17 Tips to Know Before Your First Trip to Ireland
I’m a full time traveler who has been to over 80 countries. And, while I usually prefer less popular destinations, I have to admit that Ireland has totally captured my heart.
To help other travelers fall in love with the Emerald Isle too, I put together these quick things to know before your trip.
You can also check out my Ireland Itinerary for a pre-planned route around the island. And, if you need accommodation in Dublin, don’t miss our guide to where to stay in Dublin.
Want to jump around?
- 17 Ireland Travel Tips to Know Before Visiting
- #1 – Be Prepared for Every Season … In the Same Day!
- #2 – Know the Difference Between Ireland and Northern Ireland
- #3 – Hotels (Especially in Dublin) Do Fill Up in Advance
- #4 – Rent a Car to Fully Experience Ireland’s Countryside
- #5 – A Week is the Perfect Amount of Time for Ireland
- #6 – Resist the Temptation to Spend All Your Time in Dublin
- #7 – Enjoy the Craic!
- #8 – Try Ireland’s Other Stout – Murphy’s
- #9 – Go to the Cliffs of Moher, But Go Early!
- #10 – Tip 10-15% in Irish Restaurants and Pubs
- #11 – Tourism in Ireland is Highly Seasonal
- #12 – Ireland Has 5 International Airports to Choose From
- #13 – You Can Travel Ireland Even on a Budget
- #14 – Consider Travel Insurance Covering Ireland
- #15 – Ireland Drives on the Left Hand Side!
- 16 – And Look to Your RIGHT When Crossing as a Pedestrian
- #17 – English is Not the Only Language in Ireland
- Want More Tips? Listen to My Podcast Episode on Visiting Ireland
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17 Ireland Travel Tips to Know Before Visiting
#1 – Be Prepared for Every Season … In the Same Day!
Ireland is famous for its damp but unpredictable climate. It can be bright and sunny one minute and windy and rainy the next.
So, prepare for multiple climates and bring layers. And always keep a raincoat or a travel umbrella nearby. To make sure you’re fully prepared, Abigail has a complete packing checklist for Ireland that you can follow.
You should always expect that it might rain in Ireland, even on a sunny day.
Most importantly, keep a good attitude through it all: the shifting weather is all part of the fun of traveling to Ireland, and all the rain is why Ireland is so green and lush!
#2 – Know the Difference Between Ireland and Northern Ireland
Ireland is the name of Europe’s second most populous island, and it is home to two different political units: the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Americans should know this distinction before visiting the UK.
The important thing to remember is that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, which means that you’ll technically have to cross a border to get there from the Republic of Ireland.
With that said, you may not even realize it because there are next to zero formalities as the entire island is part of the Common Travel Area. When I recently took a bus through Northern Ireland, there wasn’t even a simple border check.
One thing I did notice, however, was that my Irish eSIM cell service did not work in Northern Ireland. Additionally, Northern Ireland uses the Pound sterling, while the Republic of Ireland uses the Euro. Fortunately, ATMs and currency exchanges are widely available.
#3 – Hotels (Especially in Dublin) Do Fill Up in Advance
Ireland is a popular destination, which means that hotel inventory can fill up fast – particularly in Dublin and especially in the summer.
It’s a good idea to make bookings in advance. As soon as you have a rough idea of your dates, make a booking (ideally with a liberal cancellation policy). You can go here on Booking to see a list of Dublin hotels that offer free cancellation.
#4 – Rent a Car to Fully Experience Ireland’s Countryside
In my opinion, the best way to see Ireland is with a rental car.
Sure, it’s entirely possible to travel around Ireland by bus and train. Public transport in Ireland is pretty good. The Irish trains are really nice and, even where they don’t run, the buses are pretty plentiful.
Plus, there are plenty of tours you can take in Ireland to visit the country’s many sights. So, renting a car in Ireland isn’t mandatory to have a good trip.
