30 Essential Ireland Travel Tips (From an Irishman)

I have lived in Ireland my entire life – this is a collection of Ireland travel tips that thousands of visitors to Ireland have found useful!

Unfortunately, many guides online list ‘Make sure to have the craic’ as one of the main tips for traveling to Ireland which locals, like myself, will tell you is absolute nonsense.

If you have the craic, it’ll be impromptu. It won’t be planned. I find that the most useful Ireland tips are around getting around, the VAT refund for non-EU visitors and, well, you’ll see below!

Ireland travel tips for first time visitors

Below, you’ll find some handy Ireland travel tips that I put together based on the thousands of emails from tourists that I reply to each year.

I strongly believe that, if you take note of the below, you’ll place yourself in a better position to have a more enjoyable trip when visiting Ireland.

1. Don’t arrive with an unrealistic itinerary

I speak with people planning a trip to Ireland every day – the first Ireland tip that I give every single one of them is to be realistic.

Many people visiting Ireland for the first time greatly underestimate the country’s size.

The result is that they design unrealistic itineraries that have them driving morning, noon and night. If you take one tip from this guide, make sure that your Ireland itinerary is one:

• You have confidence in: Before you book flights/hotels, you need to be sure of your route
• That’s logical: It needs to follow a route that makes sense (e.g. you opt to fly into Shannon as you only plan on seeing the west)

2. Do prepare for four seasons in one day

The weather in Ireland is extremely unpredictable and if you’re thinking, ‘Sure, I’m visiting in June – I’ll just pack shorts and t-shirts – it’ll be grand’, think again.

Summer in Ireland can go from dry and toasty one minute to cold, wet and windy the next. Winter in Ireland can be chilly and stormy or mild and pleasant, depending on the year.

When you’re packing for Ireland, bring layers and waterproofs, regardless of what time of year you’re visiting. Alternatively, you can easily pick them up when you arrive!

3. Don’t assume Google’s reroutes keep you on main roads

Using the likes of Google Maps to plan your route is one of the more common tips for traveling to Ireland, but beware.

When you miss a turn and hear Google call out that it’s ‘Finding you a route of a similar length’, don’t be fooled into thinking that it’ll always be a great road to drive on.

While it’s more reliable the main towns and cities in Ireland, I’ve found that reroutes in the Irish countryside can often take you along wild and untamed roads (not always a bad thing!).

4. Do consider travelling without a car – but know the limits

Yes, getting around Ireland without a car is very possible (in fact, I have lots of Irish road trip itineraries that only use public transport).

You can easily combine buses, trains and day tours to get around Ireland, you just need to be a bit more astute with your planning.

• The advantage: It’s cheaper than renting a car
• The disadvantage: You don’t have as much flexibility
• A warning: Public transportation in Ireland is notoriously bad in places like Donegal

5. Don’t book a rental car without understanding the Ts&Cs

Few Ireland travel tips will save you time, money and ample frustration like this one. If you’ve read my guide on renting a car in Ireland, you’ll see me rant… quite a bit.

Many first time visitors to Ireland start their visit on a bad note as they arrive at the car rental counter and realise that the ‘Great deal’ they saw online was anything but.

You need to be very clear on the complex insurance options, deposits and hidden fees as these are what catch people out time and time again. 

6. Don’t underestimate Ireland’s short winter days

In recent years, I’ve found myself taking trips in Ireland between October and January, usually as this is when my job is a bit more slack.

There are advantages to this time of year (mainly when it comes to hotel prices) but the biggest disadvantage is that the days are considerably shorter.

Daylight is limited from late October to early February – in mid-winter, the sun can rise after 8:30 and set before 4:30, giving you far less time for drives, walks and scenic stops.

Many coastal routes, viewpoints and hikes aren’t worth attempting in the dark. If you’re visiting in winter, one of the most useful travel tips for Ireland is to tighten your daily plans, start early, and expect to finish activities well before sunset.

