{"id":4462,"date":"2019-04-27T14:05:42","date_gmt":"2019-04-27T14:05:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/overinireland.com\/?p=4462"},"modified":"2019-08-04T22:44:53","modified_gmt":"2019-08-04T22:44:53","slug":"ireland-travel-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/overinireland.com\/ireland-travel-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Ireland Travel Tips to Make Your Experience UNFORGETTABLE!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Ireland is a jewel for tourists. But, as for everywhere,\nit is advised to come with some basic knowledge. Luckily, we\u2019ve got you covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Deeply rooted in ancestral traditions, Ireland is a young country shaped by thousands of\nyears of History. Adjusting to its unfamiliar system, unique culture\nand different mentality can be a tricky venture. Getting prepared is the\ninsurance of a memorable journey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plan your trip, save both money and time, and engage\nin a stress-free adventure with your guide of \u201c20 Ireland Travel Tips to Make Your\nExperience Unforgettable\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the Emerald Isles, the weather is unpredictable as\nit can change every fifteen minutes. When the thermometer hits 17\u00b0C (62.6\u00b0F),\nconsider the climate balmy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The highest temperatures reach 19\u00b0C (66.2\u00b0F) in both\nJuly and August. The coldest days average 5\u00b0C (41\u00b0F) and occur during January\nand February. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It rains\nall year long, most of the days, and the driest periods happen in April, May\nand July. From mid-spring to the early end of summer, the sun breaks through the clouds for an average of 5.5 hours per day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most of\nthe wind goes hand in hand with the freshest months, and the northern part\nsuffers from blustery peaks. The Southern side of the island has fewer air\ncurrents and remains agreeable throughout the seasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The peak season takes place in both July and August\nwhen most of Europe and other parts of the world are on holidays. Do expect\nsome crowd. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The shoulder season, on its side, goes on a couple of\nmonths before and after. It offers mild atmospheric conditions (above 17\u00b0C\/62.6\u00b0F)\nand a journey away from the horde. The natural light is up at 7AM and down at\n8PM. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The rest of the year, the sun rises at 8AM and sets at\n4PM on average. Tourism is low and, many touristic places either close down or\nshorten their opening hours. (It is essential to check to prevent\ndisappointments) <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ocean\nand seas heat from 15\u00b0 to 19\u00b0C (50\u00b0 to 66.2\u00b0F) in the hottest time of the year.\nIn winter, the salt water barely makes it to the 8th degree (46.4\u00b0F). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another\nvital list to review before visiting any country; no one likes to disrespect\nthe master of the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Never\nforget to check the visa modalities of your country of origin. What\u2019s worse\nthan spending the holidays stranded in an airport? Don\u2019t worry, the ensuing\ninsight should get you all ready to land legally on Irish soil*. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
All\nEU\/EEA\/Swiss citizens can visit or even settle in Ireland for an unlimited\nperiod. No visa is requested. Proof of identity is mandatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check if\nyou need a visa by entering your country here<\/a><\/strong>.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anyone\nelse planning to tour Ireland will need to apply here<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The fee\nwill cost \u20ac60 for a single entry, \u20ac100 for a multi-entry journey and \u20ac25 for\ntransit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The\nfollowing passport holders will not be charged but must request legal\npermission to enter the Irish soil. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Schengen\nand UK Visas are not valid to enter the Republic of Ireland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n *at the time of writing<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Any time of the year, pack a rain jacket (umbrella), a\npair of waterproof walking shoes\/trousers and a hoodie (a lifesaver). As the\nsun likes to play hide-and-seek, a pair of sunglasses will be as beneficial. A\nsmall bag for hikes and long walks might be a practical add up too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you plan to dip in any pool, you will be required\nto wear a swimming cap. Even your hotel might not allow jumping in the water\nwithout your head covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sensitive\nto the cold and still plan to enjoy the Irish waters? You should probably load\nyour wetsuit as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tap water\nis safe to drink in most of the cities. If you have