Ireland is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations for a reason. And, while it is a relatively easy place to visit, there are still a few Ireland travel tips that you should know before visiting Ireland!
I’m a full time traveler who has been to over 70 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 traveling to Ireland.
Hopefully these tips for visiting Ireland will help you to make the most out of your Irish trip!
10 Ireland Travel Tips to Know Before Visiting
Tip 1 Be Prepared for Every Season In the Same Day!
My hair doesn’t normally look this good – that’s just the crazy weather in Ireland Ireland is famous for its damp but unpredictable climate. It can be bright and sunny one minute, and windy and rainy the next. So be sure to pack for multiple climates, wear layers, and to always keep a raincoat or a travel umbrella nearby.
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!
Tip 2 Know the Difference Between Ireland and Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is the one in the north Ireland is the name of Europe’s second populous island, and it is home to both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The latter is much smaller and, depending upon who you ask, Northern Island has been described as either a country or province.
The important thing to remember is that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, which means that you’ll have to cross a border to get there from the Republic of Ireland.
Tip #3 – You May Need Euros and Pounds
Ok, so we just went over how the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are in separate countries. So this next Ireland travel tip logically flows from that: the two use different currencies!
Northern Ireland uses the Pound sterling, while the Republic of Ireland uses the Euro. Fortunately, ATMs and currency exchanges are widely available on both sides of the border – and credit cards are pretty widely accepted to boot – so currency should be a pretty frictionless experience for most travelers.
Tip #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 tour companies willing to shuttle you around to the country’s many sites. So, renting a car in Ireland isn’t mandatory to have a good trip to Ireland.
But the best parts of your trip to Ireland 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!
If you need a car rental, I suggest using Discover Cars. It’s like a search engine that pulls quotes from many different rental agencies, and lets you compare prices and customer reviews of those agencies.
Tip #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!
Tip #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, if asked for tips for traveling to Ireland, 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 from Dublin, 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, check out our guide on what to see in Ireland in 7 days.
Tip #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!
Tip #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!
Tip #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, and you should definitely visit on your first time visiting Ireland. 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!
Tip #10 – Tip 10-15% in Irish Restaurants and Pubs
If you forget cash, most places in Ireland do accept credit card! 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.