25 Ireland Travel Tips to Know BEFORE You Go

Should you’re within the levels of planning a visit to Eire, we’ve ready just a few Eire journey ideas that can assist you out! Should you’re in search of one of many friendliest, greenest, and naturally lovely international locations on earth, look no additional than Eire.

Journey to Eire is well-liked and thrilling, we expect there should be one thing to the rolling inexperienced hills, castles, whiskey, rain, Guinness beer, and rugged shoreline because it attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists to plan a visit to Eire yearly.

The nation’s small dimension and accessibility make it simple for vacationers of all ages. Nonetheless, there are some things to know earlier than heading to the Emerald Isle and touring to Eire.

Touring Eire? Right here Are Our Eire Journey Tricks to Know

1. Which Eire?

One in every of my high Eire journey ideas is to know the distinction between the 2 Irelands. The Republic of Eire and Northern Eire are on the island of Eire. To make clear, The Republic of Eire is its personal nation – whereas Northern Eire is part of the UK. It’s been like this because the Nineteen Twenties, and folks would admire it if the world knew the distinction.

Eire is the British Isles, however that doesn’t make it British. Nice Britain refers back to the largest islands of the British Isles and represents many of the United Kingdom. The UK contains England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Eire. It may well confuse foreigners, so watch this video to clear it up.

You may journey freely between the 2 international locations. We traveled simply between the 2 international locations many occasions and had been by no means stopped at a border put up or needed to produce a passport to get stamped.

Right here’s some extra detailed info – granted, this has altering guidelines. Residents of The Republic of Eire are known as Irish, whereas residents of Northern Eire are Northern Irish.

2. You Might Want Each the Euro and the Pound

While you’re planning a visit to Eire, pay attention to the forex. Eire makes use of the Euro notice, and Northern Eire makes use of the British Pound.

I wouldn’t recommend altering currencies at a forex change, however an ATM to tug out the cash you want. You may learn extra about our journey banking ideas earlier than touring to Eire.

3. Count on Rain With a Likelihood of Solar

I’m positive you weren’t planning on touring to Eire for a suntan. The nation is understood for being very inexperienced, which implies loads of rain! Rainfall has change into part of Irish life, particularly within the west.

The typical variety of “moist days” ranges from about 150 days to 225 days a 12 months. Your finest likelihood of solar and heat in Eire is in the summertime months of June, July, and August.

We went in late October and nonetheless had just a few pretty days of sunshine. What I’m attempting to say is to be ready for all kinds of climate whenever you plan your journey to Eire. It doesn’t matter what, keep in mind to pack a packable rain jacket.

4. There Are Loads of Rainbows, however no Leprechauns

With all that rain in Eire, you’ll undoubtedly see just a few rainbows. However I wouldn’t chase them to the tip seeking a leprechaun with some fortunate gold charms.

Though leprechauns are a part of fashionable Irish folklore, there aren’t any actual leprechauns in Eire – sadly.

5. A Pint Ought to Price No Extra Than €5

When you have traveled to Eire, you’ll in all probability wish to get no less than one pint of Guinness in an Irish pub. A pint of Guinness at a pub in Dublin or Galway ought to value not more than €5-6; if it does, you’re greater than possible in a vacationer pub ripping you off.

We do, nevertheless, advocate visiting the Guinness Retailer Home. At €26 a ticket, it might be the most costly Guinness you’ll ever pay for, however the entire expertise and tour is nicely value it when you’re visiting Dublin and into beer. You may choose up precedence entry tickets right here and skip the road!

6. Chase Your Household Ancestry!

Should you’re touring to Eire from the US, chances are you’ll get requested if you’re chasing your ancestry. I feel we had been requested no less than ten occasions what made us plan a visit to Eire.

Have been we chasing our ancestry? Did we’ve family members in Eire? Do we’ve Irish blood? The reality is we simply got here for the gorgeous countryside, historical past, and pleasant locals. (And I really like PS I Love You).

So, we at all times needed to inform our new pals that we weren’t Irish and neither of us had Irish ancestors – no less than not that we knew. The explanation for the query so usually is that there are a whole lot of vacationers in Eire – particularly a whole lot of American vacationers like us- monitoring down their ancestors.

Between 1820 and 1930, 4.5 million Irish immigrated to America. At one level, they made up over 1/3 of the immigrants within the nation. So, meaning many Irish Individuals are floating round as we speak, and plenty of wish to chase their heritage!