But the best parts of your trip are probably going to be things like finding your new favorite pub in some random country village, stumbling upon an under-touristed castle set against green rolling hills, or doing a road trip to explore the many incredible Game of Thrones filming locations in Ireland.
These sort of spontaneous adventures are frankly much easier to have if you have your own wheels. Plus, Ireland’s roads are of good quality and are incredibly scenic. There is nothing quite as exciting as driving through Ireland’s green countryside!
For more, check out our guide to renting a car in Dublin.
#5 – A Week is the Perfect Amount of Time for Ireland
There are so many things to do in Ireland that you could easily spend an entire month on the island and never get bored.
But most tourists to Ireland visit for an average of about 7 days, which I happen to think is more or less the perfect amount of time to soak in the Emerald Isle.
If you need help planning your itinerary, check out my pre-planned 7 day Ireland itinerary – I’ve already done all the work for you!
#6 – Resist the Temptation to Spend All Your Time in Dublin
Look, Dublin is a popular tourist city for a reason. It’s got an incredible pub culture, charming architecture, and there are enough things to do in Dublin to keep you busy for a few days in Dublin.
Dublin is so charming, in fact, that it can be tempting to stay in Dublin your entire trip. There is just so much to do, even on rainy days in Dublin (of which there are many), that the city tends to suck people in.
But even most Dubliners will privately admit that the best parts of Ireland are outside of the city.
And while the island is small and it is perfectly possible to sample Ireland’s green landscapes on day trips, to really immerse yourself in Ireland you should plan to stay in any one of Ireland’s other awesome cities, towns, villages, or hamlets.
Plus, Dublin is more expensive than the rest of the country, and you’ll find better deals in the countryside. If you need some inspiration for where to go, check out my guide on what to see in Ireland in 7 days.
#7 – Enjoy the Craic!
You won’t be in Ireland long before you hear the word “craic” bandied about somewhere. So what does it mean exactly?
Well, I’ve heard a number of different translations depending on context, but it usually means something like “good times,” “party,” or “entertainment,” though it can also mean “gossip” or “chatter.” See here for a primer on the various levels of craic – it’s definitely one of the things you should know before traveling to Ireland!
In any event, craic epitomizes Ireland’s sociable culture. So saddle up on that pub stool, put away your smartphone, and prepare to actually — you know — talk to the people around you. You never know what kind of craic you might get into!
#8 – Try Ireland’s Other Stout – Murphy’s
I don’t think there is a brand that is more intertwined with a single culture than Guinness is with Ireland. And Guinness, for all its mass-marketing, is still definitely something you’ll want to partake in while in Ireland. But did you know that there is another stout that rivals Guinness in Ireland?
Murphy’s Irish Stout maintains a loyal following throughout much of the country, and especially in its hometown of Cork. You can find it next to the Guinness in most Irish pubs and you’ll find that it has its own unique dark flavor.
People tend to have a strong preference between the two stouts, so try both early on and be prepared to choose a side in the great Irish stout war!
#9 – Go to the Cliffs of Moher, But Go Early!
The Cliffs of Moher are the single most popular attraction in Ireland for a reason. In my opinion, you should definitely try to visit on your first trip to Ireland if you can.
But, if you can, try to time your visit to the Cliffs of Moher so that you arrive right at 8 am when they open, before the tour buses start to roll in. You’ll be less likely to have to fight with another tourist for that perfect Instagram shot!
Ok, but maybe you’re the type of traveler who prefers to skip the famous sites? One of our writers Niamh grew up in Ireland. And she actually suggests visiting Dingle vs the Cliffs of Moher if you’re short on time.
#10 – Tip 10-15% in Irish Restaurants and Pubs
Ireland does not have as heavy of a tipping culture as you’d find in the United States, but it’s still customary to leave 10-15% of your tab for service at a restaurant or pub. Note that sometimes for large groups a service charge will already be added.
For taxis in Ireland, tipping is usually not mandatory or expected, though it never hurts to round up the tab.
