Ireland

Between quaint villages and modern cities, Ireland has it all. Some of the best places to visit include:

• Dublin – Ireland’s capital city, Dublin is likely where you’ll be starting your adventure. Top sites include the Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
• Donegle – A county (and town of the same name) in northwestern Irleand, Donegle is home to craggly cliffs, unique fiddle traditions, and the surfing capital of the country (Bundoran).
• Galway – An exciting community with great festivals, bars, and arts scene, Galway is home to a stunning countryside and a quaint downtown area.
• Ballybunion – A coastal town in County Kerry, Ballybunion is known for sprawling sand dunes, golf resorts, and great hiking areas.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Ireland is during its spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) seasons, though if you want to have an authentic Irish experience of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, then you can sneak March in.

⚠️ Safety

Ireland is a very safe country to visit. Compared to other European countries, crime is relatively low and the crime that does happen is often fueled by alcohol, so you should avoid roaming along Ireland’s streets late at night. Additionally, it is still a good idea to check the latest US State Department travel advisories for your destination.

👉 Check out our full guide to Ireland travel insurance.

👉 Tips & Things to Know

• 🧭 – The North and South are Different Countries – If you’ve looked at a map or kept up with the news over the years, then you’ll know that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, while southern Ireland is an independent country. Keep this in mind when using local currencies.
• 🚘 – Ireland Drives on the Left – Ireland drives on the left hand side of the road and passes on the right — as they do in the United Kingdom.
• 💵 – Tipping is Common – Tipping 10-15% is common in Ireland — especially at bars, restaurants, and in taxis. Sometimes a service charge will be added to your bill automatically though, so check this before you leave extra change.
• 🚌 – Book Transportation in Advance – With the exception of city buses and trains, it’s smart to book transportation in advance. Not only will this secure your spot, but you could also get big discounts.
• 💳 – Buy a Heritage Card – If you plan on doing a lot of historical siteseeing, then purchasing a Heritage Card is in your best interest. For a nominal fee, this card will give you free admission to a plethora of heritage sites.

👉 Read all of our Ireland travel tips.

🧳 What to Pack

• ☂️ – Travel Umbrella – There’s a reason Ireland is known as the ‘Emerald Isle’, and that’s because it rains… a lot. An umbrella won’t be for just in case; you’ll definitely use it.
• 👞 – Waterproof Shoes – For the same reason you’ll need an umbrella, it’s a smart idea to invest in some waterproof shoes before you go to Ireland.
• 👚 – Layers – Even in the summer, Ireland’s temperature can swing pretty dramatically. Bring layers and plan to add and subtract throughout the day.
• 🎒 – Day Bag – Even if you’re used to packing light on day trips, i’d advise to bring a slightly larger bag for Ireland. Between the umbrella and layers you’ll need it.
• 💧 – Water Bottle – The tap water in Ireland is drinkable and the country is moving towards a single-use plastic free culture. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up whenever you can.

🤓 Facts & Info

• Population – 5 million
• Capital – Dublin
• Currency – Euro ($1 = ~0.91 Euro)
• Language – English
• Plugs – Type G, 230V / 50Hz.

💵 Budgeting & Money

Credit cards are widely accepted, though some places operate on a cash-only basis.