Ireland, the home of Guinness, ancient castles, the Blarney Stone, and the Cliffs of Moher, is a popular tourist destination. The country, also frequently called the Emerald Isle, is renowned for its beauty, friendly locals, and pub scene. If you plan to visit, here are eleven things to know or consider before you arrive. They’ll make your trip more enjoyable and may even help save you some money.
1. Give Yourself at Least a Week There
Ireland has numerous attractions you’ll want to see during your travels, and it’s generally held that spending seven days there will give you time to see all the main sights. If you’d like to get a more in-depth understanding of the country and its way of life, you may want to give yourself a few more days to take your time with sightseeing.
2. Consider Visiting Off-Season
The busiest tourist season in Ireland is from June to September, which means popular sites will be inundated with tourists eager to see the vistas and get photos. As a result, prices also tend to go up. To avoid this and gain easier access to popular tourist attractions, consider going in the off-season. The months of April, May, and October particularly tend to offer decent weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices, saving you time and money that you can put towards more travel, hobbies, or even trying your luck at some of the casinos recommended by bonusfinder.ie.
3. Plan for All Types of Weather
Ireland has a reputation for delivering all types of weather within a single 24-hour period, meaning in your time there, you’ll likely encounter warm, sunny periods, overcast skies, intense winds, and rain. As a result, you’ll want to pack plenty of layerable and water-resistant or repellent items.
4. Rent a Car to See the Countryside
One of the best ways to see the Irish countryside is from the comfort of a vehicle, which means you may want to rent a car when you arrive. You’ll also want to be sure that you familiarise yourself with the country’s road rules so you know what to expect and how to safely navigate the winding, narrow roadways. You will also want to check to see if your license can be used in Ireland.
5. Rent a Bike
If you love to cycle, biking in Ireland will be well worth renting a bicycle. Much like driving, it allows you to explore the picturesque countryside on your own terms and schedule. The country has dedicated cycling paths, called Greenways, that guide you through the stunning landscape and connect you to different counties and regions. Many bike rentals allow you to start in one place and return the bike to another location, allowing for greater flexibility and more options for shaping your biking tour.
6. Bring Comfortable Walking Shoes
While you may rent a car or bike to sightsee in general, you’ll likely want to get out of the car or off your bike and walk through the stunning scenery and city streets. To ensure you can walk to your heart’s content, bring comfortable and practical walking shoes — ideally ones that are waterproof, since, as noted above, the weather can be quite variable.
7. Get to Sites Early in the Day
Getting to popular tourist sites early in the day can be a great way to beat the crowds and enjoy everything the site offers in much less time. Check the opening times for top attractions on your itinerary and try to be there right at opening.
8. Book in Advance
If you’re looking to save money and ensure you can get into certain sites, tours, or other attractions, it’s advisable to book in advance. Booking ahead often gets you a discounted rate, and for first-come, first-serve attractions, you’re guaranteed a place if you’ve paid in advance.
9. Be Considerate of Local Tipping Etiquette
Tipping etiquette can vary significantly from country to country, and in Ireland, tipping isn’t as commonplace as it is in places like the United States. That said, tipping 10% to 15% is customary for sit-down restaurants or anywhere with table service. If you’re going on a tour, tipping the standard 10% to 15% is also recommended.
At pubs, tipping is unnecessary, though it is recommended if the bartender brings a drink to you (even if table service isn’t the norm for the venue) or if you were impressed with the service. Also, check if a tip or service charge is already included in your bill, as some places will add this by default (particularly if you’re part of a large group).
Keep in mind that credit card tipping may not be available everywhere, so having cash on hand is generally a good idea.
10. Know the Difference Between the Republic of Ireland & Northern Ireland
Ireland typically refers to the island in Europe, so it’s easy for outsiders to assume it’s a single country. However, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are distinct states. For tourists planning to see both, have your passport ready at the border and the appropriate currency for each. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, where the currency is the pound (the same as the rest of the UK), while the Republic of Ireland uses the euro.
11. Keep Your Receipts
If you’re from an area outside of the EU and have used a credit card to make purchases while touring through Ireland, hold on to your receipts until you depart the country. When leaving Ireland, you can claim your purchases at customs for a refund on the value-added tax (VAT) applied to most products or goods in the EU.
Conclusion
With this knowledge in hand, you’re well on your way to a beautiful Irish holiday you’ll be talking about for years to come!
