Ireland – tips and tricks

If you’re planning a trip to the Emerald Isle, it can be a bit overwhelming! I am not declaring myself an expert since we’ve only been there once (so far), but here are some of the things we learned along the way, and a few stories as well. Hopefully these will help you out. Please let me know if you have any questions!
For our experiences with lodging, please check out: Ireland – Places to Stay | The Sunnydaze Diaries
And for a few restaurant suggestions see: Ireland – a note about pubs and restaurants | The Sunnydaze Diaries

When To Go

Our trip was in the first half of September, and for us, it was perfect. There is no wrong time to go to Ireland, but when you go will affect your experience. The summer months are obvious choices because you will have the best weather. Keep in mind that, just like in America, these months will also be the busiest and most expensive. If it works for you, try scheduling your trip during the “shoulder season” – April, May, September, or October. The crowds will be smaller, things will be a bit cheaper, and you will still have reasonably good weather. Is your vacation time in March? Embrace any Irish heritage you have and join the half million tourists who come for St. Paddy’s Day. There are festivals all through the month, and the parade in Dublin is not to be missed! Winter months – November through February – will be the least expensive. Some attractions may be closed for the season though, and the weather may prevent you from enjoying the outdoor sightseeing. The pubs will be open though! 😉🍺

Rental Cars

If your Ireland adventure is of the road trip variety, you’ll need a rental car. There are only a few European countries that drive on the left side of the road, but Ireland and the UK are on that list. It can be a little daunting, but it’s not impossible! I read dozens of travel blogs for advice and they were a lifesaver! Here’s what you need to know when reserving your rental:

1. Get an automatic, NOT a standard. You may be a great driver, you may have driven a stick shift your whole life, but if you are not experienced driving on the opposite side of the road, your brain has enough to figure out without trying to shift left-handed. It is more expensive, but worth the ease and peace of mind.
2. Get the smallest car you can fit your party and your belongings into. The roads in Ireland are NARROW. Often the two-lane road you are driving down looks like it will barely accommodate one car, and certainly not a car with a giant tour bus on the opposite side. And there are no shoulders – just trees and bushes, or stone fences.
3. Get ALL the extra insurance. Again, you may be a great driver, you may have never had an accident, but between driving on the left, and the aforementioned narrow roads and giant busses and lack of shoulders, you will need the insurance. Every day we saw several cars with scrapes and scratches down the left side, and side-view mirrors damaged, dangling, or completely ripped off. Barry is an excellent driver, and we still hit curbs, cones, and a few bushes. At least a few times a day I would lean away from my car door and cry out, “Hug the right!! Hug the right!!” The insurance was needed, and we were thankful for it!

So, they speak English, right?

Yes, basically. There are a few areas on the west coast where Gaelic is primarily used, and many signs will be in Irish and English, but English is spoken and understood almost everywhere. That being said, the Irish have put their own twist on it. The cadence is different, sometimes it is a hybrid of both languages, and the accent can be heavy. I recommend watching a few tv shows or movies with Irish accents to attempt to acclimate yourself. (Plus it’s a fun way to fill the time in the weeks leading up to your trip!) Try The Young Offenders, Father Ted, Derry Girls, Brooklyn, or Belfast. Barry and I watched Derry Girls. I cannot personally speak to the other shows, but they look like good options. Also be aware that the locals tend to cuss… a lot. You will hear “sh*te” and “feck” wherever you go. Unlike the F-word though, “feck” is considered to be fairly mild for a cuss word.
And whatever happens, do not greet someone with “Top o’ the morning to you!” This is cheesy Hollywood Irish, and they don’t talk like that. 😂🍀

What to Pack

You’re a grownup, so I’m not going to tell you how many pairs of pants or shirts to bring. But I was very glad I had the following items:

• A waterproof raincoat
  Ireland is green for a reason! Rain is always a possibility, even in the summer.
• One pair of waterproof shoes (same reason as above😊)
• Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes
  You will probably be getting ALL your steps in each day, on all types of terrain, including cobblestone streets.
• Lots of layers
  You really do need to be prepared for anything. In the same day it may be warm enough to put your feet in the ocean, and then the winds at the Cliffs of Moher will take your breath away!
• A plug adapter (or two!) and possibly a voltage converter
  Ireland uses a type G plug, and adapters are easy to find on Amazon. If you are planning on using appliances like a hair straightener or a travel steamer, check and see if they have a built-in voltage converter. Some do, but if not, you’ll need to bring one.

Going to the beach?

You may find yourself at the beach, especially if you are visiting in the summer months. We were there in September, and stopped at Derrynane Beach on our drive along the ring of Kerry. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take off my socks and shoes and stick my feet in east side of the Atlantic. Even though it was too cold for me to think about swimming, a few brave souls did take the plunge. Something to keep in mind: Ireland attracts tourists from all over, and many countries have different customs when it comes to modesty. We saw a sweet little older couple come out of the water, and change from their swimsuits into their clothes, right there on the beach. Needless to say, we were a wee bit surprised…😂

Invest in a few Souvenirs

The opportunities for shopping are endless, both in Dublin and all over the country, and there is something for everyone. Look for Irish whisky and Guinness memorabilia, cheese, chocolate, tea, or an Irish cookbook. Update your winter wardrobe with a tweed hat or coat, or a wool scarf or sweater from the Aran Islands. You might even find something handknit! (Shoutout to Mary O’Leary, who created a lovely cream-colored cardigan, which is one of my prized possessions!) Make sure you check out all the silver jewelry, and the beautiful green marble from the region of Connemara. Local art is a unique keepsake to remind you of your adventures. And if you’re feeling especially bougie, a gorgeous piece of Waterford crystal is definitely among the best souvenirs from Ireland. It is entirely possible we purchased most of the things on this list while we were there. No judgement, right?😉
No room in your suitcase? No worries. Many of the shops will gladly ship your items home for you (especially the art and the crystal). The best part is all of these purchases directly support the local economy.

One more thing…

After spending a little time in Ireland, it is very possible you will want to move there. The island is stunning and ancient and every shade of green. The people are warm and friendly, and the beer is plentiful. You will want to buy a little cottage by the sea with a stone fence and a garden. You will envision yourself wearing duck boots and wool sweaters every day. You will plan your meals of tea and scones, and shepherd’s pie or fish & chips. You will want to buy a sheep which you will name Sean.
You have been warned. 😂🍀💕