Irish Visa Entry/Exit Requirements
Before you start your trip by flying to Ireland on a long-haul flight, make sure you know all the Visa and Entry/Exit requirements for this country.
Since I am an American citizen, I enjoy visa-free entry to Ireland for up to 90 days for tourism and business purposes.
Apart from that, U.S. citizens should have a passport that is valid for the duration of the stay, a return airline ticket, and evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of the trip to enter Ireland.
If you are not an American citizen, then please research the Irish Visa process for your country.
Check Out: Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin
Check Out: Dublin: EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum Entrance Ticket
Verify Your Passport Before Traveling To Ireland
One of the top things to know before going to Ireland is that you need a current passport that is valid for the duration of your stay in Ireland.
You will also need one full empty page on your passport for the entry and exit stamps.
Plus, you need to show you have sufficient funds for your Ireland visit and a return airline ticket to show you will not stay illegally in the country.
Make sure to check your passport dates and empty pages well in advance of your trip because expedited handling fees to renew your passport are quite expensive!
Check Out: Dublin: Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce & Belfast Tour
Check Out: From Dublin: Half-Day Guided Coastal Tour to Howth Village
Purchase An Irish SIM Card or E-Sim For Your Phone
One of the best tips for traveling to Ireland is to purchase an Irish SIM card before leaving the airport.
You can choose to get an external SIM card or an e-SIM if your phone supports it.
With the new SIM card or e-SIM, the cell towers will recognize your phone as Irish and you will have improved cell service and WiFi network.
Since calls might be expensive or unavailable, stay connected to your friends and family via WhatsApp and FB Messenger.
There are several kiosks at the Dublin airport selling SIM cards for your convenience. Or you can buy an e-SIM online.
Check Out: E-sim Ireland Unlimited Data 30 days
Cash or Credit Cards? What Is Best To Have?
If it is your first time in Ireland, then one of the best things to know about Ireland is that they accept both cash and credit cards here.
If you are using cash, please keep in mind that Euros and Pounds are only accepted here.
The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro while Northern Ireland uses the British Pound Sterling.
When visiting Ireland, withdraw cash directly from the ATM for the best exchange rate. Some ATMs may charge a fee so, I suggest you withdraw a larger sum of money.
This way, you won’t need to use an ATM for a long time.
Also, check with your bank at home before going to Ireland and find out the names of fee-free “in-network” bank ATMs in Ireland.
For currency exchange, the best option would be an Irish bank.
Check Out: Dublin: Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tour with Tastings
Check Out: Guinness Storehouse: Entrance Ticket
Renting A Car Is A Great Option In Ireland
Are you planning to travel in Ireland for a month or longer? Or do you want more flexibility in your schedule?
If yes, then I would suggest you rent a car in Ireland, I rented from Europcar in Ireland.
Before you rent the car, make sure you have an international driver’s license or check with the local rental company. Although you don’t need it to rent a car in Ireland, the rental company might ask for it.
One of the most important things to know about Ireland is that vehicles drive on the left side of the road.
As an American, this was a difficult transition for me. So, make sure to remember this when driving in Ireland.
Another important thing to keep in mind on your Ireland travel journey is that most of the roads in the countryside are narrow and twisting.
So, if you are prone to motion sickness, be prepared.
Making a right turn on red is illegal in Ireland. The light must be green. Again, this took me some time to get used to.
One good thing about Ireland is that the road signs are bilingual. They are written in Gaelic on the top with the English translation below it.
And there are a lot of roundabouts in Ireland to tend to, instead of traffic lights.
If you remember all this, then driving can be a beautiful way to explore around.
Check Out: Ireland: 5-Day Escape to the Southwest Tour
Check Out: Ireland: 3-Day West Coast Explorer Tour
Use Irish Public Transportation
One of the best tips for Ireland travel for budget travelers is to make use of Irish public transportation.
If you are spending 2 days in Dublin, you can easily explore around the city using your iPhone’s map and a good SIM/e-SIM network.
Trust me, one of the best ways to travel in Ireland is by using public transportation such as buses, trams, trains, trolleys, and so on.
