Ireland, although a small nation, has had an extensive cultural impact on the world. It’s also always been a popular travel destination for good reason – the vast, verdant landscape is enough to make anyone want to book the next flight out.However, planning a trip here takes more prepwork than booking a flight and packing your bags. If you’re thinking of taking a trip to Ireland, know that the country overall is tourist-friendly. However, there are still a few things you should be aware of before your visit. To make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible, we’ve put together a list of helpful tips.
1.Pack smart
If you’re from the UK or other parts of mainland Europe, there are low-cost airlines that offer cheap fares. The major disadvantage of these is the luggage restrictions, which come with one significant drawback in and of themselves. So don’t make a mistake; double-check your luggage allowances before you fly.
The cardinal rule for any trip, but particularly one to Ireland is to pack layers. The Irish climate is notoriously fickle – sunny one minute and dark and dreary the next. In most cases (bar a few freak weather conditions like The Beast from the East), you should anticipate average temperatures with some natural light no matter where you go in Ireland.
This way, you’ll be able to take off or put on layers as the weather changes throughout the day. Check the 10-day forecast and prepare accordingly. But keep in mind that no matter what the weather prediction says, you’ll need a waterproof jacket and boots (we’re not kidding when we say you could experience all four seasons in one day!) Considerations:
2. If you want less crowds or are on budget, Travel out of the season.
The summer months are the peak season in Ireland, when the weather is warm and sunny. From about the middle of June through mid-September, Ireland – particularly the coast – may be bathed in sunlight, which might be worth considering while picking your best time to visit. If you want to lay on a beach or surf during the summer, you’ll be happy. For activities like walking or climbing, June through September is also when it’s warm and dryest.
One significant drawback to travelling during high season is that large crowds are common at major attractions. Keep in mind that lodgings cost more money when demand is higher, so try to book a room well ahead of time if possible. On the other hand, waiting until tourist numbers die down has its advantages too; you’ll have an easier time seeing everything and won’t feel as rushed.In April, May, or October for better weather with fewer people. It’s also cheaper to visit in the off season – as the crowds diminish, the hospitality sector begins competing for travelers’ attention, resulting in greater discounts and offers across the board.
Because the days are shorter in the winter, you must also think about when to visit Ireland. Our Irish road trip itineraries, for example, are designed with long summer days in mind, so if you follow one of them during the winter, you may have to skip stops along the route or drive at night.
3.Choosing a transportation option carefully.
If you’re visiting Dublin for fun, there’s probably no need to hire a vehicle unless you want to visit the more rural areas of the island. Most Ireland trips begin and end at Dublin Airport, and you can easily collect your car rental from one of NewWay’s desks in Terminals 1 or 2.
By having your own rental car, you can explore many country roads and find hidden gems that public transportation would not allow. Also, there are some places that large buses cannot go, so a rental car gives you full access to everything.
4. Don’t try to force too much into a small space.
Ireland may look small, but there is a lot to do! Make sure you have enough time at each destination, and plan your trip in advance. Make the most of your time here by using Google Maps to plan your route.
5. Discover areas beyond popular tourist traps and big cities.
Several locations in Ireland are well-known tourist destinations, such as Dublin city, the Giant’s Causeway, and the Ring of Kerry. However, many of your most exceptional recollections will come from visiting places that tourists seldom visit. So don’t be scared to get out and about in Ireland instead of sticking to the high roads.
6. If you don’t want to leave the country, you can still go on your own road trip overbooking a guided tour.
Some tours are extremely expensive, and they don’t allow you to choose when you come into the various regions. Others may not be ideal for seeing the Wild Atlantic Way or Ireland’s Ancient East. Renting a car is typically the greatest choice since it allows you to create your own itinerary.
7. Planning ahead by booking your travel online will save you a lot of headaches later.
Do you want to keep your trip as cost-effective and pleasant as possible? Make sure you book these ahead of time, especially if you’ll be traveling during the summer high season. The more time you waste, the fewer alternatives you’ll have and the more money it will cost you.
8. There is no one-size-fits all answer when it comes to tipping etiquette in Ireland.
In Ireland, leaving tips at restaurants is noticeably different than in North America.
Be sure to double check the menu before ordering to see if service is included; if it’s not, then a 10% tip would be appreciated. Contrary to popular belief, Irish restaurant workers are actually quite well paid. Tips are seen as more of a small “bonus” for either great service or simply rounding up the total bill to an even number. Additionally, we recommend that you leave your tip in cash and give it directly to your waiter/waitress rather than leaving it on the table when you leave.
Tip taxi drivers if you feel they deserve it. Although this isn’t required, you may always thank them for their excellent service by offering to pay for a drink for the employee to enjoy at a leisurely moment or at the end of their shift.
9. You’ll have no trouble at all finding free wifi.
Any EU visitors to Ireland can now “roam like at home” thanks to the abolition of roaming fees several years ago. There’s no need to worry about racking up a huge phone bill for the rest of you; Ireland is brimming with free WiFi hotspots throughout the country. Cafes, shopping malls, and pubs in particular like to give free WiFi so they may boost revenue by attracting more customers. You’ll find plenty of free WiFi hotspots in popular tourist destinations like train and bus stations, on public transport, in museums, restaurants, airports and more. If you’re planning to visit less populated areas of the island during your trip, make sure to pick up an unlocked SIM card at the SPAR store located in Dublin Airport. This way you can stay connected without incurring any roaming charges.
10. Tax-Free Shopping for Non-EU Travellers in Ireland
Goods in Ireland are subject to a 23% Value-Added Tax (VAT) surcharge. While this may appear to be a lot, for any non-EU visitors, the benefit is that they can receive a VAT refund on all purchases made during their visit. Make sure you get a detailed receipt from the store showing your name, address, and the VAT charged on the item. All you have to do when leaving the country is bring your receipts to the airport’s Customs office and have them stamped. These stamped receipts may then be sent back to the shop for a refund.
11. Northern Ireland uses a different currency than the rest of Ireland.
Although both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are part of the United Kingdom, their respective currencies are different- British Pound Sterling (£) in Northern Ireland versus Euro (€) in the Republic. If you’re planning to travel to both areas of the island, remember to bring along both types of currency, although many places near border towns accept either type.
