Tips For A Terrific First Trip To Ireland

You've put off visiting the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park, and Blarney Castle long enough. It's finally time to take that trip to Ireland! We applaud that decision, but before you book that brewery tour or get too excited about visiting Dublin's Grafton Street, here are a few tips to make a more enjoyable trip.

Consider Car Travel

The best sites in the Emerald Isle are seen via public transportation or tour buses, but renting a car is not a bad idea to get to those obscure sites however, be sure the vehicle you rent is small, as rural roads in Ireland are narrow. Oh, and the Irish drive on the left side of the road and pass on the right.

Tax-Free Shopping! All those goodies you'll find to buy on Grafton Street are tax-free! That's right, travelers who live outside the European Union can shop tax-free in Irelan, so make sure to apply for a Fexco Horizon Card before your trip so you can register and swipe it in affiliated stores in the country and claim sales tax back on the purchases.

Differing Currencies

If you are planning to traverse the whole island nation of Ireland, remember that the two sides use different currencies. As part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland uses pound sterling, and the Republic of Ireland uses Euros.

Dress Appropriately Irish weather is not extreme, but the country does get a lot of rain, particularly along its west coast. And if you're traveling to Ireland during winter, know that the season's days are short. The sun rises at about 8 a.m. and sets at about 4 p.m., which means you have to cram a lot of sightseeing in a few hours. But during summer, the sun sets as late as 10 p.m., and the temperatures can range from 73 degrees during the day to 45 degrees at night, with a considerable possibility of rain. Be mindful of these seasonal changes; pack light layers of clothing, a pair of rain boots or waterproof shoes, an umbrella or raincoat, and you should be fine.

Public Transportation The trains in Ireland carry you in comfort, but they are pricey. So if you intend to travel on one during your trip, make sure to book it in advance to take advantage of Irish Rail's online discounts. If you choose to travel by bus, be aware that you must flag the bus to get it to stop.

Heritage Cards Are Helpful If you plan to visit the country's many cultural attractions, picking up a Heritage Card from the Office of Public Works is a great idea. This card entitles you to free admission to all heritage sites managed by the state for an entire year. These sites include castles and national parks.

Of course, a magician never shares ALL their secrets, but since we have given you a few Ireland tips, let's work on getting you on a plane to Ireland! Click "Schedule a Quick Chat," and let's talk about Ireland.