One thing to keep in mind is that the bus pick-up and drop-off locations can vary widely. Sometimes by a few blocks. So, always be prepared.
Check Out: From Killarney: ‘Ring of Kerry’ Mountain Road 1-Day Bus Tour
Check Out: From Dublin: Giant’s Causeway & Belfast City Bus Tour
Don’t Plan On Spending Too Much Of Your Time In Dublin
When you are flying to Ireland, it is highly possible that Dublin would be the first city on your itinerary.
It is the capital of Ireland and the largest city in the country. As a result, you can easily spend 3 days in Dublin.
But don’t spend too much time here.
On my first Ireland visit, I spent ten days in Ireland, out of which three were in Dublin.
I think three days is an adequate amount of time to see the sights, sample the food, and drink the beer/whiskey in Dublin.
If you have less time, then you can even spend just a day in Dublin and explore the highlights here.
Check Out: Dublin: Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour
Check Out: Dublin: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
You Will Feel As Safe As In Any European Country While In Ireland
Let me start by saying my family and I were robbed in broad daylight in Paris France.
That would be 3 out of 4 of us. All in the same day. At different locations.
But this has not been the case with the Republic of Ireland.
On one of the trips to Ireland, I was alone exploring Dublin for a couple of days and never felt unsafe.
Overall, Ireland is a safe country to visit but it is always good to stay vigilant with your valuables and belongings.
Check Out: Cobh: 3-Hour Cultural Tour Plus
Check Out: Cork: Guided Historical Walking Tour
Bring Along A Travel Adapter When Traveling To Ireland
One of the most important tips for Ireland travel is to bring electric power adapters for all your devices.
Do not count on your Air B & B or hotel to have it for you.
If you have multiple devices to charge every night, as we did, you will want to bring along several devices to fit into the 230V Irish outlets.
Should You Tip When In Ireland?
Another one of the things to know about Ireland is that tipping is not compulsory here.
But you can always tip, especially for exceptional service on a tour, in a restaurant, and so on.
The standard tip is 5%. For exceptional service, or when in doubt, leave 10%.
All tips are up to you.
Irish Crafts Will Not Disappoint You
Of course, when you are traveling to Ireland, you would want to bring home some souvenirs for your friends and family.
Well, then I would suggest you get Aran sweaters as Ireland is known for them.
You can choose to buy a hand-knitted or a machine-made sweat on your Ireland travel. Both are fine, although machine-made sweaters would be cheaper.
Buy these from reputable shops that can provide you with authenticity for the items.
The symbols of Ireland are the green shamrock, the harp, and the Celtic cross. So, you can choose to get some for home.
Check Out: From Galway: Aran Islands Day Trip & Cliffs of Moher Cruise
Check Out: Dublin: Sterling Silver Ring Forging Workshop
Consider Visiting Northern Ireland
There are lots of amazing places to see in Ireland. But did you know that the Island of Ireland contains two separate entities? The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Most people visit the Republic of Ireland when they are planning to travel to Ireland as Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom.
Do not hear the rumors about it being unsafe to visit Northern Ireland, especially Belfast.
I’d say most people are just not that familiar with Northern Ireland and what there is to do or see.
Belfast is a quick two-hour drive from Dublin and the scenery is just gorgeous. You will witness castles next to the sea, cliffs, rolling hills, forests, etc. near the city area.
If you are a Game of Thrones fan, then you can even follow a Game of Thrones Ireland Itinerary to find the best filming spots!
Plus, this is the best way to visit two countries in a single trip. Once you cross the border, you will see the British flag flying!
Check Out: Belfast: Game of Thrones Locations Tour w/ Giant’s Causeway
Check Out: From Belfast: Giant’s Causeway Guided Day Tour
There Is More Than The Ring Of Kerry
One important thing that I would like to point out is that there is more to Ireland than the Ring of Kerry.
There are plenty of other things to do in Killarney than driving on this twisting road.
Plus, the scenery is not THAT great and we were greatly disappointed by it.
