From the bustling cities, to the incredible natural wonders, there’s so much to see and explore when you travel to Ireland.
In order to truly make the most of your trip, though, it’s best to be prepared. Knowing what to expect in Ireland can help you avoid some of the little stresses that go along with travel and spend more time on what you came for: life-changing experiences.
Here are some tips for making sure you’re ready for your trip to Ireland:
What do I need to know about Ireland?
Formal name: Republic of Ireland (Éire)
Capitals: Dublin
Prime Minister/Taoiseach: Leo Varadkar
Religion: Christian, Roman Catholic
Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time / Western European Time (GMT)
Currency: Euro (EUR)
What do I need to know about Irish culture?
Language: The official languages of Ireland are English and Irish (Gaeilge). You’ll be introduced to Gaelige, or Gaelic, almost as soon as you arrive — all street and road signs are in both English and Irish. While English is the primary language there are plenty of communities, called Gaeltacht, along the west coast use Gaelic as their first language. Approximately 36% of the population speaks Irish.
Etiquette: You generally won’t find etiquette in Ireland to be much different from what you experience at home. People shake hands as a greeting. Tipping in pubs and restaurants is not required as a service charge is usually applied. However, if the service was excellent, an additional tip of 10%+ is sometimes left.
Holidays: If your trip happens to fall during a holiday, this can be an excellent way to interact with locals during your free time, though it may affect business hours for shops and sites. Check out a calendar of Ireland holidays to see if any of them overlap with your trip dates.
What about health and safety?
Safety: As of this post, the U.S. State Department has listed Ireland as Level 1, the lowest level of caution. This means you should exercise “normal precautions” while traveling there. Be aware of your surroundings, and follow the advice of the State Department for all international travel.
The Irish drive on the left, so be mindful of this when you’re crossing the street. You may even see signs warning you to look right for oncoming traffic. In any case, it’s best to just look both ways.
Health: You do not need to have any vaccines to travel to Ireland, and the tap water is safe to drink.
Weather: Ireland has a temperate oceanic climate. This means it’s mainly cool and cloudy, with rainy days. Check out the weather before you go, and prepare with clothes for cool weather and rain.
Food: Traditional English food includes bread and cheese, seafood (including smoked salmon), lamb, beef, and potatoes. Ireland drinks more tea per capita than any other place in the world except for Turkey. Be sure to sit and have a cup or two, perhaps with a scone, pie, or tart.
How do I use my phone in Ireland?
International calling: The numbers to call for emergency services are 999 and 112. To call the U.S. from Ireland, dial 001 and then the number, starting with the area code. Most hotels will offer WiFi.
For information on how international calling works for your cellular provider, contact them directly.
Adaptors: You will need a power adaptor when you travel to Ireland. Buy one that’s specific to Europe, or get a universal adaptor that will work anywhere.
What do I need to get in, out, and around Ireland?
Passport and visa: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Ireland.
Customs: Don’t try to bring any raw beans, or fruits or vegetables back into the U.S.
Money: Ireland uses the Euro (Euro). Be sure to carry at least some Euro around. Other types of paper currency won’t be accepted, though credit cards from the U.S. are fine. Check with your bank to see if you’ll be charged a fee for using your card abroad, and definitely notify them of your tour dates.
Check out the exchange rate for USD to Euro before you go, and if you decide to change money, make sure the rate is favorable. Usually, the airport currency exchange will not offer you the best rate, and you are best off using a debit card at an ATM during your trip, but be aware of any international fees.
Also, be sure to check out our tips and guidelines for spending money abroad.
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