Are These 10 Ireland Travel Tips Overrated? Here’s the Truth
You’ve probably heard a lot of travel advice about Ireland—but is it actually useful? Some tips sound great in theory but don’t really hold up once you’re there. We’ve got here the list of which Ireland travel tips are worth following.
Travel Tips for Ireland
Here are the Ireland travel tips that you must know:
1. Pack for Rain, Even If the Forecast Looks Good
Ireland’s weather is all over the place. It might be sunny when you leave your hotel, and then five minutes later, you’re drenched.
Bring a light waterproof jacket and good walking shoes. Forget the umbrella—it’s just gonna flip inside out.
2. Drive on the Left and Expect Tiny Roads
If you’re renting a car, remember they drive on the left (which feels weird at first). Roads can be super narrow, especially in the countryside, and locals drive them like they were born doing it (because they were).
Also, if you can drive a manual, it’s way cheaper than renting an automatic.
3. Buy a Round in the Pub or Get Side-Eyed
Irish pub culture is serious business. If someone buys you a drink, you have to buy them one back. It’s called the rounds system, and it’s how things work.
Also, don’t order an “Irish Car Bomb” (it’s offensive). We recommend you go with a Guinness and call it a day.
4. Get Out of Dublin and See the Real Ireland
Dublin’s great, but Ireland is so much more than one city. Galway has live music and a fun vibe, Burren is so breathtaking, and the Cliffs of Moher are amazing.
If you want to see the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and Galway City all in one trip, a guided day tour from Dublin is the perfect way to do it.
If you have time, rent a car and check out the smaller towns (you won’t regret it).
5. Don’t Rely on Public Transport for the Countryside
In Dublin, you can get around fine with buses, trams, and walking. But if you’re planning to see the countryside, don’t expect buses or trains to take you everywhere.
Renting a car is by far the best way to go (just be ready for a traffic jam caused by sheep). Book a rental car now and make the most of your trip.
6. Tipping Isn’t a Huge Thing, But Here’s When to Do It
You don’t need to tip at the bar, but if you’re in a restaurant with table service, leaving 10% is nice. Just check if you can add a tip to your card, as some places only take cash for it.
7. Visit Between May and September for the Best Weather
If you want the best shot at good weather, we recommend visiting from May to September. June, July, and August are peak seasons (which means crowds and higher prices), but the trade-off is longer days and better chances of sunshine.
Spring and fall are solid, too. But winter is cold and dark, and a lot of attractions close.
8. Learn These Irish Phrases to Blend In (Sort Of)
Everyone speaks English, but you’ll hear a lot of Irish (Gaeilge) on signs and in some conversations. If you want to sound like you know what’s up, here are a few words:
- Sláinte (slawn-cha) – Cheers!
- Craic (crack) – Fun, good times. (“What’s the craic?” = “What’s up?”)
- Grand – Means anything from “great” to “fine” to “it’s whatever.”
And no, nobody actually says “Top o’ the mornin’ to ya.” That’s just Hollywood nonsense.
9. Bring Euros, But Know Northern Ireland Uses Pounds
If you’re in the Republic of Ireland, they use euros. But if you’re going to Northern Ireland (which is part of the UK), you’ll need British pounds.
Credit cards work almost everywhere, but it’s smart to carry a little cash for small towns and pubs.
10. Avoid Awkward Conversations About Politics
Ireland has a long and complicated history with the UK. If you’re curious, visit museums like The Ulster Folk Museum in Belfast and The Museum of Free Derry in Derry.
You can also do some reading but don’t randomly bring up the topic with strangers in a pub. If they want to talk about it, they will. Otherwise, steer clear.