7. Do understand the differences between Ireland and Northern Ireland

One of the more confusing tips for traveling to Ireland for the first time relates to the differences between the Republic of Ireland vs Northern Ireland.

In a nutshell, the 6 counties of Northern Ireland are part of the United Kingdom. The remaining 26 are part of the Republic of Ireland.

Now, there’s no ‘hard’ border between Ireland and Northern Ireland – you can drive from one to the other without noticing.

The main thing you need to be aware of are that the currency in Ireland is Euro and the currency in Northern Ireland is Pound Sterling.

8. Do pack light layers and waterproofs year-round

The photos above are from some of my recent trips the month of July in Ireland. As you can see, my dad and I both still have light, waterproof layers on in the top left photo.

Many people visiting Ireland make the mistake of packing for the season, e.g. bringing only shorts and t-shirts during summer in Ireland.

One of the more useful what not to do in Ireland travel tips is to assume that Irish seasons act as they should. Always pack light layers that you can add or remove when needed!

9. Don’t take Irish humour too seriously

 

Irish humour is drier, sharper and more self-deprecating than many visitors expect. We tend to tease the people we like (we call it ‘slagging’), and it’s usually intended to be harmless.

What catches visitors out is that it’s often delivered quickly, with slang and an accent, which can cause confusion.

You’ll hear plenty of sarcasm, playful exaggeration and the odd insult. None of it is meant to offend. An Ireland travel tip I find myself repeating a lot is that, if something sounds confusing, assume it’s a joke.

10. Do prepare properly if you plan on driving in Ireland

Many people driving in Ireland for the first time do absolutely zero preparation in advance of arriving. Then they get here and panic.

Especially when they reach the likes of Conor Pass (a narrow mountain road on the Dingle Peninsula) or sections of the Ring of Kerry.

I’d strongly recommend taking time to understand the rules of the road in Ireland along with how to navigate roundabouts.

Yes, it’s a boring task, but it’s one you’ll thank yourself for when you get behind the wheel. Few travel tips for Ireland will help you get around with confidence like this one.

11. Don’t expect to cover ground without changing bases

In an ideal world, you’d stay in the same hotel during your trip to Ireland and never have to change, but that isn’t an option.

For those looking to cover good ground, you’ll have to move base several times in order to avoid constant backtracking.

My map above shows an example of a fast 7 day Ireland itinerary – now, you don’t have to travel so fast (that’s why I also have ‘Slow Trips’), but you should be open to changing bases.

Having multiple bases allows you to cover good ground with ease. The biggest issue is you’re constantly moving accommodation, but it’s a worthy inconvenience for many.

12. Don’t bring up politics as part of casual conversation

Many people visiting Ireland for the first time will, at some point, end up chatting to a local. And the vast majority of the time those conversations will be enjoyable for both parties.

Now, what you talk about is entirely up to you, however, I’d recommend that you avoid bringing up the likes of the Troubles. For the most part, it won’t be a welcome topic of conversation and it will, at times, stop it in its tracks.

Looking to spark an easy conversation? Talk about the weather. It’s an easy conversation starter and it’s one that most Irish people use for small talk!

13. Do consider all Irish airports when planning your route

Yep, there are several airports in Ireland that you can fly into, depending on your departure point. Now, you’ll remember that the first of our tips for traveling to Ireland was to plan your itinerary before booking anything.

One of the reasons for this is that picking what airport you fly into will have a massive effect on your itinerary.

For example, if you fly into Shannon (Clare) you’ll be finely placed to tackle the Wild Atlantic Way from the moment you leave arrivals.

If you land in Belfast, you can get onto the Antrim Coast Road in under an hour. This is another of the travel tips for Ireland I find myself repeating over and over.

14. Do choose traditional pubs over modern cafe-style bars

There’s endless pubs in Ireland, however, not all are equal. There’s traditional pubs and there are modern pubs and you’ll always, in our opinion, want to opt for traditional.

Traditional Irish pubs are ones that have stood the test of time and that boast a charm and character that you won’t encounter anywhere else in the world.

