What You Need to Know Before Visiting Ireland (Written by a Local)

15 Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors to Ireland!

Every year over 6.4 million tourists visit Ireland – and while most of them return home with their mind full of happy memories and their cameras full of stunning photographs. But some of those travelers did hesitate about visiting Ireland.

Fair enough, for less-experienced travelers, Ireland is a long distance away, driving here can be a challenge to say the least and the weather can be all over the place. It’s a country that may speak the same language as your home country but that is otherwise very different from your home.

Anyway, as it happens, Ireland, my home country, is one of the safest and happiest places you’ll ever get to visit. It is also a mind-blowingly beautiful country with a variety of bright green landscapes, fairytale castles, and a unique culture.

And that’s why I’ve written this blog post to help you to be better prepared for your first visit to magical Ireland!

1. Embrace the weather

Ireland’s weather is famously unpredictable, a true testament to its lush greenery. Expect rain, sunshine, and wind – all potentially in one day. It really can go from sunshine to pouring rain by the time you’ve finsihed your coffee!

Packing layers is key. Bring a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes, and as for unbrellas maybe give them a skip uness you get a windproof one. Yes, sometimes the strong coastal winds make umbrellas useless; so you may have to depend on a high-quality waterproof jacket instead.

While summers are mild (averaging around 20 Celsius during the day and 13-15 Celsius in the evening), winters can be quite chilly (can reach zero in some parts in December/ January), so prepare accordingly. Also, keep in mind that it can dark as early as 4:30 pm in the winter months.

2. Navigating the roads

Driving in Ireland can be both an exhilarating and challenging experience. Roads, especially in rural areas, are narrow and winding. Remember, driving is on the left side of the road, and manual transmission cars are more common. If you’re uncomfortable with a stick shift, ensure you book an automatic car in advance.

Also, keep in mind, that when using Google Maps it will often take you the ‘quickest route’, which may equal narrow local roads. So, learn the types of roads here – an L road (e.g. L306) is a local road and these will likely be very narrow. An R road is a regional road (e.g. R426) and it will likely be single lane traffic with not many overtaking sections, they are wider than a L road, though. An N road is a national road, similar-ish to a motorway. And an M road, like the M8 is a motorway.

My top advice for renting a car in Ireland is to rent as small a car as you can manage – to deal with the narrow roads and narrow parking spots here.

3. Currency

Ireland uses the Euro (€), while Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, uses the Pound Sterling (£). Be mindful of this if your travels take you across the border.

There are 6 counties in Northern Ireland (Antrim, Armagh, Fermanagh, Derry, Down, Tyrone) the other 26 counties are in the Republic of Ireland.

Credit cards are widely accepted, but having some cash on hand is useful for smaller towns or local markets.

4. No need to take cash with you

To be honest, I wouldn’t take any euros with me to Ireland if I were you. It really is better to wait until you arrive.

And only take out cash from an ATM associated with an actual bank (AIB, TSB, Bank of Ireland, etc) or in a bank itself. As many of the ATM’s (like the ones you’ll find in a gas station will charge a service fee of a couple of euros.

Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees while you’re here, and always choose Euro when paying. Also, be sure your debit card has a tap and PIN number option.

Visa and mastercard is accepted widely, AMEX likely won’t be accepted in small stores.

5. Power plugs

Ireland uses the Type G three-pin square plug (same as the UK), meaning you’ll need an adapter for continental European or North American devices.

Ireland operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

6. Dive into the local culture

The Irish are known for their friendliness, and engaging with locals will enrich your visit. Whether you’re enjoying a pint in a pub or wandering around a farmer’s market, don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation.

The Irish sense of humour is a funny old beast, if we like you we’ll tease you (‘take the p*ss’ as some may say), so, please don’t take offence to too much here. Irish people can be very sarcastic too and overall I’d say we have a very dry sense of humour.

Music, too is a vital part of Irish culture, and traditional music sessions, or “trad sessions,” in pubs are not to be missed.

7. But, don’t be too direct

Irish people are typically very indirect and quite polite. A blunt “No” or harsh criticism can come across as rude here.

8. Ireland’s history is fascinating

Ireland’s history is rich and complex, marked by waves of invasions and cultural transformations. The earliest settlers arrived around 8000 BC, leading to the formation of Celtic society by 500 BC. The island was divided into several kingdoms, each ruled by a local king. Christianity arrived in the 5th century with figures like St. Patrick, who played a pivotal role in its spread.

Viking invasions began in the 9th century, leading to the establishment of cities like Dublin. By the 12th century, the Anglo-Norman invasion initiated centuries of English influence and control. The 17th century saw increased tensions, culminating in the Cromwellian conquest and a significant Protestant land takeover.