an upsetting stomach, the\nrural aqua might not be suitable for you. You can, of course, buy water\nanywhere, but to save plastic and money, you could kit yourself out with a\nwater bottle filter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Technology-wise, you might need a power supply adaptor,\nas Irish sockets are G types (British source). They standardly function at a\nvoltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter\nthe weather, Ireland remains one of the most photogenic countries in the world;\nso don\u2019t forget to gear up. Load your backpack with your camera charger, at\nleast a couple of batteries and a memory card with loads of space! If you are\nmore of a phone-photographer, a single piece of advice: empty it all! You might\nwant to protect your device with a waterproof pouch in case of rainfall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wi-Fi is available and free in most of the\nrestaurants, caf\u00e9s and hotels. Some long-distance public transportation often\noffers this service too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need a constant connection, you should invest\nin a prepaid SIM card. You can either order an international one before your\nflight or simply buy one on arrival (cheaper). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many companies have boutiques on airport arrival\nareas. Trustworthy Irish phone operators include Vodafone, Hutchison 3 and\nMeteor. Broadband daily (\u20ac3 \/500MB), weekly (\u20ac10 \/2GB) or every four weeks (\u20ac20\n\/7.5GB). <\/p>\n\n\n\n In more remote areas, for both Wi-Fi and data, it\nmight be harder to get online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coming\nfrom Europe, your data might be transferable to other EU state members (at no\ncost). <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you plan to visit the Republic of Ireland, you will use the \u20ac euro currency. Depending on your planning, Ireland can be either cheap or costly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When\/if crossing the border, both nation and money\nwill change. You will reach Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, and\nuse the \u00a3 pound sterling (refer to our last tip for more info). <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is good to note that some of Great Britain\u2019s bills\nare different and can\u2019t be used within the north soils (and reciprocally).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere (Visa and\nMaster card), Amex can be harder outside big cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ATMs are\navailable in most of the Emerald Isle. However, some rural areas such as Galway\nor Clare, cash machines might be scares. It is always a good call to carry some\nfresh bucks around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First advice to a great stay: be patient. Timetables\nare a general estimation of the bus arrival times. Sometimes they are early, but in most cases,\nthey are late. Do not forget to flag the bus down or it will not stop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Bus \u00c9ireann is the leading company in the republic. It\nconnects small areas as well as big cities and covers every county. For \u20ac60,\nthe Open Road Pass will allow you 3-day with unlimited travels out of 6\nconsecutive days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aircoach, Dublin Bus, Irish City Link and 15 other national\nand regional lines are also available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you plan to tour the capital and want to make the\nmost of it, you can purchase the Dublin Pass. For \u20ac94, the hop-on-hop-off bus\nwill guide you to 30 of the best attractions in the metropolis. From the\nGuinness Storehouse to Christ Church Cathedral, enjoy the ride for 3\nconsecutive days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From the capital city, the DART (Dublin Area Rapid\nTransit), serves every town of the coastal area from Howth to Greystone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Local Rail Services head all the way to Belfast in\nthe north, and Rosslare, in the south. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Luas, a light rail system, travels from \u2018The Point\u2019\nand \u2018Connolly\u2019 all the way to Tallaght and Saggart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From Dublin, the intercity Rail route goes all the way\nto Sligo, Galway, Tralee and Cork in the west. It also links both the southern\nWaterford and Rosslare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The\nTranslink Network crosses border and heads to Belfast up to Portrush and Derry.\nIt is good to know that railways operate through a minimal network. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Discover Ireland by train and get the \u20ac160 Explorer\nTicket. This pass allows you unlimited travels for 5 days, in a period of 15\nconsecutive days. For \u20ac80, your children can join your adventure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The\nTrekker Pass costs \u20ac110 and allows you unlimited travel for four days in a\nrow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n National\nflights include two 40-minute routes only: Dublin \u2013 Donegal and Dublin \u2013 Kerry.