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7. The Ship of Goals

Do you do not forget that quote in Titanic the place Tommy O’ Ryan tells Fabrizio, “It was an Irish ship,” and “15,000 Irishmen constructed the ship?” It’s okay when you don’t; I’ve simply seen the film 100 too many occasions. The grand Titanic was inbuilt Belfast, Eire. Which again on the flip of the century was part of Eire (which was all nonetheless a part of Britain).

The ship was constructed on Queen’s Island, now often known as the Titanic Quarter, in Belfast Harbour by the shipbuilders Harland & Wolff. If you understand something in regards to the Titanic, you understand it was the biggest ship of its time. SPOILER: On the evening of April 14th. 1912 the ship hit an iceberg and sank.

Nonetheless, her legacy has been in films, books, music, and marine time security laws. The most recent iteration is the brand new Titanic Belfast museum. It’s situated precisely the place the ship was constructed. I’ve been again to the museum twice and have liked it each occasions. It’s value a half-day if you end up in Belfast.

8. You Can Keep on the Most Bombed Lodge in Europe

On Nice Victoria Avenue in Belfast, you’ll find a resort with a implausible historical past. Europa Belfast Lodge is a lovely resort, which you’ll be able to rapidly see from the skin. However we had been shocked to search out out that it’s the most bombed resort in not solely all of Europe however the whole world!

Throughout The Troubles, the Europa suffered 36 whopping bomb assaults. Essentially the most damaging was in 1993, and it closed for refurbishments. These days it’s the most effective resort to remain at within the metropolis.

It’s an iconic a part of Belfast with loads of character. We knew we simply needed to keep on our go to to Belfast. We discovered the resort to be charming, comfy, and fantastically adorned. Try the piano bar even when you aren’t staying in a single day!

9. Love Sport of Thrones?

Do you watch Sport of Thrones? I don’t, however Cameron does, so he had a discipline day reliving sure scenes which might be on the hit HBO present. A lot of the present movies in Northern Eire, and if you’re a GOT geek, I recommend renting a automotive and driving to all of the places in Northern Eire to see for your self.

Some iconic places embrace the Antrim plateau, the Darkish Hedges, Cushendun Caves, Murlough Bay, Ballintoy Harbour, Larrybane, Fort Ward, Inch Abbey, and Downhill Strand. They’re amongst a few of the finest locations to go to in Eire. Should you’re not eager on driving or don’t have a automotive rental in your finances, contemplate reserving a tour.

10. You Can Journey Eire On a Funds

Eire isn’t the most affordable nation to journey; nevertheless, it’s attainable to plan a visit to Eire whereas staying on a finances. Hostel dorm rooms will value anyplace from €15 to €25 an evening, whereas you may also discover a mid-range resort room for €100. We opted to remain in Airbnb’s and had our house for €60 an evening. After all this all is dependent upon the time of 12 months you journey.

The excellent news is that meals on the grocery retailer is reasonably priced. We had been in a position to go to Lidl and spend €25  for 3 days value of meals for the 2 of us.

Eire produces a whole lot of its meals, so the meals isn’t solely reasonably priced however glorious high quality. Count on to pay between €7-12 for an inexpensive fish n chips meal. Irish delicacies could be very hearty, with a few of the staple dishes being Irish stew and seafood pie. See precisely what it prices to journey to Eire right here.

25 BEST Eating places In Galway, Eire

11. You Don’t NEED a Automobile When You Journey to Eire

I’ve traveled to Eire 3 times now. The primary time I used to be backpacking Europe and took public buses in all places. Eire’s bus and practice system is environment friendly, reasonably priced, and dependable, with most transport choices that includes free WiFi. On our most up-to-date journey, we rented a automotive in Eire to get across the island, which can also be reasonably priced and dependable.

Having a automotive is at all times the extra comfy and handy choice, however if you’re only one individual, the rental and gasoline prices might break your finances. I’d recommend checking Eire’s bus timetables to ensure you can get the place you wish to go by public transport. Think about renting a automotive if you’re a bunch of two or extra.

Simply notice that drivers drive on the left facet of the highway in Eire and Northern Eire, and it’s best to know easy methods to drive a handbook automotive as automatics are costly. Velocity limits are in kilometers per hour in Eire and miles per hour in Northern Eire – complicated. You may drive the automobile out and in of Northern Eire as a lot as you want with out border checks. See my different driving in Eire journey ideas.