#11 – Tourism in Ireland is Highly Seasonal
Planning a trip to Ireland is very different during the summer peak tourism seasons versus the less popular winter. Typically, July and August are the peak months for Ireland’s tourism season.
If you choose to visit Ireland during this time, you might find it a little pricier and you definitely will want to book your hotel in advance.
Alternatively, consider visiting Ireland during shoulder season (April, May, June, September or October), when prices are a bit lower and attractions a bit less crowded. The weather is still ok though (well, as “ok” as it gets in a country that’s constantly overcast).
Note that if you travel to Ireland in the winter months you may find some of the more rural attractions to be closed or have limited hours, though the major sites should all be open. For more, see Matthew’s full guide to when to visit Ireland.
#12 – Ireland Has 5 International Airports to Choose From
If you’re looking for cheap flights to Ireland, you’re probably just pricing out flights to the Dublin airport.
One of my favorite hacks is to be sure to also look at flights from the island’s other international airports: Cork Airport, Shannon Airport, Knock Airport, and Belfast Airport.
Sure, there are loads more flights to Dublin, but some of the alternative airports also run direct routes to the United States, so it’s worth at least checking!
#13 – You Can Travel Ireland Even on a Budget
Sure, Ireland isn’t the cheapest place to travel in the world. But, as destinations in Europe go, Ireland is surprisingly manageable for budget travelers.
Here are some practical ways to save money:
- ☘️ Spend Time Outside Dublin – Dublin is significantly more expensive than the rest of Ireland, particularly when it comes to accommodation. You can save money by planning to spend more of your itinerary in Ireland’s smaller counties and towns.
- 🛏️ Stay in Hostels – Ireland has a pretty healthy backpacking circuit, plus lots of students studying abroad, so that means that most of the major cities have hostels and budget inns that cater to the shoestring budget crowd.
- 🚍 Take Public Transport – Ireland has a pretty great bus system.
- 🍽️ Cook Your Own Food – It helps if your apartment or hotel has a kitchen, but even just using a kettle to make a couple ramen lunches can save money.
- ✨ Join a Work / Accommodation Exchange – You can find many opportunities to exchange volunteer work for accommodation on a platform like Worldpackers.
#14 – Consider Travel Insurance Covering Ireland
Traveling was fraught with risk even before the global health crisis, but these days you really don’t want to take any chances.
While travel to Ireland is very safe, and crime rates are quite low, you never know what might happen in a foreign country. That’s why I personally chose to get Ireland travel insurance.
#15 – Ireland Drives on the Left Hand Side!
Remember Ireland drives on the left side of the road in Ireland (both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland). It’ll require an adjustment if you’re used to driving on the right, but you can totally handle it.
16 – And Look to Your RIGHT When Crossing as a Pedestrian
As a corollary to our previous tip, crossing the street in Ireland means turning your head to look to the right.
If you’re visiting Ireland from the USA or another right-side driving country, you might be instinctively used to looking left, so this is one of those things you’ll have to remind yourself of for safety’s sake!
#17 – English is Not the Only Language in Ireland
No, don’t worry: you’ll be able to get by just fine with your English while traveling to Ireland. Ireland is actually a predominantly English-speaking island (although I’ll admit I’ve often had to strain to understand the Irish accent).
But you should be aware that in the Republic of Ireland both English and Gaelic are considered official languages under the Irish Constitution. So don’t be surprised to find signs on roads or in shops that are in both English and Gaelic!
Want More Tips? Listen to My Podcast Episode on Visiting Ireland
Looking for more on Ireland? Travel Lemming Editor Abigail recently visited Ireland for 10 days. She sat down with me on Episode 3 of the Travel Lemming Podcast to talk about all things Ireland – from what she thought was an overrated attraction, to hidden gems, what it was like to rent a car, and more.
Watch the interview below on YouTube, or listen to it on Spotify or Apple Podcasts:
Give it a listen! And if you like the podcast, please subscribe and give us a 5-star rating. It’s a great way to support Travel Lemming and help other travelers like you find us!