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n The only other existing flights will lead you from Connemara Regional Airport to three of the Aran Islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From your\ncountry, you might have options to land to either Dublin, Cork, Waterford, West\nAirport Knock, Donegal, Kerry or Shannon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Between the Wild Atlantic Way, the Ring of Kerry and\nDingle Peninsula, road-trips seem to be the greatest way to discover Ireland.\nDepart anytime you want, stop anywhere you want and sometimes, even sleep\nwherever you want. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The\nEuropcar Tourism Index states that 98% of travellers recommend hiring personal\ntransportation as it is the guarantee of a hassle-free adventure (let\u2019s just\nsay it is a different type of struggle). <\/p>\n\n\n\n For better rates, we highly advise you to pre-book\nyour rental. Sometimes, the prices can go as low as \u20ac6 per 24hours. Choose a\nsmall car as Irish roads tend to be very narrow sometimes. Pick up it from the\ncity or straight on arrival at the airport and hit the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you fly back from another airport, most of the car\nleasing companies offer the \u2018one-way drop-off’ option. It gives you the\npossibility to pick-up your vehicle at point A and drop-it-off at point B.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because\nsome companies must cut some costs off to offer competitive fares, your\ninsurance contract might not include complete coverage. If so, check your credit\ncard insurance policy, banks often cover against collision damages and theft.\nOccasionally, they even protect the entire car. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The\ngasoline expenses average the \u20ac1.35 per litre (1\/4 of a gallon), with a minimum\nprice at \u20ac1.30, and a maximum at \u20ac1.40. Diesel on its side charges between\n\u20ac1.29 and \u20ac1.35.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good to Know: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Maps.Me<\/strong> is a detailed offline map. You can use\nthis free GPS without any internet connection. To do so, download the data of\nthe Irish counties you will visit before departing and voil\u00e0! Viewpoints,\nlodging, gas stations, city guides, health and so many more indexes are\nincluded. You can also bookmark your favourite places, define the unnamed\nlocation and rate the places you went to. Maps.Me works worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Ireland,\nno one really uses Uber; MyTaxi<\/strong> is\nthe most popular APP to hire a cab. Only registered taxis can operate within\nIreland. It probably explains Uber’s lack of fame on the island. MyTaxi is easy\nto adopt as it works pretty much like its competitor (prepayment, registration\nand fair price). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Rome2Rio<\/strong> works in 160 nations and is another excellent travel app. It gives you distances between places, lists the public transports available and the prices to your destination. It indexes schedules, websites and booking links to transportation, alongside complimentary travel guides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Booking.com<\/strong> and Agoda<\/strong> offer great deals on accommodations. Those options are practical as they allow last-minute arrangements. For those seeking for quirky lodging: castles, lighthouses and much more are available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although making a reservation through Airbnb<\/strong>\nrequires more planning, it is a great way to contribute as well as connect with\nlocals. The engine also proposes activity deals in most of the cities and\ntouristic areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Couchsurfing<\/strong> requires as much preparation and is completely free of charge. Locals open their home to travelers at no cost. You\u2019ll learn about the different potential hosts reading through their profile and the many reviews left by previous couchsurfers (and vice-versa).\u00a0 A great way for budget travelers to have an immersing cultural experience. The platform also offers travelers to meet for a drink, a ride or have a run together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To understand a nation, you need to dig into its past.\nThose few historical key dates will help you comprehend modern Ireland:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the evolution and dissolution of many Irish\ntraditions, the rooted culture survived through time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In puritan weddings, the beautiful ceremony has the\nbroom dressed in his clan kilt and the bride in an angelic white attire.\nAdditionally to something blue, old, borrowed and new; the spouse also has to\nput a penny in her shoe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Toasts of Irish sayings are spoken one after the other\nsuch as \u201cMay your troubles be less, and your blessings be more. And nothing but\nhappiness, come in your door.