12. Ah, Ryan Air

While you plan a visit to Eire, step one is to buy a flight. That’s the place you might even see the finances service Ryan Air pop up. The infamous Ryan Air is an Irish firm. Should you plan to fly round Europe from Eire, you might have to fly with a low-cost service.

I do know they’ve obtained numerous unhealthy and justified press previously. However we’ve flown them no less than ten occasions round Europe and have by no means had a difficulty with them. Simply decrease your expectations, abide by all their guidelines to keep away from additional charges, and luxuriate in your low cost flight – most meals out value greater than their flights!

If you’re touring to Eire from the USA, you’ll must cross over the pond. Sadly, RyanAir doesn’t service flights between the USA and Eire; nevertheless, Aer Lingus does, and they’re an awesome and respected airline.

13. What to Pack When You Journey to Eire

I’ve to notice on this Eire journey information in regards to the climate. Bear in mind after I mentioned that it rains loads in Eire? Meaning it’s best to pack a rain jacket and journey umbrella in your carry-on baggage. I additionally advocate packing a pleasant wool sweater, scarf, and hat for these windy days. Even in the summertime.

We loved happening lengthy walks and mountain climbing in Eire, so it’s a good suggestion to pack a cushty pair of strolling sneakers.

Eire is stunningly inexperienced, and all that inexperienced doesn’t come from clear sunny skies day by day. The wettest months, nearly in all places all through Eire are December and January. April is the driest month usually in some locations,however in lots of southern Irish components, June is the driest. The west coast receives rainfall each few days.

What To Put on in Eire • Good Eire Packing Record

14. Apply Your Language Expertise

Each time I’ve traveled to Eire, I’m shocked that many individuals nonetheless learn and converse Irish Gaelic. I discovered this most prevalent close to Galway, however even the highway indicators across the nation are in each English and Gaelic. That’s as a result of Irish Gaelic is the primary official language, adopted by English.

In keeping with the 2016 Irish census, greater than 70,000 folks converse Irish Gaelic day by day, and about 55% (c. 2,500,000) of individuals within the Republic declare to grasp and converse the language. After all, everybody will know English, but it surely doesn’t damage to be taught just a few phrases earlier than your journey; you’ll in all probability even impress the locals!

15. When is the Finest Time to Go to Eire?

When is the most effective time to go to Eire, you ask? Though most international locations have ‘perfect’ occasions of the 12 months the place visiting is perfect, the most effective time to journey anyplace isn’t as depending on the climate state as you would possibly assume.

As a substitute, a visit is just nearly as good as what you make of it; there are at all times many issues to do in any metropolis, regardless of the season. Which means even chilly or windy climate can, for a lot of, be the popular journey situation. 

That being mentioned, my favourite time to journey to Eire is in September when the leaves change colour, the air cool, and tourism is slowing down. I’ve a month-by-month Eire journey part right here!

16. Eire Has Loads of Castles to Go to!

It’s fairly laborious to go to Eire and never go to a fort no less than as soon as throughout your travels. However with so many (over 30,000!), how have you learnt which of them are definitely worth the journey? We’ve damaged it down for you with an inventory of the most effective castles to go to in Eire as a way to choose from a few of the best-known and most-loved choices. 

Whether or not you wish to discover the ruins of a as soon as magnificent fort or get a style of medieval life in a well-maintained relic, you may get a little bit glimpse into the previous throughout your journey to Eire. From reenacted scenes that includes knights and royalty to elaborate banquet dinners in your individual fort, chances are you’ll wish to keep perpetually and by no means return to the current!

17. Make Positive to Get Out of Dublin

My high Eire journey tip is to flee Dublin a bit, even when only for day journeys. Dublin is a implausible journey vacation spot and the place many vacationers to Eire will begin their journey. It’s the principle hub for journey out and in of Eire. After all, you’ll want to spend a while within the iconic capital metropolis, but it surely’s finest to not spend all of your time in Eire in Dublin.

There are many implausible locations to discover, even day journeys simply two hours away from Dublin. As an example, Kilkenny is gorgeous and simply 1.5 hours away!

We advocate spending two days having fun with all Dublin has to supply earlier than transferring on.

18. Think about Renting a Automobile to Make the Most of Your Journey

I do know I discussed earlier than you don’t want a automotive in Eire, and also you positively don’t with bus and practice community. Nonetheless renting a automotive in Eire is likely one of the finest methods to discover off the overwhelmed path. Not solely are you able to get to far off locations that the trains and buses don’t usually attain, however you possibly can cease whenever you need and keep so long as you desire to.