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Now you’re ready for your trip to Ireland. Let me know if you have questions in the comments.
Ireland is an incredible, gorgeous country, and I hope you have as much fun there as I did.
Oh, and before you go to Ireland for the first time, be sure to read my Itinerary Guide to Ireland in 7 Days! It’s packed with a detailed itinerary you can totally feel free to steal!
Mostly on point.
However one week is not enough time in Ireland. 2 weeks is a minimum.
The other 4 airports are minor airports with little cross Atlantic travel. Its pretty much Dublin airport unless taking a short hop.
Its not Northern Ireland. Its North Ireland. There is no border and most Irish people resent the partition so be careful what you say. 10% in a restaurant is generous 15% is excessive. Servers are paid a real wage and do not rely on tips.
Thanks for sharing Anthony!
Hi Nate,
My friend and I are travelling to Dublin in August. We’re looking forward to visiting The cliffs of Moher. Question is, do you suggest renting a car and driving there and what else would you recommend along the way or which routes to take back and forth.
Hi Robert –
Yes, renting a car in Ireland is a great way to get around. I talk about it with Abigail in this podcast episode (around min 37), and we’ve got a guide to renting a car in Dublin.
As for where to go, check out my Ireland itinerary planner.
Hope that helps and thank you for reading Travel Lemming!
-Nate
Hi Nate,
Traveling to Ireland in June. We arrive in Dublin from USA at 7:45AM. We will have 1 checked bag each. We need to head straight to Kerry. Ryan Air has a flight at 10:45AM. Is that enough time to clear Customs, retrieve and recheck bags and make the Ryan Air Flight? Thanks for your advice.
3 hours is generally enough to make a connection, but the bigger issue is if your inbound flight is delayed. It’s a risk for sure, so up to you if it’s worth it. Worse case scenario, you’d need to find an alternate flight or mode of transport.
Hi Nate, your tips are wonderful and I certainly took notes! We are visiting for my daughter’s wedding at Waterford Castle in July. Are you familiar with that area or the surrounding areas. Any input would be appreciated! If guests do not rent a car to get from Dublin to the Island, do you know of other ways to get there? Thanks in advance!
Cathy
Hi Cathy – I have not been to Waterford yet, but come back and let us know how it is after your trip to Ireland! In terms of transport, the same coach that goes from Dublin to Cork stops over in Waterford. You can check timetables here. It should also be possible to take Irish Rail from Dublin. Hope that helps!
Oh my gosh, thank you. That link is very helpful. I am trying to gather options for all the American guests on how to get from Dublin to Waterford and I had not seen that bus. 🙂
Hello Nate! Thank you for all of this awesome travel information! My husband and I are finally making it over to Ireland. We got married on Leap Day 2020 and then covid hit and we couldn’t take our honeymoon to Ireland, so we decided for our “first real anniversary” we would go. We will be going at the tail end of February thru March for 11 days, 10 due to travel. We intend to rent a car and see the country on our own timeline. How realistic is it to do Dublin/Cork/Killarney/Galway AND to pop up to see the Giant’s Causeway? If it’s too much, it’s too much but man I’d love to be able to see them and possibly the northern lights. Thank you for any input!
Hi Maegan! That itinerary sounds doable as long as you are comfortable with a faster pace of travel. However, the Giants Causeway part is definitely going to add quite a bit of road time to the journey. Personally, I would cut that part as I appreciate slightly slower travel these days. But it’s definitely still manageable as long as you are ok with the fact you will be in the car frequently. Ireland is beautiful to explore from a car, though!
Hello Nate,
My husband and I are in our 70’s and would rather take an organized tour. I was told to do a CIE tour but others have recommended My Ireland tours. If you have any recommendations it would be appreciated.
We want to do a two week tour so we can take in Belfast too.
Hi Cheryl! Organized tours are very popular in Ireland, but I don’t have any specific knowledge of the tour companies you mention. Perhaps a reader will chime in. I hope you enjoy Ireland!
We are going to Ireland for the 4th time and your suggestions have still been very helpful.