Instead of this attraction, you can cover other beautiful places in Ireland such as Doolin, Cliffs of Moher, and so on.
For a little adventure, you can also visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone!
Check Out: Ring of Kerry: Full-Day Tour from Killarney
Check Out: Lakes of Killarney: Boat Cruise
Try The Dingle Peninsula When Traveling To Ireland
If you are wondering about where to visit in Ireland, then I would highly recommend the Dingle Peninsula.
It is the beginning and terminus of the world-famous Slea Head Drive.
Although the roads are narrow here as well, they are not as difficult to drive. Plus, the views are SPECTACULAR!
One of the best things to do in Dingle is to find the Star Wars filming sites! Yes, the film was shot here too.
Apart from that, you will also be mesmerized by the Irish countryside where you will find farmhouses with sheep grazing in the field.
Plus, most tourists don’t visit here so it is nice and quiet.
Check Out: Ireland: Dingle Peninsula Day Tour
Check Out: Dingle: Slea Head Photo And Sightseeing Tour
Traveling To Ireland In The Off-Season Is A Great Idea
If you are planning to travel to Ireland in the summer, then I would advise against it.
Sure, the weather is amazing and the country is at its greenest, but the country is also crowded with tourists and locals on holiday.
Plus, it can be unbelievably hot. Some accommodations may not be equipped with air conditioning so, you could end up suffering.
You will find plenty of places to see in Ireland that remain green all year round due to its climate. This is why I would always suggest a trip to off-season Ireland.
It is often less crowded, and the prices are often cheaper during these months.
Check Out: Cliffs of Moher Full-Day Tour from Dublin
Check Out: Dublin: Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Trip
Where to Stay in Ireland
Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence – If you are planning to explore Dublin, then Herbert Park Hotel and Park Resident is perfect for you.
This modern and stylish hotel offers both rooms and luxury studio apartments for guests to stay in. Enjoy several amenities here such as a fitness center, terrace lounge, patio, on-site restaurants, and more.
Muckross Park Hotel & Spa – Enjoy the experience of staying inside a castle by booking your stay at Muckross Park Hotel & Spa.
It is located in the Killarney National Park and features luxury rooms with plush furnishings. Guests can take advantage of the complimentary spa here that includes the thermal area and the vitality pool.
Crover House Hotel & Golf Club – Crover House Hotel & Golf Club is one of the most gorgeous country houses to stay in Ireland.
Located on the shores of Lough Sheelin Lake, this hotel features traditional rooms that offer beautiful lake and garden views.
Enjoy the Cavan countryside and indulge in horse riding, cycling, and other fun activities here.
Packing Tips When Traveling To Ireland
I think that using these useful packing tips will enhance your trip when traveling to Ireland and help you remain organized while there. Read how to pack lightly here.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and will protect your valuable information.
These RFID sleeves would be handy to prevent identity theft.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use.
And this world traveler adapter charges several devices at the same time.
These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel. I cannot believe how much more organized I am now!
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.
The replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble.
You will want to bring a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
You will be walking more than usual during your Russian trip. A sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes is a must-have. These waterproof all-season shoes are extremely affordable and yet fashionable.
Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these Skechers high fashion sneakers come in a lot of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.
You may be traveling to Russia in warmer weather and you may want a pair of sandals to wear exploring. I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.
I also sometimes bring along my Vionic Tides flip-flops. The toe post is so comfortable which makes wearing these super comfortable.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.
If you are fond of the aviator-style of sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.
f you need new luggage, this expandable soft side spinner luggage is affordable and comes in lots of colors. If you like hard-sided better, then you may favor this hard-sided luggage set better.
Both sets come with TSA-approved zippers locks and 8 wheels per piece. Either will be great for the plane or train or even your car depending on how you plan on traveling to Russia.
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Christine Torrance
Great information on a trip to Ireland. I lived there for 3 years and have visited many times. Only thing I could add is plan on rain and mud in some places. Bring a good pair of shoes for the rainy days. If it gets really rainy…..head to the pub.
Linda Malys Yore
Yesssss. Great advice. Thanks so much for sharing!!