We advocate renting a automotive in main cities like Dublin and Galway for the most effective charges. It’s finest to hire a automotive as quickly as your aircraft tickets are booked (you possibly can at all times cancel later) to keep away from excessive rental charges.

19. Is Eire Journey Secure

Eire is taken into account the world’s third most “peaceable” nation, in line with Imaginative and prescient of Humanity’sGlobal Peace Index.

Eire is a really secure nation to go to. Crime is low, and nearly nonexistent outdoors of main cities. It’s one in every of my favourite locations to advocate for solo feminine vacationers or first time vacationers. Everybody speaks English, indicators are English, and also you’ll primarily encounter very pleasant Irish lads and lassies.

After all, like anyplace be vigilant at evening, and don’t flash round costly items.

20. The place Ought to You Go in Eire?

The query is, the place shouldn’t you go in Eire? In every single place is so darn distinctive and mesmerizing I doubt you’ll be disenchanted anyplace.

Among the finest locations to go to in Eire are Galway, Aran Islands, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, Wicklow Mountains, Clifden – I may go one and on!

After all it’s best to plan to go to some Irish Castles whereas visiting. I like to recommend folks get out within the countryside somewhat than spend the vast majority of their time within the cities.

21. What Are the Finest Irish Festivals?

Eire is the land of festivals and one thing is happening each month of the 12 months. There may be St Patricks Day, on March seventeenth yearly, which is Eire’s largest and most extravagant celebration. Should you occur to be in Eire in March, head to Dublin for the time of your life!

Another notable festivals are the Galway Worldwide Arts Competition, Galway Oyster Fest, and Fleadh Cheoil!

12 Superb Irish Festivals to Attend

22. How Many Days Ought to You Spend in Eire?

Do you’ve gotten a month?

In all seriousness, we might advocate spending no less than 7-10 days in Eire. This will provide you with ample time to discover the countryside, sit down at a pub with a Guinness, and even plan some mountain climbing!

The place to Go Climbing in Eire? The 15 Finest Hikes in Eire

23. How A lot Does a Journey to Eire Price?

Any Eire journey planner ought to point out the finances. So how a lot spending cash per day ought to you’ve gotten in Eire? Asides from the pre-trip bills like airfare, baggage, and any Eire packing checklist gadgets you’ll wish to purchase, I imagine you may get by in Eire for underneath €50 a day.

That’s when you keep in low cost lodging, don’t drink a lot alcohol, cook dinner meals, eat paninis, journey outdoors summer season months, and don’t partake in pricey actions. If you wish to journey on a extra modest and cozy finances, plan on spending no less than €100 per day per individual.

Whole Two-Week Journey to Eire Price (pp)

24. Cash-Saving Eire Journey Suggestions

Two Currencies

As talked about earlier than on this Eire journey information, Eire is 2 international locations! The Republic of Eire, which takes up many of the island of Eire and Northern Eire, a part of the UK, occupies the Northeast. The Republic of Eire makes use of the Euro (€), and the UK makes use of the British Pound (£).

Prepare dinner Your Personal Meals

When understanding easy methods to plan a visit to Eire on a finances, it’s best to have a finances for meals. In case your lodging has a kitchen, it’s finest to make use of it. We lower your expenses this manner when touring round Eire. Grocery shops in Eire are spectacular and well-stocked, and one can simply cook dinner a implausible meal with scrumptious Italian pink wine for affordable.

Drink Faucet Water

The faucet water in Eire is fantastic to drink, so finest to not waste cash or plastic on one-time-use water bottles. Get your self a journey water bottle and preserve refilling it!

Journey Through the Offseason

Touring in Eire, significantly shrines within the offseason. I don’t like crowds or excessive costs, so I really like touring between September and Might.

25. Fast Eire Journey Suggestions

‘Howdy’ and ‘Thank You’ in Gaelic: “Dia dhuit” and “Go raibh maith agat”
Forex: Euro – (EUR) – €
Visa: The Republic of Eire & Northern Eire are separate international locations on the island of Eire. The Republic of Eire, often known as ‘Eire,’ grants 90-day visas. Northern Eire, part of the UK, additionally grants 90 days.
Climate: Count on a number of climate! Eire is understood for having speedy shifts in and many rain – it’s the one motive a rustic like Eire stays so inexperienced and fertile. See our full packing checklist right here.