Important things to know when planning a trip to Ireland

A complete guide to planning a trip to Ireland

Important things to know when planning a trip to Ireland is a guide for you ,no matter whether you’ve just started planning your trip, have already booked your tickets, or are just days away from leaving for Ireland, there are a lot of important things you need to know. These tips will help you prepare for the roads and weather and inspire you to enjoy Irish food and spend time in the countryside.

Travel to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland

Hope you know that, Ireland consists of two countries, Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland ,commonly known as Ireland. Here are some key points of difference and things to know if you’re visiting both part.

Currency: Northern Ireland uses the pound sterling (£), while the Republic of Ireland uses the euro (€).

Speed signs: In Northern Ireland, speed limits are in miles per hour, in the Republic of Ireland, they are in kilometers per hour. This is really necessary if you rent a car because the speedometer will not change automatically. Correct?

Border Crossing: When you cross the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, there is no formal border crossing or additional passport stamp. You may not even notice you’ve entered another country until you see the speed limit change.

Knowing these details will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Have a great time exploring both parts of Ireland.

Renting a car in Ireland

Booking your rental

You’ll be happy to know that renting a car in Ireland is quite simple to do. If you’re from the US then you will have some extra benefits, you can rent through Enterprise using a US-based Costco membership, which gives you a great rate and an additional driver for free. Nice isn’t it? You can compare rental car prices directly on Kayak. Many US-based car rental companies do business in Ireland, along with European/Irish companies such as Irish Car Rental, Dan Dooley and Europcar.

While booking, choose between automatic and manual transmission. Manuals are generally cheaper, but if you’re not comfortable driving a manual, it’s safe to pay a bit more for an automatic. This is especially important on Ireland’s winding roads.

Pick up and drop off your rental car

The airport is the best place to pick up and drop off your rental car. After your flight, go through customs and get your luggage, then check in with your rental car company at the airport counter.

You will most likely take a shuttle bus to the main rental branch near the airport to get your car. This was the experience of flying in and out of Dublin. If you fly into and out of different airports, you may choose different pick-up and drop-off locations, but mind it for this additional charges may apply.

Getting insurance for your rental car

When I was planning my trip to Ireland, I heard I needed Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance for my rental car. Luckily, my Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card offers free CDW insurance up to $75,000 in many countries, including Ireland and Northern Ireland. A week before my trip, I called Chase and received a letter confirming my coverage. They emailed it to me within minutes.

At the enterprise rental counter, I thought I’d have to argue the CDW coverage. But it was easy. I declined CDW insurance from Enterprise and offered to show me the letter from Chase. They didn’t even ask to see.

If your credit card does not offer CDW insurance, we recommend paying the additional cost for it. Without insurance, you may have to pay huge fees if something happens. Remember, credit card CDW insurance only covers the vehicle you drive. If you hit another car, you will have to pay for its damages out of your pocket. You can get additional coverage to avoid this.

Pick up your rental car

Before you drive, take photos and videos of your car from all angles. Note any scratches or dents and tell the rental company. This will protect you in case of any issues later regarding the condition of the vehicle.

Also, check basic maintenance items like windshield washer fluid and tire pressure. A few minutes after we started driving our car warning light came on. Checking these things first can save you time later.

My cost for 7 days car rental

I rented my car through Enterprise using my Costco membership. I chose an automatic compact car, a diesel Skoda Superb The price of the car was €63.81. Including taxes and fees of €22.37, the total price for seven days was €86.18 ($106.14).

Driving in Ireland

When planning a trip to Ireland, I had many questions about driving. This was the scariest part of my travel plans. However, driving is a great way to explore more places on your Ireland itinerary.

Let’s start with some important information about driving in Ireland. Before my trip, I prepared for the worst. I imagined narrow, one-lane roads over steep hills with steep drop-offs. Honestly, this is not far from the truth. But with these tips, you can drive more comfortably.

Drive on the left

If you come from a country where you drive on the right side of the road, such as the United States, remember to drive on the left in Ireland. The steering wheel is on the right side of the car, which may seem odd at first time. Ireland has many single and double roundabouts (traffic circles) that run counter-clockwise. When you enter a roundabout, keep to your left.

