Ireland Travel Guide: Essential Tips Before You Go

Tralee, Ireland

• Best Time to Visit: Ireland's weather is famously unpredictable, so locals and travelers often debate the ideal time. For the most pleasant weather and longest days, aim for May through July—though expect higher prices. July and August draw crowds, leading to long lines at attractions and peak hotel rates. Shoulder seasons (March-April and September-November) offer better deals. Winter (post-Christmas) brings bargains for those prepared for cooler temps and shorter days.

• Recommended Length of Stay: For trips under a week, focus on your priorities—historic cities, museums, countryside, or a mix. Trying to do it all risks exhaustion from travel time. Allocate about two days per major city to explore key sites comfortably.

• Ideal Traveler Types:
  • Architecture & Design
  • Arts & Culture
  • Culinary
  • Escorted Tours
  • Family
  • Golf
  • LGBT
  • Luxury
  • Nature
  • Nightlife
  • Romance
  • Singles
  • Spa

• Visa Requirements: As an EU member, Ireland offers visa-free entry for U.S. citizens with a valid passport for stays up to three months.

• Major Airlines and Airports: Direct flights from the U.S., Europe, and Britain land at Dublin Airport, the main hub. Regional options include Shannon, Cork, Knock, and Belfast.

• Belfast vs. Dublin Arrival: East Coast U.S. travelers should consider Belfast for potential savings via low-cost carriers serving this smaller airport.

• Getting Around Ireland:
  • City Public Transport: Dublin's system is user-friendly, and Irish locals are famously helpful with directions.
  • Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus: In Dublin, grab a 2-day ticket (~€12) for a double-decker tour covering 20+ sites, with buses every 15 minutes.
  • Train Travel: Irish Rail (irishrail.ie) connects Dublin to Cork, Galway, and more, often hourly. Book online for reserved seats or use open returns for flexibility.
  • Driving: Narrow roads, hairpin turns, left-side driving, and poor lighting challenge newcomers. Use a GPS, and consider avoiding night drives to maximize daylight exploring.

• Currency: Euro (€) is used nationwide.

• Calling Code: +353.

• Taxes: VAT ranges from 9%-23% (rates as of 2014; check current). Tourists can claim refunds at airports—keep receipts.

• Tipping: 10% for meals and services is standard and optional.

• Internet Access: Reliable Wi-Fi in mid-to-large hotels; internet cafés abound. McDonald's offers free access as a backup.