15. Don’t feel the need to tip like you’re in the States

Many guides on Ireland travel tips spread inaccurate info about tipping in Ireland, stating that it’s seen as rude if you don’t tip everyone from the bartender to the staff in your hotel.

In Ireland, aside from in places that serve you food (table service only), tipping isn’t customary. Is it appreciated? Sure! However, there isn’t a tipping culture in Ireland like there is in the USA and Canada.

Personally, I’ll tip 10% when I’ve eaten in a restaurant/pub with table service only when the service has been good.

16. Don’t assume there’s a single “best” month to visit Ireland

The trickiest part of planning a trip to Ireland is often deciding on the best time to visit Ireland – each month has its pros and cons.

Personally, I like traveling during the ‘shoulder season’ – September, October, April and May, as its quieter and you generally get better deals on accommodation and flights.

However, you need to weigh up the pros and cons and determine the best time for you:

• Example 1: If you’re on a tight budget, the winter months will be best
• Example 2: If you’re looking for the best chance of good weather, aim for June, July and August
• Example 3: If you’re looking for longish days, less crowds and mild temperatures, October is best

17. Do avoid currency exchange kiosks as they have the worst rates

This is one of the more obvious visiting Ireland travel tips – if you convert money via currency exchange providers you’ll be hit with a hefty fee.

You’re generally better off just leaving the Dollars in your bank account and then withdrawing for an ATM when you arrive (there are plenty of them).

Or, if you’re using something like a Revolut or Wise credit/debit card, they tend to get you a good rate.

18. Do carry both cash and card as some places only take one or the other

The vast majority of shops, pubs and restaurants take both cash and card, however, there are some outliers.

You’ll find that some stores in rural parts in Ireland may only take cash – this happened to me in a cafe in West Cork last summer.

You’ll also find that some stores in Dublin, in particular, will only take card.

19. Don’t forget non-EU visitors can claim VAT refunds

If you’re traveling to Ireland from a non-EU country, you’re entitled to a VAT refund on eligible purchases made during your visit.

Now, it’s worth noting that this doesn’t apply to things like hotels, food or car hire. In fact, it’s intended to only apply to items that you can carry home in your hand luggage.

In our guide to claiming a VAT refund after traveling to Ireland, you’ll find out everything you need to know.

20. Do limit the time you spend in Dublin to 2-3 days max

Although there’s plenty of things to do in Dublin, don’t spend more than 2-3 days max there (see my guides to 2 days in Dublin and 24 hours in Dublin).

Many people fly into Dublin and then spend 5 days to a week there, but it’s far too much (unless you’re doing day trips to Wicklow, Meath and Kilkenny).

When visiting Dublin it’s worth using the likes of the Dublin Pass, which will save you cash if you’re visiting the main attractions, like the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Distillery.

Related Ireland travel tips: The Heritage Card is similar to the Dublin Pass in that it’ll get you into multiple fee-paying attractions for a single fee

21. Do carry a physical copy of your passport

This is one of the more basic Ireland travel tips, and you likely won’t need to use it. However, if you ever do, you’ll thank yourself for the effort you made.

Personally, I have a digital copy of my passport stored on my phone and I have a folder with three copies of my passport that I leave in my backpack. That way, if anything were to happen, you’ll make life an awful lot easier.

22. Do make sure to dress properly for nights out

For the most part, you can head out for a night in Ireland fairly casual. I took the photo above one evening last summer, outside the Palace Bar in Dublin.

As you can see, t-shirts/polos/shirts and jeans are very common for men heading out for the evening while a top and jeans or a shirt are common amongst women.

23. Don’t assume Ireland is too expensive to do on a budget

The cost of a trip to Ireland has been going up-and-up in recent years. However, doing Ireland on a budget is still possible – it just requires a lot of advanced planning.

One of the more useful tips for traveling to Ireland on a budget is to use the likes of Skyscanner to track the price of flights. Then, when they reach a price you’re comfortable with, pounce!