Use Google Maps for directions

I found Google Maps very helpful for getting around Ireland, but you still need to pay attention. I always had a driver and a navigator. The navigator had to watch the directions closely because sometimes the GPS didn’t tell me which way to go at a fork in the road. If you look at the map you will see which way to go. It’s also a good idea to download the offline version of Google Maps for Ireland before you go. This helps if you don’t have WiFi or cell service while driving.

Be familiar with the road signs

Some things were confusing for me. Here, many road signs in Ireland are similar to those in the United States, but some are different. Look for the blue circular symbol with the white arrow. These signs help keep you on the right side of the road. Speed limits are shown in circular signs with a red border and a number in km/h

One of the most frustrating things for me is the lack of signs on the small back roads. Sometimes it is difficult to tell whether a road is one-way or two-way because the road line looks the same on both sides. In the US, white and yellow lines are usually used to indicate the direction of traffic, but in Ireland this is not always the case.

Know your fuel

Most cars in Ireland use diesel, but some may require regular petrol. Your rental car generally has a sticker near the gas cap that shows what type of fuel it needs. When you need to fill up, you can find service stations like Applegreen, Topaz, Texaco and Maxol

At service stations, this is normally self-service. Pull up to the pump, check if you need petrol or diesel, and grab the right nozzle. Start fueling without needing to use your credit card or pre-pay first, which is different from how it works in the US.

When you’re done, put the nozzle back and note your pump number. Go inside and tell the cashier your pump number to pay. Remember, fuel prices are per liter, not per gallon like in the US

At the time of my trip, diesel was around €1.23 to €1.28 per litre. Our diesel car gets about 56 MPG, so we don’t need to refuel as often, saving us time and money.

Our total fuel cost for 7 days of driving across the country was €104.35 ($128.33).

Understand tolls and avoid fines!

When you drive through tolls in Ireland, you must need cash or coins. Some toll booths are attended, some are automated and must require accurate change, and some may offer change. Check the signs before entering the toll booth to know what to do.

Some toll roads take a photo of your vehicle and license plate without your knowledge. The M50 does this around Dublin. If you want to save money, take another approach, that is, set your GPS to avoid toll roads, but I use toll roads around Dublin to save time.

Avoid driving in major cities, especially Dublin

Driving in the countryside means dealing with narrow, winding roads. In cities, traffic jams can be a terrifying experience. In Cork, it took me a long time to find parking and get around because of all the cars and pedestrians.

City driving means dealing with poorly marked one-lane or one-way streets, especially during rush hour. Sometimes I have to drive past other cars on narrow roads or over bridges. A few times, we had to back up to find a place for oncoming traffic to pass.

Traffic in Dublin is even worse. I chose to take the bus instead of driving and it was well worth it.

Expect schedule changes – anything goes

It is true, driving in Ireland can be a bit unpredictable and sometimes uncomfortable. You may see sheep or cattle on the road, and they may decide to hang out there for a while.

The road can be narrow, really narrow even. You may have to drive off the shoulder to pass someone. And since it rains a lot, watch out for roads, potholes and muddy water, especially in the countryside.

Give yourself some time to get used to it and don’t worry about taking it slow on roads that make you nervous. We noticed that slower cars often pulled over to let others pass, on highways or country roads.

The good news is, driving on divided highways is pretty straightforward, especially in the beginning. This is a good way to drive on the opposite side of the road. By the end of our week-long trip, I felt much more comfortable driving and wasn’t too stressed about it when I headed off to my next destination.

Tour Ireland without a car

If driving isn’t your thing and you prefer a more relaxed tour of Ireland, consider taking a tour bus. These buses offer scheduled tours around the countryside and cities with a variety of themed tours to complete your Irish adventure.

Accommodation in Ireland

When planning your trip to Ireland, you have plenty of accommodation options to choose from, from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels and even castles!

Airbnb in Ireland

During my travels, I stayed at a lot of local Airbnbs, and these were not only budget-friendly, but also really fun. I got to chat with my hosts, who gave me great tips on things to do in the area. Also, I had breakfast every morning and had my own private space.

Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts in Ireland

Hotels in Ireland are like any other, with all the comforts you need for a comfortable stay You’ll find everything from shampoo to snacks and plenty of space in the room. Bed and breakfasts, on the other hand, are more homey, with a delicious breakfast waiting for you each morning.

Castles of Ireland

For a truly unique experience, why not stay in a castle? Many of Ireland’s castles have been converted into fancy hotels, while others offer a more intimate bed and breakfast experience. You can even rent an entire castle for yourself.

Weather in Ireland

The weather in Ireland can be really tough – it’s something that everyone from tourists to locals talk about. They often say, “You can live all four seasons in just one day,” and we totally agree!

Ireland’s weather is mostly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, which keeps things pretty mild throughout the year. So, when you’re planning a trip here, it’s wise to dress in layers and be prepared for some fluctuations in temperature.

Winter (December-February)

In winter, temperatures typically hover around 4–6°C (39–43°F). Snow is not very common, but I heard that there was quite a bit in the winter of 2017-2018. Even without snow, wind and rain can make it feel extra cold, so bring a warm coat, hat and gloves.

Spring (March-May)

In spring, temperatures range from 8–12°C (46–54°F). I visited in late March and found that the mornings and evenings were quite chilly. During the day, a medium-weight coat and a waterproof jacket were essential to still stay warm and dry.

Summer (June-August)

Summer is the warmest time to visit, with temperatures ranging from 16-20°C (61-68°F). Fun fact: In July and August, it stays light until really late, sometimes after 11pm. Even though it’s warm, you’ll still want to pack a light rain jacket for those occasional showers.

Autumn (September-November)

Autumn in Ireland is stunning, with temperatures ranging from 14-18°C (57-64°F). But beware: Autumn brings heavy rains and sometimes surprising cold snaps. So, be sure to bring a mid-weight waterproof jacket to stay comfortable and dry on your fall adventure.

What to Pack for Your Trip to Ireland

Another big part of getting ready for your trip is deciding what to wear. When you’re planning a trip to Ireland, what you pack depends on when you’re going because the weather doesn’t change much from season to season.

No matter the season, having good rain gear like a rain jacket, umbrella and waterproof shoes is very important. One tip I’ve found is to wear lots of layers because the weather can change quickly. Here are my packing recommendations for your trip to Ireland.

Women’s Packing List for Ireland

Clothing:

• 1 rain jacket
• 1 heavy coat/jacket (swap for a lighter one in summer)
• 1 vest
• 1 sweater/cardigan
• 2 dresses (one for afternoon tea)
• 1 pair of black tights/hose
• 2-3 pairs of pants (like black jeans, blue jeans etc.)
• 2 pairs of leggings (great for flights and layering!)
• 8 sets of underwear
• 3 pairs of woolen socks
• 1 bralette, 1 bra

Shoes:

• 1 pair of rain boots
• 1 pair of small booties
• 1 pair of casual shoes (like flats, sneakers etc.)
• 1 pair of hiking shoes

Men’s Packing List for Ireland

Clothing:

• 1 rain jacket
• 1 heavy coat/jacket (light for summer)
• 1 pullover sweatshirt
• 3 pairs of pants
• 3 long sleeve shirts
• 3 button up shirt
• 4-5 pairs of woolen socks
• 8 sets of underwear

Shoes:

• Waterproof hiking shoes
• Tennis shoes
• Casual/dress shoes

Pack other items

Basic toiletries: I pack my toiletries in a small zipper bag. Remember, all liquids should be in ziplock bags when flying to and from Ireland. You will receive one ziplock bag per person.

Disinfectant Wipes: I bring these on flights to clean tray tables, armrests, etc They also come in handy for cleaning your rental car

Body Wipes: These are similar to disposable shower wipes. They’re really refreshing after a flight or a long car ride.

Mouth tissue: Even if you are not sick, your nose may run from wind or cold.

Coin Pouch: Since you’ll be using a lot of coins, a coin purse is handy for quick access.

Power adapter: If your plugs don’t fit Irish outlets, get an adapter before you go. It allows you to charge your electronics.

Portable Battery Pack: Keep your WiFi device, cell phone and other devices charged while you’re on the go.