My advice to others is to get out of Dublin and stay in smaller towns. Bed and Breakfasts are great since owners give you lots of great advice. Go to pubs and sit at the bar to enjoy great local conversation. Often you can enjoy wonderful Irish music played by locals in the pubs. Roads ARE narrow so take your time. Visiting the Cliffs of Mohr at sunset is also beautiful and less congested.Cead Mile Falte!
Thank you for sharing Andrea! I hope you enjoy your return trip to Ireland!
Hi Nate,
We are doing a CIE tour of southern Ireland starting and ending in Dublin. Then we will be on our own for a few days in Belfast hoping to do the Titanic museum, Giant’s Causway, and the Peace Wall. We’ll use the train from Dublin to Belfast and back. Can you recommend hotels in Belfast near the train station? There are 10 of us. We also are looking for a hotel in Dublin near the train station which provides a shuttle to the airport.
Hi Pam – I don’t have any specific recs near the Belfast train station, but maybe a reader does!
Hello Nate-
My wife and I are planning a 6 day trip in Mid-May. We will be flying into Dublin and basing our stay in the Wexford region.
We adopting a dog from a breeder there who has been very kind and accommodating to us. What suggestions do you have for day trips and sights in that area?
We are told that the beaches are beautiful.
Also, we have been offered the breeders car for our travels.
While we are both comfortable with manual transmission cars. We are curious on your thoughts of this translating to the left-side of the road.
Thanks in advance.
-Brian
Hi Brian! Sounds like a fun trip. I unfortunately do not have anything to add about the Wexford region, but maybe another reader will chime in. Regarding driving on the left, it’s a transition I’ve done many times in different countries and it is always a jarring experience but you get used to it. Just stay extra alert and remember to check yourself anytime you’re turning onto an empty road. Have fun in Ireland!
Hi Nate,
My family and I are visiting in September 2023 flying into Dubin and staying in Killarney. I want to rent a car, do I need to purchase their insurance or can I use my state farm insurance?
What’s the most economical way to rent a car in Ireland for 10 days?
Thank you in advance. 😊
Hi Patricia! Sounds like a fun trip. I would call your insurance provider and ask directly. In the past, my own insurance did not work abroad, but it’s going to depend on your specific policy. In terms of renting a car, personally I find the cheapest prices on Discover Cars, which compares various agencies.
Hi Nate,
We are going to Ireland for our anniversary in March 2023.
What do you recommend?
Check out the Wild Atlantic Way! All the isolated wild beaches and cliff walks are romantic, plus there are so many charming small towns to discover. But, really, anywhere in Ireland could be lovely! Happy anniversary!
Hello Nate,
Great information, thank you!
I’m thinking about taking my sister to Ireland in April or May 2023. We’ll fly in and out of Dublin and want to rent a car. Would like it to be a 5 or 6 day trip.
My question, I want to explore family history for a day in Cahersiveen and Valentina Isle and just not sure what the best way to do this. Will be arriving in Dublin and departing from Dublin. Any thoughts? Appreciate any information you can provide or direction.
Thank you-Michael
Hi Michael,
First, for researching ancestry in Ireland, check out this site: https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/
Second, in terms of logistics, I would suggest planning your trip around doing the Ring of Kerry. It passes through Cahersiveen and fits in perfectly in your itinerary in terms of geography and timeframe. The Ring of Kerry is ideal for 3-4 days of exploring, then you can use your remaining time to explore your ancestry and maybe do a bit of sight seeing in Dublin.
Hope you enjoy Ireland!
Nate
Hi Nate. Can you help with advise on tour companies that have good ratings? This would be for bus tours that go to Ireland and Scotland. Trying to avoid issues with poor travel guides and poor accommodations . Any advise.
Hi Sue! I have only traveled independently in Ireland, apart from some day trip tours, but maybe some readers can chime in with suggestions. I hope you love Ireland!