\u201d Sl\u00e1intes and stories last a while, the dance\nstarts and the cake arrives. If you are invited, your turn will come, you\nbetter be ready (crib sheets allowed). <\/p>\n\n\n\n The single women traditionally take the pastry\nleftovers home. They place it under their beds in the faith to dream of their\nfuture husband. Pick a slice if you\u2019re eligible, the worse that can happen is\nhaving a cake for breakfast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As part of\ntraditions, brides receive at least one piece of Waterford Crystal as a wedding\ngift. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t\nexpect any keening, the custom has dissolved. Instead, during the wake, friends\nand family share stories about the departed. Despite Church’s unsuccessful\ntentative to prohibit alcohol, liquors and barley never missed the rite. Before\nretiring, everyone together recites the mourning rosary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Good to know<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Driving or\nwalking, always give way to the funeral cortege; it shows certain respect to\nthe late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Halloween is native to Ireland and is the evolution of\nthe customary seasonal Samhain. For over 2,000 years, from sunset to sunset (24\nhours), Irish celebrated the end of the harvest and the beginning of the winter\ndays. Giant bonfires and pagan rituals were on. Children and poor would become\nmummers and would sing for a piece of Barmbrack. Guising, on its side, was worn\nas protection to trick the spirit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Good to know: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lambswool,\na milked and spiced cider (or wine) with crushed apple is the drink to get for\nthe night. Food-wise: potato bread, colcannon, apple pie and Irish stew fill-up\nthe table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before\nanything, never shorten Saint Patrick\u2019s Day to \u201cSaint Patty\u2019s,\u201d Irish hate it. The\nfestivity celebrates religion, the nation and its people. Green is the colour\nthat represents Ireland\u2019s balance and peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 17th<\/sup>\nof March is both a Holy Day and National Irish Day. Christian families go to\nchurch, dress up all and pin a shamrock by their heart. The later would be\nblessed during the mass. They return home to a conventional roast dinner and\neither watch or head to the parade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saint\nPatrick procession crossed oceans in the 18th<\/sup> century, and the\nearliest street demonstration happened in New York. Until the 1970’s,\nwaterholes were not allowed to open during the ceremonial night. In Ireland,\nthe first parade took place in Dublin in 1995 (unexpectedly recent right?), a\nway for Ireland to lift the number of visitors. Since then, Saint Patrick\nFestival turned into the worldwide celebration that we all know. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 40 days\nbefore Easter Sunday, Lent officially starts, and meat (amongst other cherished\nthings) is off the table. Follows what we commonly know as a \u2018spring cleaning.\u2019\nFor Irish religious, it is a way to purify the house as the priest comes to\ngive his blessings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prior to\nEaster Sunday is Good Friday, a self-cleansing and self-rewarding day. On this rest\nday, farming and any outdoor jobs cannot be undertaken. The painted and\nchocolate eggs see the light for the first time in days. The degustation,\nhowever, will take place on Easter Sunday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Holy\nSaturday is a silent day dedicated to both God and the church. The diurnal\nritual includes a sacred water blessing, and the nocturnal mass celebrates the\nEaster Vigil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On Easter\nSunday, the mass gathers people to honour Jesus\u2019 resurrection. They return home\nto a proper Irish feast. After dinner, it is time to savour the chocolate.\nCustomarily, only the children who did not break the lent should earn the\ntreat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Like\nanywhere in the world, Christmas is a time for gathering. Lights, stars and\ntinsels invade the streets and the houses and Santas clones proliferates from\nevery corner. Christians attend the midnight Vigil Mass where everyone lights a\ncandle. The dinner feast includes minced pie, ham, slow-cooked turkey, pudding and\nvegetables. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The \u2018Twelve Pubs of Christmas\u2019 is a new storming trend\nthat starts a few days before the Holy festivity. The concept combines booze,\nmates and rules. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Head to a different pub with a group of friends every\nnight of the 12-days celebration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Over 15 Tricky\nregulations, as well as punishments for breaking them, have been set up. Every\nnight, apply one or more: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Penalties\nfor outlaws consist of sipping a shot, drinking down a pint in one go, (try to)\ndoing a headstand or swallowing a full cup of salty snacks without sipping any\nliquids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before\ntravelling to a new place, it is always nice to learn some local words.