Car charger: If you don’t have enough adapters, charge some electronics while you’re on the road. I’ll charge my phone while driving, and by morning they’ll be fully charged.

Umbrella: It rains a lot in Ireland, so a small umbrella is a must.

1-2 small tote bags: If you plan on grocery shopping, bring your own bag. We brought two small totes that fold really small.

Dining in Ireland

Enjoying different foods is one of the best parts of traveling! So, when planning a trip to Ireland, be sure to consider some food recommendations.

Traditional Irish food includes lots of bread, cheese, potatoes, beef, lamb, seafood and hearty soups. But there is also a mix of international dishes like curry, pasta and dim sum. Irish food is famous for being hearty and delicious.

Must try food in Ireland

While you’re in Ireland, don’t forget to taste these delicious foods:

Full Irish Breakfast: This is a big breakfast with bacon, sausage, eggs, vegetables, potatoes, Irish soda bread with jam and a hot drink. It’s so filling, you may not need lunch!

Fish and Chips: You will find this classic dish everywhere. It is crispy fried fish with potato chips.

Guinness Stew: This hearty stew is made with beef, vegetables, spices and Guinness. You’ll find it in Irish pubs.

Oysters: Galway is known for its delicious oysters.

Fisherman’s Pie: This is a pie filled with fish in a creamy sauce and topped with cheese.

Soda Bread: This bread is dense and quick to make by using sodium bicarbonate instead of yeast.

Potatoes: They are in almost every Irish meal and cooked in many different ways! Try mashed potatoes with cabbage or Irish potato pancakes.

Rhubarb: It is used in many Irish desserts and drinks. We enjoyed it in tea, pies, lemonade, jam, custard and scones. Ashford Castle’s rhubarb tea was our favourite!

Don’t miss these delicious treats during your trip to Ireland.

Grocery shopping in Ireland

If you want to save time and money while in Ireland, consider shopping at local grocery stores.

What you need to know:

Bring your own bag: Don’t forget to bring your own bag for your groceries. We came up with two collapsible totes that folded into a coaster shape and they were super easy.

€1 for a shopping cart: If you need a shopping cart, you’ll need a €1 coin to unlock it. But don’t worry, you will get your coins back as soon as you return the cart.

Pay in Euros: It’s best to pay in Euros instead of your home currency to get the best exchange rate.

ID for Credit Card: Sometimes, you may be required to show your ID when paying by credit card. They just want to make sure it’s you.

These tips will make your grocery shopping experience in Ireland smooth and hassle-free.

Must take items from an Irish grocery store

When you visit an Irish grocery store, there are a few things you can’t miss:

Chocolate: Get ready to taste some amazing chocolates from brands like Cadbury and Galaxy. They are creamier and come in delicious flavors like honeycomb and salted caramel.

Tayto Crisps: These crisps are a favorite food in Ireland. They’re lower in fat than stateside chips and have a fantastic crunch Must-try flavors like salt and vinegar and smoky bacon!

Scones: Ireland’s scones are simply the best! They are buttery, thick and perfectly flaky. You will find them hungry after just one bite.

To-go food: If you’re on the go, Irish grocery stores have a wide selection of ready-to-go lunches. From made-to-order pizzas to deli sandwiches, you’ll find delicious options for just a few euros.

Be sure to check out these goodies during your trip to Ireland.

Using credit cards and cash in Ireland

When you’re preparing for your trip to Ireland, there are some money matters you’ll want to take care of:

Notify your bank: Be sure to let your bank and credit card companies know about your travel plans. This helps to avoid any problems when you are using your card abroad.

Get some Euros or Pounds: It’s a good idea to have some local currency on hand when you arrive. You can withdraw cash from ATMs, which usually have lower fees than currency exchanges. Some banks refund the ATM fee if you keep the receipt. Another option is to open a free checking account with Charles Schwab, which pays worldwide ATM fees.

Credit Card vs. Cash: Although most places in Ireland accept credit cards, there are still some spots that prefer cash or coins. When you pay, it’s best to use euros or pounds for the best conversion rate.

Taking care of these money matters before you go will help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.