Hi Nate,
So glad I came across your site and found all these great tips. We are hoping to go in September 2023. I am just wondering if the early part of that month is better, or does it matter? Also, we are flying from Orlando, FL and I am curious if Dublin is the only option or if we can go into Shannon? I had a friend tell me to fly into Dublin and come back through Shannon. Also, as for currency, do you suggest doing the exchange here in the states or there? How much would you suggest having on hand for small things like tips? This is our first trip overseas and just want to be prepared. Thank you.
September is a nice month as there is less rain (not no rain, but less) in Ireland. Plus, the summer crowds have left. I don’t know that the part of the month matters. Check Cork, Shannon, and Dublin airports and just go with whatever flight is most convenient/cheapest.
In terms of money, I always use my ATM card and withdraw from ATMs. I use Charles Schwab bank, and they reimburse ATM fees and also give the interbank loan rate on money transfers, which is the best you can get. There are other banks that do the same, so you might check with yours. Alternatively, bring dollars and you can change at an exchange counter, you’ll just lose a bit in the exchange rate.
Hi Nate. Great article. As an Irish citizen, I would recommend staying as little time as possible in Dublin. The real charm of Ireland is the west coast, Kerry, Galway, Clare, Mayo, Donegal. As an Irish person I dont like Dublin and urge you all to experience the real Ireland on the West. Much nicer scenery, friendlier people, great ‘craic’, traditional music, you might see some locals speaking Irish or ‘Gaelic’.
Great tips thank you Mary!
Hi Mary,
My name is Tara and I am planning on visiting the Island either in November of 2023 or March of 2023. It’s my first visit and I really want to see some of the places that my ancestors came from. I’m a descendant of the O’Flarety’s, O’Wheeler’s, O’Terrel’s, and the Eskew’s all of Ireland. My mother’s mother’s side of the family is FULL BLOODED Irish and very proud of it.. I would like to know more about where they originated from and be able to visit those places…Do you have any recommendations for me?
Hi Nate, My friend and I are going to Dublin and Belfast in June, 2023. Does it matter which order we should see/stay the cities?
Thanks!
No it doesn’t really matter much. Visiting whichever city is best for the flight you get in and out of Ireland. Have fun!
Is there any tickets or passes I should buy prior to arriving? I’ll be there in the end of July 2022.
The main thing is to make sure you have any reservations done before you get to Ireland, as July is busy. Hotels and rental cars tend to book up. Most of the major sites, such as Cliffs of Moher, do have sufficient capacity. It might be a good idea to buy your Guinness ticket in advance though.
Hi Nate! I just stumbled onto your blog as I looked for tips for our upcoming trip. We are hoping to go in August or September. Is there a difference in temperature during those two months? I’m from Alabama, so I’m used to heat and rain, but I’m hoping for some warm not very hot temps. Fingers crossed! We are planning to rent a car and see where the road leads us. Any tips on packing? I have heard that the cars are tiny, so is it best to pack in a carry on? Thanks for your great info.
Hey Priscilla! I think you’re going to love Ireland, although fair warning that it may not be quite as warm as you want (though it will depend and you might get lucky). Get ready for rain more than anything else!
And while the cars are tiny, unless you are a family, I think you’re going to be fine with a normal size suitcase. For packing, just be sure to bring gear for the rain (umbrella, rain jacket, some good waterproof shoes). Otherwise just good layered clothing and you should be fine!
Have a great trip and please do let me know if there is anything I can help with!
Nate
Hello Nate. I will be traveling to Ireland in July 2018. Where would you suggest I start my tour. Will be hiring a car at the Dublin airport . Need to make accommodation reservations. This is my 1st visit. So don’t know much about the different cities and places. Will be there for 8 Days And would like to visit as many places as possible
Hi Tweedy,
Where will you be coming from? If you’ve got a car already, and you’re not coming off some long flight that will make you tired, I’d say it makes sense to head straight west and then loop back to Dublin at the end of your trip. So that means you could start in Cork, Killarney, or Galway depending on what you’re looking to see.
-Nate