You’ll also likely need to dodge some of the cities in Ireland, like Dublin, as that’s where accommodation prices have reached unreasonable levels.

24. Do look right before stepping off the footpath

If you are one of my readers from right-side-driving countries, take note; you’ll often check left first out of habit as you cross the road in Ireland.

However, please make sure to look right before stepping off the footpath – this is one of the Irish travel tips for safety that’s easy to overlook.

I see visitors in Dublin City Centre instinctively glance left, forgetting that cars in Ireland drive on the left, which means oncoming traffic approaches from the right.

Take the extra second to look right first – it’s a small adjustment that prevents a lot of close calls.

25. Don’t worry if Irish slang and humour confuse you

Irish slang words and Irish curses are part of everyday life in Ireland. The tricky thing is, however, that different parts of the country have different slang terms.

There’s obvious ones, like ‘the Craic’ (i.e. ‘fun’) but there’s less obvious terms, like referring to ‘Yer one’ and ‘Yer man’.

If you’re confused during a conversation, ask the person to clarify what it is they said – it’s rare you’ll meet someone that won’t help you understand a bit of slang.

Related read: In need of a giggle? See my guide to the best Irish jokes

26. Don’t stick solely to the main tourist trail

Go and visit the Cliffs of Moher, the Giant’s Causeway and all of the other tourist favourites (if you want to, that is) – but make a conscious effort to step off the beaten path.

It’s only when you do this that you really start to discover how mighty our little island really is.

Places like the Beara Peninsula in Cork, the North Mayo coast and the Mourne Mountains in Down tend to get left off of many Ireland itineraries.

Which is a shame. As it’s in these lesser-known/visited corners of Ireland that you’ll discover how powerful the combination of natural beauty and peace and quiet can be.

27. Do familiarise yourself with Irish laws before you arrive

Unsurprisingly enough, there are numerous laws in Ireland that you need to be aware of in advance of your visit. Now, most of them are common sense.

However, others, like the smoking ban, can catch people out.

That and the fact that there are many Irish drinking laws, from not drinking in public to the age that you can legally drink from.

Related travel tips for Ireland: I’ve published the world’s largest free collection of self guided driving tours of Ireland

28. Do keep your first and last nights near the airport

 

One of the more useful tips for traveling to Ireland for the first time is to be very careful about where you spend your first and last night.

I’d always recommend that long haul visitors stay close to where they arrive into on their first night (e.g. Limerick if you’re landing in Shannon).

It’s much more of an important Ireland tip for your return leg – visitors frequently underestimate how bad the traffic is in places like Galway and around Dublin, and they end up ending their trip on a stressful note as they rush to avoid missing their flight.

29. Don’t join a round unless you’re prepared to get one in

If you’re meeting friends of friends or if you somehow ending up drinking with a local, there’s a chance they’ll include you in a round of drinks.

Now, if you’ve had a brief chat with them and they buy you a drink and then head off to sit/stand elsewhere, say thanks and that’s that.

However, if you’re sat with them, there’s an unwritten rule that you’ll get a round in or, to use an Irish saying, it’ll be ‘your shout’.

30. Do look beyond pubs and explore Ireland’s wider culture

One of the main tips for traveling to Ireland for the first time that I pass on is to look beyond the clichés. Ireland’s culture isn’t just pubs and St. Patrick’s Day – sport, music, literature, language and storytelling are wound into Irish traditions.

If you want a genuine sense of the place, dip into the things locals actually do: watch a GAA match in Croke Park or at a small parish ground, hear live trad in places like The Cobblestone (Dublin) or Tigh Cóilí (Galway), visit the EPIC Museum or the Museum of Country Life.

You could also time your trip around famous festivals in Ireland like Puck Fair in Kerry or the Bram Stoker Festival in Dublin. If you’re curious about the stories behind the culture, dip into Irish mythology.

FAQs about tips for traveling to Ireland

I’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Do I need cash?’ to ‘What are no-go areas?’.

In the section below, I’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.