If you are like many people in the U.S., Ireland is on your bucket list of travel destinations. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture and history, Ireland attracted more than 6.3 million foreign visitors last year, with more than one million of those visitors coming from the U.S.
Ireland is comprised of two separate entities, Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom, and independent southern Ireland, known as the Republic of Ireland. You can travel freely between the north and south. Since Ireland is a relatively small country, about the size of the state of Indiana, you can see a lot of the country in a relatively short time. Ireland can be a great introduction to international travel since it is relatively easy to get there, and everyone speaks English.
No matter where you choose to travel in Ireland there is something for everyone.
- Scenic rural beauty – Ireland offers picturesque villages, rugged coastlines, cliffs, beaches, and mountain ranges.
- Lively cities – larger cities feature fine dining, architecture, museums, and cultural events.
- Pubs and traditional music – whether you are in a big city or a small town, pubs are the center of social life and entertainment, with many featuring live traditional Irish music.
- Food – Ireland is known for its beef, lamb, and seafood, as well as rich dairy products such as Irish butter, the perfect topping for delicious brown breads and scones. Traditional meals include Irish stew, the full Irish breakfast, bacon and cabbage, and seafood chowder.
- Whiskey and Beer – known primarily for Guinness stout and Jameson whiskey, you will find many breweries and distilleries offering tours and tastings.
- Sports and Outdoor Adventures – Ireland is the home of Gaelic football and hurling. It is also known amongst outdoor enthusiasts for its fishing, hiking, mountain climbing, cycling, and even surfing
- Shopping – best known for its fine sweaters, tweeds and woolen goods, Ireland is also famous for crystal, pottery, and chocolates. There are many opportunities to shop at both large national stores and smaller local venues.
Search Your Irish Heritage
About thirty-four million Americans claim Irish ancestry. If you are among those traveling to Ireland in search of your ancestral roots there are several sites that can assist with your search. In Dublin you can visit the Family History Center at the EPIC Museum where a professional genealogist can help you research your family tree. You need to make an appointment in advance and there is a fee. In Belfast you can make an appointment to visit the Public Search Room at the General Register Office NI (GRONI) where you can search public records such as baptism, marriage, and death certificates
When to Travel
Peak travel season is during the summer months of June, July, and August. Less crowded times to visit are between March and May, and September to November. Since the weather is relatively mild all year around, you can visit anytime, but off season months may be cooler and rainier.
Weather
Ireland has warm summers and mild winters but the weather very changeable. No matter when you go you should dress in layers and be prepared for rain. Waterproof shoes with good traction are always a good addition to your wardrobe when visiting Ireland.
Transportation
If you are traveling in larger cities, buses and taxis are available in most places. You will find that some rural areas are not accessible unless you rent a car. In Ireland you will be driving on the left hand side of the road, which can take some getting used to. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour. Road signs are listed first in Gaelic with the English translation below.
Your US driver’s license allows you to drive in Ireland. Check with both your own auto insurance and your credit card company to see what type of insurance they offer when driving a rental car in another country. You may want to consider taking the insurance offered by the car rental company.
Many car rental places outside big cities have a very limited number of cars. If you want to be sure you can get a car you should reserve it in advance. You should specify if you want an automatic transmission and navigation system since many cars don’t come with either one. You will also find that most rental cars are very small so if you want a roomier vehicle you should request to upsize.
If you aren’t comfortable navigating Ireland on your own, many tour companies offer group tours with a variety of itineraries.
Credit Cards and Cash
Most places in Ireland will accept credit cards. Visa and Mastercard are the mostly commonly accepted, and in some places, you can use American Express. Notify your credit card company in advance and let them know you will be travelling internationally so you don’t experience any issues once you are there.
It’s a good idea to also have some cash on hand, especially if you will be traveling in more remote rural areas. The currency in Northern Ireland is the British pound. The Republic of Ireland is part of the European Union and uses the Euro. There are ATM machines in larger cities, but these can be harder to find in rural areas.
Tipping
Tipping is discretionary in Ireland. Typically, a 10% tip is added for sit down service at a table in a restaurant or pub. If you are sitting at the bar, tipping is optional. Check your tab first before you tip as in some cases it may have already been added to your bill. It’s handy to have cash available for tipping since it’s not always an option to add a tip when using your credit card.
Before You Go
A little advanced planning can ensure that your trip goes smoothly and meets all your expectations.
- You need a passport that is valid throughout the dates of your stay. It’s important to note that if you are traveling on to other countries, passport expiration rules may vary.
- If there are “must see” attractions on your itinerary you may want to consider booking your tickets in advance as these can sell out quickly, even in the off season.
- Check with your cell phone provider to ensure you will have coverage during your trip. You may need to add an international plan for the dates of your trip.
- Make sure you have enough prescription medications for the duration of your visit. It is recommended that you keep your medicines in their original labeled containers so there are no problems with customs or security at the airport.
- Check your airline for baggage requirements. Many international airlines have more stringent weight and size restrictions for both carry-ons and checked luggage than domestic airlines.
- While your health insurance may offer some coverage for health emergencies while out of the country, it’s always a good idea to buy travel insurance. Most travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellations as well as medical emergencies. Read the policy carefully to understand any coverage exclusions or limitations.
Reach Out and Connect
Many visitors say the best part of Ireland is the people. The people are very friendly, helpful, and welcoming of tourists. They enjoy conversing with visitors. Some of your most memorable experiences can come from a striking up a spontaneous conversation with your bartender or someone sitting next to you in a pub or restaurant. You never know who you will meet or what you might learn. There is no better way to mark your time in Ireland than by raising a pint of Guinness and toasting Slainte, or good health, to newly found friends.
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