Ireland Travel Guide
An Intro to Ireland
Dubbed the ‘Emerald Isle’, Ireland is known for its rolling hills, craggy cliffs and breathtaking coastal views. Even when the weather’s gloomy and wet (which it often is), Ireland is still completely captivating.
Irish people are some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met and you’ll discover an abundance of cozy pubs frequented by friendly locals who will welcome you with open arms.
Lots of visitors just spend a weekend in Dublin and never make it anywhere else, but don’t make that mistake. Make sure you rent a car or book a tour to see some of the country’s spectacular scenery.
Ireland is divided between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK. Do pay a visit to Northern Ireland as well – a black taxi tour of Belfast is an eye-opening experience and will help you to understand more about ‘The Troubles’ there.
Quick Tips
Language: The official language is Gaelic but most people speak English.
Plug sockets: Plugs in Ireland are type G, which has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern (just like in the UK). Voltage is 230V and frequency 50Hz.
Currency: The currency in the Republic of Ireland is the euro €. In Northern Ireland it’s the pound £.
Safety: Ireland is generally a very safe place to visit and it was ranked 12th safest country in the world. Violent crime is rare and generally most crime usually involves petty theft and burglaries.
Getting around: While Ireland does have a train system that connects major towns and cities, the best way to get around Ireland is either by renting a car or by doing tours. Since many of the most beautiful places in Ireland are quite remote, it’s best to get around on four wheels.
Most people choose to rent a car and do a road trip around Ireland. You can compare prices for rental cars with sites like Rentalcars.com and Kayak.
If you’re traveling solo or you’re not confident with driving, you could book an organized tour. I’ve done a couple of tours with Paddywagon and absolutely loved it!
Best Time to Visit Ireland
The best time to visit Ireland weather-wise is summertime which is June through September. During this time you can expect warmer weather and sunshine.
This is also peak season though, so if you want to avoid the crowds and get cheaper hotels then you may want to consider the shoulder seasons of spring (March-May) or autumn (September to November).
Weather in Ireland can often be wet and grey but don’t let this put you off. The scenery is still stunning and there are plenty of cozy pubs where you can shelter from the rain.
Make sure you pack a waterproof jacket and an umbrella just in case because in Ireland you can experience every kind of season in one day!
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