Ireland

Ireland rewards travellers who leave room for spontaneity, but a loose plan helps you make the most of changing weather and long distances. Dublin, Galway, Cork, and Killarney make useful bases, while the Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coastal Route are best explored at a gentler pace. Allow extra time for scenic stops: a short drive can easily become an afternoon of sea cliffs, stone villages, and roadside viewpoints.

Use Hello’s trip planning tools to organize flights, accommodation, tours, and day-by-day routes in one place. Build in alternatives for rainy days, such as the National Museum of Ireland, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, or a traditional music session in a cosy pub. Book popular attractions and accommodation ahead during June through August, especially around Galway, Killarney, and the Cliffs of Moher.

Ireland’s weather can shift quickly, even in summer. Pack waterproof layers, comfortable shoes, and a compact day bag. The best travel wardrobe is flexible rather than bulky: a breathable base layer, warm jumper, rain jacket, and shoes with good grip will cover most conditions.

Public transport is straightforward between major cities, while a car opens up smaller villages, peninsulas, and remote coastal landscapes. In Dublin, the Leap Visitor Card offers unlimited travel on Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead Ireland buses, Luas trams, DART, and commuter rail within the relevant visitor area; current options include €8 for 24 hours, €18 for 72 hours, and €24 for seven days. It can also cover airport journeys on eligible services.

For intercity travel, compare train and bus schedules before booking, as buses often reach smaller towns more directly. Reserve seats for busy routes and check the final departure time before spending an evening in a rural area. Taxis are convenient in cities but may be scarce in small villages after dinner.

Driving is ideal for places such as Connemara, the Ring of Kerry, and County Donegal. Ireland drives on the left, and many rural roads are narrow, winding, and bordered by stone walls. Reduce speed in rain, mist, or darkness, allow room for oncoming traffic, and never assume a short distance will be quick. Download maps for offline use before leaving urban areas.

Irish food is far more varied than its hearty reputation suggests. Try seafood chowder on the west coast, boxty in Galway or Dublin, soda bread with local butter, and freshly caught oysters in County Galway. A full Irish breakfast is substantial fuel for a walking day, while a warm bowl of coddle or lamb stew suits cooler evenings. Vegetarian and vegan choices are increasingly common in cities and larger towns.

Pubs remain social spaces as much as drinking venues. Order a pint of stout, cider, or a non-alcoholic alternative, then look for a traditional music session—but remember that musicians may not perform every night. In smaller pubs, buy your own drink at the bar and avoid interrupting performers or taking flash photographs.

Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory. In restaurants, check whether a service charge has already been added; otherwise, rounding up or leaving around 10% for good service is reasonable. Keep track of meals, coffees, and shared taxi fares with Hello’s budget tracking in euros. If travelling with friends, its expense splitting feature can settle shared dinners without awkward calculations.

Ireland uses the euro (€), and contactless payments are widely accepted in cities, tourist attractions, hotels, and many cafés. Carry a little cash for honesty-box farm stalls, small rural businesses, market vendors, or places with unreliable signal. Before paying, check whether a card terminal offers a choice of euros or your home currency; choosing euros usually lets your card issuer handle the conversion.

Mobile coverage is strong in populated areas but can become patchy along remote coastlines, in mountain valleys, and on quiet country roads. Buy and activate Hello eSIM before landing so directions, translation tools, attraction tickets, and messages work as soon as you arrive without roaming charges. Keep offline maps and booking confirmations available in case you lose reception.

Ireland’s electrical supply uses Type G sockets, so travellers with different plugs need an adapter. Accommodation may provide hairdryers, but adapters are less reliably available. Save emergency details and your accommodation address offline, and share your day’s route when hiking or exploring isolated coastlines. A charged power bank is particularly useful on long drives, ferry journeys, and full days in national parks.