Ireland: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

Ireland: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

About Ireland

Overview

An abundance of green landscapes, a proud literary heritage, and a passion for sport might come to mind. But that’s not all. There’s nowhere quite like the Emerald Isle, and when you visit Ireland, you’ll discover its many charms and secrets for yourself.

 

Disclaimer: Space is a precious commodity in Europe, especially in its most dense cities, be prepared for smaller hotel rooms. The same goes for bathrooms and elevators, don’t be surprised if they feel cozier than those in the US.

 

Capital City:  Republic of Ireland: Dublin.  Northern Ireland: Belfast

Area: 32,595 sq mi

Currency: Republic of Ireland: Euro. Northern Ireland: British Pound Sterling

Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

Emergency Number: 999

Outlet: Type G

Temple-Bar-Dublin
Jamison Casks Dublin

Packing List

Ballycarbery-Castle-Co-Kerry

Weather

DUBLIN WEATHER

GALWAY WEATHER

Fun Facts

  • Ireland is split into two: the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The latter is part of the United Kingdom, along with Scotland, England and Wales.
  • The spooky autumn festival of Halloween is originally an Irish celebration. The holiday comes from a Celtic tradition: Samhain. Originally, large bonfires were lit during this festival to chase away evil spirits.
  • Dublin was founded in the ninth century as a strategic settlement by the Vikings. They plundered the coastal towns in the area and then returned with their longships to their camp, which was probably exactly where Dublin Castle now stands.
  • St Patrick wasn’t Irish. He was a regular Romano-British person kidnapped and sold into slavery by Irish raiders at age 16. At some point, he escaped and returned as a missionary to convert the Celtic polytheists of Ireland. 
  • More Irish people live outside of Ireland than in Ireland. From around 1700, between nine and ten million Irish-born people emigrated. That’s way more than Ireland’s highest population of 8.4 million during the 1840s.

Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

Guides USD $7-10 per person/per day
Drivers USD $1-2 per person/per day
Restaurants(full service)  10-20% of the total bill

 

FAQ

Where can I find information on travel safety? Check out the US Department of State's website for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.

 

Do you recommend travel insurance? While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, worldnomads.com or from a provider of your choice.

 

Is the water safe to drink? Yes, the water throughout Ireland is safe to drink.

 

Do I need a Visa? For Visa information, click here. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

What about vaccines? For vaccination information, click here.   

 

How much should I pack? As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

 

What does public transportation look like?  Bus transport is the main form of public transport and is common in all cities. The cities of Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Derry, Limerick and Galway all have their own suburban rail networks, although Dublin is the only to have its own tram line. Dublin Airport (airport code DUB) is located 6 miles from the city center and taxis can be found outside the terminal. The journey time is approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take bus 16 or 700 which takes about 45 min.


Is Uber or Lyft available? Uber exists in Ireland but it is not normal Uber. Ireland has prohibited Uber from hiring private cars and only allows licensed taxi and limousine drivers to operate. So, when you order a car from Uber you will simply be hiring a taxi pick-up.

 

What about Wifi? You should have very good access while in cities and towns. In parks or rural areas, reception can be spotty.

Luggage Restrictions

Luggage Restrictions purple
Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1

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