Tips for Travelling in Ireland
Whether coming to Ireland has been a lifetime dream or you found a cheap ticket on a whim; if you have Irish heritage, or just like the idea of green hills and stone walls; if you’re here for a month or just a few days, no matter why you come, Ireland is a wonderful place to visit.
Here are a few tips for travelling in Ireland you might find useful.
The summer days are long (sunset is at 10:00-11:00pm in June) and the winter days are short (sunset is 9:00-10:00am).
Everything takes longer than you think it will take. The slower pace of life is a real thing. Be flexible and embrace whatever comes your way.
The main tourist sites are popular for a reason, they are worth seeing and can help you plan your itinerary.
Double check opening times and dates for the places you want to visit (some close at 4pm). You may want to pre-book.
Keep a euro coin around so that you can use a trolley (shopping cart).
Want to enjoy the culture in a non-tourist way?
Check local Facebook pages for events like concerts, gigs, antique auctions, festivals, etc.
Small shops may have a free calendar of local events.
Keep an eye out for cars around pitches (sports fields), you may be lucky enough to catch a local hurling, rugby, soccer, or Gaelic football match.
Universities and theatres list their concerts and shows online.
Spend time at the beaches. Take a walk or splash in the shallows, but double check the tide charts.
Don’t just drive through the small towns, get out and walk the main street, pop into the small shops, bookstores, and hardware stores. (Bring your own bag, we charge)
Check out your hobbies - jiu jitsu, rock-climbing, fishing, reading, knitting, hiking - and find out if there are some local events or classes you can take.
Driving
I get questions about driving in Ireland all the time. It is different, but you’ll be fine!
We drive on the left, which means that the driver is always in the centre of the road. Tip your side mirrors slightly down to help you stay within the lines.
Turn tight left and wide right.
Speed limits are not goals, drive the way that makes sense for the road.
People are generally friendly and courteous - taking turns is a practical reality.
If people flash their lights or their blinkers, they’re saying - ‘go ahead’ or ‘thank you’.
Most of the roads are 1 lane only. If you're driving too slow, you may cause a problem when people who live in Ireland try to go around you. They are just trying to get to their work/kids/family and they know the roads.
If you notice someone tailgating, or a line of cars forming, pull over to the left. If there's nowhere to pull, put on your left blinker, and slow way down so that it is safe to overtake you. And then continue at a speed that you are comfortable with.
Petrol (gas) stations open around 7am and close around 10-11pm
Time spent in the car feels different in Ireland than in America. The roads are rough (even the motorways) and winding. An hour's drive can feel like 2 hours. Give yourselves a break from time to time. Stop for coffee or a walk and pace yourselves.
The main motorway goes from Dublin to Limerick to Galway. There are 2 main rest stops - Junction 14 and The Plaza. Both have food, petrol, toilets, etc.
M roads = motorways (great), N roads = national roads (good), R roads = rural roads (ok), L roads = lanes (not so fun unless you like bumps and grass in the middle of the road).
When you are using google maps, put the nearest city or town in first, and then the specific location when you get closer. If you don’t, google maps may take you through tiny country roads instead of the easiest way. (ex: Limerick to Ennis to Doolin to your accommodation. Not from your location to the next accommodation).
Eircodes are the best thing ever! An eircode is a code given to each building in Ireland, from businesses to small cottages. It looks like a zip code, but will bring you straight to the address. (Ex: V94K8C3)
We are a “share the road” country, so keep an eye out for bicyclists, cows, walkers and babies in buggies.
Food & Drinks
Where to Find Food
Gas stations and convenience stores have delis in them with real food from about 9:00-3:00. Get a chicken roll (chicken tenders in a baguette) and you'll thank me.
The American fast food places we have are McDonalds, Burger King, Subway and KFC but they aren't everywhere.
Cafes are open from about 9/10:00am to 5pm.
Restaurants will open about noon, but sometimes 5:00pm and close around 9pm.
Chippers & Take-Away: After everywhere else stops serving food, you can always get something at a "chipper". This is fast food, Irish (well Chinese/Indian) style. You'll find pizza, burgers, kebabs (like gyros), fish n chips, all kinds of chips (fries), and often curries as well. They are open from about 6pm to midnight (sometimes later). Be prepared to pay cash. Almost every village will have one.
On Saturdays, most of the main cities will have a market with food stalls and speciality stands.
Grocery stores
Lidl, Aldi and Dealz are great places to stop for drinks/snacks and groceries to save money.
Dunnes, Tesco and Supervalu are the main grocery stores.
Coffee and Tea
You can find coffee everywhere, but it's mostly espresso based, not drip. And there isn't any coffee creamer, but good old Irish milk and sugar are perfect.
Everyone drinks tea. Make with fresh boiled water, Barry’s tea bags, milk and sugar to taste. Even coffee drinkers may be surprised how strong Irish tea is.
What to Wear
Pack layers
The weather is completely unpredictable. Bring layers, and extra socks.
Rainboots or waterproof shoes are very helpful if you’ll be spending lots of time outside.
Think about comfort - it’s more important to be comfortable while you travel than try to keep outfits looking perfect.
Where to Shop
“Woolen Mills” have nice souvenirs and are found around several major tourist sites. Bunratty Woolen Mills are my favourite (I also like the restaurant there too)
A real modern cultural experience is Penneys. Cheap and cheerful clothe for kids, trendy clothes for women, and good solid basics. Everyone shops at Penneys!
Dunnes and Tesco also have great clothes.
Medicine
Pharmacies can help with all kinds of problems, stop there first before the doctor if you're worried about a cold/fever/rash
Paracetamol is for headaches.
Lemsip packets for colds.
We have walk-in medical centres (ShannonDoc, LimerickDoc, etc) for bigger problems, and they'll send you to A&E if they can't help you.
Most pharmacies will accept online doctor prescriptions.
Culture
Irish people are friendly and often willing to talk and help out. There are a few things to avoid if you want to make a good impression.
No "top of the morning" or other clichés.
People don't really care about your job - avoid asking "What do you do" right away.
You’re only considered Irish if you were born in Ireland. Don’t say “I’m Irish” but do say that you have Irish heritage if you do. If you say your grandmother/great-grandfather, etc. was born in Ireland, you’ll have a better conversation and might even find out things you never knew!
Avoid comparing Ireland to America "In America we..." unless you’re asked.
Small talk and humour is an art form here. Being quick-witted is valued. Do not take things personally, the more you're "slagged" (teased) the more you’re liked and accepted.
If you can take a joke, then you're "sound" which is the highest compliment.
Buy someone a drink and you're definitely "sound" but be careful not to get caught in "rounds" unless you want to be there for the night.
Don't talk politics or religion unless you're willing to hear an opinion you might not like. Irish politics isn't a major source of discussion, but they will talk American politics. I generally deflect.
Try not to be demand or complain or be overly loud.
Look around you to get a feel for how people are behaving.
Americans are generally liked in Ireland. They are known for being optimistic and generous (you don't have to tip but if you do, it will be much appreciated everywhere).
#1 Tip - Enjoy yourself and take lots of pictures!