The 19th century was marred by the Great Famine (1845–1852), causing mass emigration and death. Nationalist movements gained momentum, leading to the Easter Rising in 1916. This resulted in the Irish War of Independence and the partition of Ireland in 1921, creating the Irish Free State and Northern Ireland.

In 1949, Ireland became a republic, leaving the British Commonwealth. The late 20th century saw the Troubles, a conflict in Northern Ireland, eventually resolved by the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

Yes, Ireland is certainly steeped in history, with its storied past reflected in its many castles, ancient ruins, and museums. The Rock of Cashel, the ancient seat of the Kings of Munster, offers a glimpse into medieval Ireland. Meanwhile, the vibrant cities of Dublin, Cork, and Galway boast a mix of historic sites and modern attractions. In Dublin, don’t miss the Book of Kells at Trinity College or Kilmainham Gaol, a poignant reminder of Ireland’s struggle for independence. And in Cork, Cork City Gaol is well-worth a visit.

9. Irish food

Irish cuisine has evolved beyond the stereotypical potatoes and stew. The farm-to-table movement has taken root, and you’ll find plenty of delicious options, from fresh seafood in coastal towns to innovative dishes in city restaurants. Don’t leave without trying traditional dishes like Irish stew, boxty, or a full Irish breakfast.

It’s also worth remembering that food service often stops by 9 pm or 10 pm, even if the pub stays open late (for drinks only).

And, of course, no visit would be complete without sampling Irish whiskey or a pint of Guinness, preferably at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.

10. Respect the environment

Ireland’s natural beauty is one of its greatest attractions, and preserving it is a shared responsibility. Respect the environment by staying on marked paths, disposing of waste properly, and being mindful of wildlife.

11. Language and etiquette

English is the predominant language, but you’ll encounter Irish (Gaeilge) in road signage and place names.

There are also a couple of Gaeltacht regions in Ireland – small areas where the locals speak Gaeilge as their first language – these include Baile Mhúirne and Cape Clear Island (Oileán Chléire) in County Cork and An Rinn (Ring in Co. Waterford) to name but a few.

When it comes to tipping, it’s customary to leave around 10-15% in restaurants if the service was good, though tipping in pubs is not expected.

12. Don’t ignore the bus driver

It’s common to say ‘hello’ when you get on board a bus and ‘thanks’ when you get off a bus. It’s a small gesture, but one that almost everyone here does.

13. Don’t skip the line

Whether you’re waiting in line for the bus, for a coffee or at the supermarket – everyone knows who’s next so please don’t jump the queue. It’s the quickest way to annoy the locals.

14. Take it slow

While Ireland is a small country, its wealth of attractions means you should plan your itinerary thoughtfully. Don’t rush from one site to the next; instead, allow yourself the time to soak it all in.

For example, if you only have two weeks here, focus on a select few places (4-5 places is enough) so that you can really experience each place. Also, keep driving times at the back of your mind at all times, if a jounrey is meant to take you an hour, more than likely it will take two – thanks to road conditions, weather and stop-offs.

15. Don’t talk about ‘The Troubles’

As a whole, Irish people don’t like talking about ‘The Troubles’ – it’s quite a devisive and confusing topic and even I, an Irish woman would struggle to explain it and explain to a stranger who I feel about it.

In case you didn’t know, “The Troubles” was a really complicated and intense period in Northern Ireland that stretched from the late ’60s until 1998, wrapping up with the Good Friday Agreement. It was mainly a political and religious conflict, with Nationalists (mostly Catholic) wanting to join the Republic of Ireland, and Unionists (mostly Protestant) wanting to stick with the UK.

The Irish Republican Army (IRA) and loyalist paramilitary groups were major players, and the whole situation led to about 3,500 deaths. The British government got involved, and issues like civil rights and long-standing historical tensions made things worse. The Good Friday Agreement was a huge step towards peace, setting up a local government for Northern Ireland and establishing ways for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, as well as Ireland and the UK, to work together.

Even though the peace process was successful, the impact of “The Troubles” is still felt in Northern Ireland today.

Even the fact that we call such a devastating time in Irish history “The Troubles” tells you how we downplay it so we don’t have to talk too much about it…if that makes sense.

Slainte!

In conclusion, if you’ve been dreaming of visiting Ireland but are feeling worried about the distance and the planning of your Irish vacation. Remember – it’s important to plan around your challenges. Take your time to make it a worthwhile vacation for your budget and interests.

You might also like to read –

Renting a Campervan in Ireland Guide

9 Fun Things To Do in Dublin with Kids

The 7 Best Airbnbs to Stay at in Dublin This Year