10 Useful Tips If Planning a Trip to Ireland
Globalization and affordable flights have made Ireland one of the world’s top travel destinations. The low-lying mountains, vast sandy beaches and rugged cliffs will thrill and awe any nature lover.
The country has a unique mix of culture and custom with lively cities like Dublin where you can party hard after enjoying a hike in the Wicklow Mountains or a trip to the Mourne Mountains which served as the inspiration for C.S. Lewis’s Narnia.
If you are thinking of going to Ireland, we have some useful tips that will help you on your way.
1. Plan your Time Wisely
Unless you are taking several months off from your job it is not possible to tour Ireland completely in one trip. It’s a small country but has so much to offer that it makes no sense to rush.
Experience the old charm, architecture and vibrant culture of cities like Dublin, Cork and Galway. Or travel the Wild Atlantic Way experiencing all that the west has to offer. Before you travel chose a region or two and tour them comprehensively.
2. Brush up on your Research Habits
It doesn’t hurt to spend a little time and find out all you need to know about your destination- accommodation options, places to eat, things to do and attractions to visit.
A simple Google search will furnish you with all you need to know. Failte Ireland, the Irish tourist board’s website, provides information on all that is happening in the country while also offering practical support and advice to travelers. These simple searches will ensure that you won’t be a stranger to local customs and will be able to enjoy all that Ireland has to offer.
3. Always Drive on the Left
Irish people drive on the left-hand side of the road. Always, always keep this in mind even when in Northern Ireland.
Also, note that cars in Ireland come with manual transmission so you may need some time to adjust if you drive an automatic.
4. Get Used to Public Transport
Ireland has a well-developed network of public transport connecting each part of the country through rail and road. The buses and trains are clean and efficient and form a cost-effective option of traveling for budget conscious tourists.
Dublin has its own tram system, the LUAS, and an abundance of buses and taxis, connectivity will not be a problem. All major cities enjoy good working public transport so if you find the driving and traffic customs difficult then it’s best to utilize them.
Transport for Ireland (TFI) offers an app and also has a website which allows you to plan your entire journey in Ireland and book public transport in advance.
5. Learn to Book in Advance
Although Ireland has multiple options when it comes to transport and accommodation, it always makes sense to book in advance especially during peak seasons. It’s always better to be safe than sorry whether making a hotel reservation or buying a ticket for a concert.
Book early, get assured confirmation and don’t miss out on a thing! It’s also very easy and convenient to make online reservations using websites and apps before you arrive in Ireland.
6. Make Use of Maps to Plan your Journeys
Whether you are booking public transport or planning a unique Irish road trip, it’s always best to use maps to plan your route. Traveling by road will also give you the opportunity to experience local people and culture up close and discover the natural beauty of Ireland in the best way.
You can find maps on the app and website of TFI which you can use to research and select the correct route for you, find information about bus and train travel and other details.
7. Take the Full Advantage of GPS
Today, you really don’t need to ask around and look at paper maps to find out where you are or track your route. Just use GPS and make navigation a simple and easy affair.
If you are driving, it makes sense to use GPS, it makes traveling less difficult and far less challenging. Just take out your mobile phone and use a GPS enabled map to get directions, find out distances and plan routes for your journey around Ireland. Even the TFI app features GPS tracking. GPS works great around Ireland, and with the high number of tourist landmarks out in the countryside on small and winding roads, it could be useful to use an advanced GPS bookmarking app to mark them and share where you've been with friends.
Also remember, it’s not just about tracking where you are going. When travelling Ireland don’t be limited, explore all that this wonderful country has to offer. From its wild Atlantic shores to its mystical east GPS gives travelers the confidence needed to explore and navigate. GPS devices can help you measure everything from calories burnt while climbing Croagh Patrick to distance traveled exploring the lakes of Killarney and can fit into your daily regimen easily.
8. Bring Along your Travel Adapter
Visitors coming to Ireland from countries like America, Asia or mainland Europe will need to carry their travel adapter for cameras and mobiles phones. But don’t worry if you have a forgetful nature; you can easily buy an adapter from a shop or airport as soon as you land.
9. Buy a Heritage Card
Ireland has a lot of attractions, national parks, castles, war memorials and gardens that should not be missed. Generally, you need to pay aa entrance fee but there is a way you can save big!
Get yourself a Heritage Card from the Office of Public Works for just 25 Euros and get unlimited entry to all state managed heritage sites for one full year.
10. Exchange your Currency
Ireland is a member of the Eurozone and as such uses the Euro currency, bear this in mind if travelling from the USA or Asia and remember, as part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland uses the Great British Pound.
Travelers with international bank cards won’t face any problem as they will be able to draw money from ATMs without any restrictions anywhere in the country.
Now all you have to do is dive into the land of the Cead Mile Failte.