\nAlthough English is widely spoken throughout the country, Irish remains the\nfirst language. Those few sentences can literally save your life in Gaeltacht\nareas and, are also engaging ways to start a conversation with someone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Communication in Ireland is a sweet mix of kind words and curses. Don\u2019t worry, it is all part of history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Check our article here, learn a few Irish insults <\/strong><\/a>and understand the symbolism behind swearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bosnia & Herzegovina <\/td> \n Jamaica\n <\/td> \n Morocco\n <\/td> \n Sri Lanka\n <\/td><\/tr> \n Cote d’Ivoire\n <\/td> \n Kosovo\n <\/td> \n Peru\n <\/td> \n Tunisia\n <\/td><\/tr> \n Ecuador\n <\/td> \n Kyrgyzstan\n <\/td> \n Republic of Macedonia\n <\/td> \n Uganda\n <\/td><\/tr> \n Indonesia\n <\/td> \n Montenegro\n <\/td> \n Serbia\n <\/td> \n Zambia\n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n\n\n\n #5 Gear up for the journey of a\nlifetime <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
#6 More Packing Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
#7 Staying Connected in Ireland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
#8 Money Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
#9 Public Transports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bus <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Rail <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#10 Rent a Car<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
#11 Useful Traveling Apps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
#12 A bit of History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
432AD <\/td> St Patrick steps in Ireland and King Laoghaire authorizes the propagation of Christianity. \u00a0 <\/td><\/tr> \n 1014\n <\/td> Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, triumphs against the Vikings. \u00a0 <\/td><\/tr> \n 1171\n <\/td> Henry II of England stated Feudal Lord of Eire by the pope, forces his legal recognition. <\/td><\/tr> \n 1541\n <\/td> Henry, King of England, follow the path of his ancestor. He obligates the Irish Parliament to declare him \u2018King of Ireland.\u2019 <\/td><\/tr> \n 1603\n <\/td> Revolts start in Ulster <\/td><\/tr> \n 1649\n <\/td> Cromwell, English campaign commander of Eire, defeats rebels and occupies the lands. <\/td><\/tr> \n 1782\n <\/td> Only Protestants can be members of the parliament. <\/td><\/tr> \n 1801\n <\/td> Ireland becomes part of the United Kingdom. <\/td><\/tr> \n 1829\n <\/td> Thanks to Daniel O\u2019Connell, Catholics are part of the parliament again. <\/td><\/tr> 1845-1849 <\/td> The Great Famine occurs and exterminates over 1 million lives. Another million flees to the United States. <\/td><\/tr> \n 1916\n <\/td> Easter Rebellion, versus British, erupts in Dublin. <\/td><\/tr> \n 1921\n <\/td> Ireland becomes the Irish Free State, a dominion of Great Britain <\/td><\/tr> \n 1949\n <\/td> The Irish Free State advocates itself as a Republic.
Northern Ireland evolves into an independent entity. <\/td><\/tr>\n 1973\n <\/td> The Republic of Ireland becomes a member of the European Union. <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n\n\n\n #13 A Glimpse of Traditions, What to Expect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Irish Weddings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Irish Burials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Halloween in Ireland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Saint Patrick\u2019s Day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Easter Sunday in Ireland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Christmas in Ireland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#14 Learn a few words in Gaelic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n English<\/strong>\n <\/td> \n Written\n Irish<\/strong>\n <\/td> \n Pronounced<\/strong>\n <\/td><\/tr> Welcome <\/td> \n \n F\u00e1ilte\n <\/td> \n \n faal tcha\n <\/td><\/tr> \n Hello\n <\/td> \n Dia\n dhuit\n <\/td> \n Dee-ah qwitch\n <\/td><\/tr> \n Good Night\n <\/td> \n O\u00edche mhaith agat \n <\/td> \n Ee-hah wah agut\n <\/td><\/tr> \n What\u2019s your name? \n <\/td> \n Cad is ainm duit? \n <\/td> \n Kad iss annyim ditch?\n <\/td><\/tr> \n Nice to meet you \n <\/td> \n T\u00e1 s\u00e9 deas bualadh leat \n <\/td> \n Taw shay sjay jass boola lyat\n <\/td><\/tr> \n Please \n <\/td> \n Le do thoil \n <\/td> \n Leh duh hull\n <\/td><\/tr> \n Thank you \n <\/td> \n Go raibh maith agat \n <\/td> \n Guh row mah agut\n <\/td><\/tr> \n I don\u2019t speak Irish \n <\/td> \n N\u00edl Gaeilge agam \n <\/td> \n Nyeel Gayle-ga agum\n <\/td><\/tr> \n Where is the toilet? \n <\/td> C\u00e1 bhfuil an leithreas <\/td> \n Kaw will un lyeh-riss\n <\/td><\/tr> \n Two beers, please \n <\/td> \n Dh\u00e1 bheoir, le do thoil \n <\/td> \n Gaw vyore leh duh hull\n <\/td><\/tr> The food was excellent <\/td> Bh\u00ed an b\u00e9ile ar fheabhas <\/td> Vee un bayla air owwass <\/td><\/tr> \n I\u2019m lost \n <\/td> \n T\u00e1 m\u00e9 ar strae \n <\/td> \n Taw may er stray\n <\/td><\/tr> \n Where is\/are\u2026? \n <\/td> \n C\u00e1 bhfuil \n <\/td> \n Kaw will\n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n\n\n\n #15 Know your Breads <\/h1>\n\n\n\n