Traveling to Ireland: Tips for Enjoying the Emerald Isle to the Fullest

Oh, the Emerald Isle, it's one trip everyone dreams of taking at least once in their lives. From the bustle of Dublin to the peace and quiet of the endless mountains on Achill Island in the west, there's no place like Ireland. Ireland is very touristy, so you won't have any trouble navigating the country. It's also relatively small; most journeys won't take you that long, as long as the traffic conditions aren't too bad. However, if you want to make the most of your trip to Ireland, there are some things you should be aware of that will help you make your vacation more enjoyable. Let's begin!

Prepare for the Weather

One thing Ireland is known for is its unpredictable weather. No matter when you visit, there's always a slight chance of rain that will come and ruin your day. Even Irish people will tell you that when temperatures get past 15°C (59°F), it's like a party in the country because it's rare that they get super hot weather. You should pack a rain jacket with you at all times when you're out and about, whether it's winter or summer. The forecast may say that it's due to be sunny for the day, but once them clouds swoop in over the Atlantic, anything is possible.

Ditch Public Transport and Hire a Car

While most major cities in Ireland are connected by public transport, if you really want to see the true beauty of the country, which lies in the countryside, you'll need to hire a car.

You'll find plenty of car hire companies at most airports, giving you the chance to pick up the vehicle when you arrive. Just beware that car rentals sell up fast in Ireland during the summer, so you'll want to book far in advance to avoid disappointment.

Don't Just Stay in Dublin

You'd be amazed at the amount of people who come to Ireland and only see Dublin. The capital is only where the trail for Ireland begins; once you head south, you can enjoy the amazing cities of Waterford and Cork. Further across the southwest, you'll come across Kerry, where the town of Killarney lies, and the highest mountain in the country, Carrauntoohil, awaits to be climbed. On your way up north, stop by Clare to see the Cliffs of Moher and have one night of partying in the traditional pubs of Galway. When you reach the top of the country, you can check out Malin Head in Donegal and learn about the troubles in Belfast.

Irish People Drive on the Left

Depending on where you're coming from, you may not be used to driving on the left-hand side of the road. In Ireland, they do, so if you're going to hire a car, you should be confident getting behind the wheel and driving this way. It's not as hard as you think; it just takes some getting used to it. Once you get out into Ireland's countryside, the driving can be a bit crazy around the small winding roads through the fields. Having some confidence driving on the left will help you deal with these situations more easily.

You Do Not Need to Understand the Irish Language to Survive

Many of the signs across Ireland are written in the Irish language (with English translation), but that doesn't mean you need to understand the language to survive. English is the spoken language in Ireland, but not many people actually speak Irish unless they go to the Gaeltacht areas in parts of the west and north. You won't have people coming up to you trying to start a conversation in Irish; it's rare.

Learn About Ireland and Northern Ireland Before You Arrive

Ireland has a tragic history with around 30 years of conflict, but things fortunately stabilized since the late 1990s, so you don't have anything to worry about as a tourist. The island of Ireland has 32 counties, but 6 of them are controlled by Great Britain; this area is called Northern Ireland. There's no physical border, so you'll just drive into this part of the island without even knowing you crossed in. When you're there, you'll notice the signs are the same as in the UK, and they also use the GBP as a form of currency, but you won't notice much difference.

You Won't Need Much Physical Cash

Debit and credit cards are accepted as a form of payment all across Ireland. Regardless of the place, it's rare that somewhere won't accept a card. If you're set on using cash, you'll find ATMs everywhere, including cities, supermarkets, and petrol stations. Try not to use any currency exchange offices, as they tend to offer the worst rates, so you'll lose out on money. Remember, Ireland uses the Euro as currency, so take note.

Tipping Isn't Necessary

Unlike the USA, you don't have to tip in Ireland, but they're well appreciated if given. Don't expect a receipt with the percentage amounts to tip or anything like that; everything is up to the consumer. When you're taking a taxi somewhere, people like to round up the fare as a thank you; it's the same if you're in a pub having a pint. Most people will tip their server if you're getting table service at a restaurant, although you don't have to.

Gear up for Your Irish Adventure With These Tips!

Ireland is one of the tourist destinations that lives up to the hype; between the people, the craic, the character of the cities, and the nature, it's an incredible experience. When you get outside of Dublin, you'll realize that there's so much more to Ireland than you thought. Seeing other parts of the country does require extra planning, but as soon as you get there, you'll be blown away by the beauty. We guarantee that if you follow these tips and use them for your preparations, you'll have an unforgettable adventure in Ireland.