Ireland travel Tips
Ireland is a relatively safe country, with exceptional healthcare and high standards of service. The locals are friendly and generally full of merriment, and the Irish pub culture is known across the globe for its intrinsic social banter and amusing antics. Here are some basic travel tips to enhance your experience of the country.
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Ireland’s predominantly chilly climate may be a shock to travellers arriving from less frigid parts of the world, and we recommend taking all-weather gear along, even if you plan on visiting during the summer season. During the warmer months, dressing in layers is the best way to prepare for the country’s changeable weather. Waterproof shoes are an essential if you plan on visiting Irish ruins, which are most often located in the midst of muddy fields.
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Irish, otherwise known as Gaelic, is the official language spoken by approximately 55,000 people, most of whom are located in the west of the country. Almost all Irish speak English, and official documents are usually printed in both languages.
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Road signs are frequently misleading or altogether absent. They may be in kilometres or miles, and are sometimes written in Gaelic. It’s a good idea to have a detailed road map on hand when travelling in Ireland. Irish road signs are posted at the road entrance. No advance notice is given and you should be prepared to backtrack a lot.
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Many hotels and restaurants add a 15 per cent service charge to bills, but if this is not included, a tip of 15 per cent is customary for wait staff. Taxi drivers should be tipped around 10 per cent.
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The Irish are friendly people, and if you are interested in getting to know the locals, the most obvious place to do so is at the nearest pub. If you are out to be social, sit at the bar; if you prefer to be left alone, sit at a table.
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Ireland uses the euro, but credit cards and traveller’s cheques are widely accepted. ATMs are widespread – it is best to draw out large amounts of money at a time to avoid bank charges.
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Don’t mimic the Irish accent, no matter how well-intentioned.
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Ireland’s past has been volatile and often violent, with politics and religion at the forefront of social unrest. Don’t initiate conversations about either topic without the understanding that they are extremely sensitive issues.
Useful travel tips resources
Karrot – Our Ireland Travel Tips
Useful advice on travelling Ireland.
http://www.karott.com/ireland/travel_tips.asp
Iexplore
Informative site offering detailed advice about travelling destinations worldwide.
http://www.iexplore.com/dmap/Ireland/Do's+and+Don'ts
Footprint Guides - Ireland
Travel guides for an enormous variety of tourist hotspots.
http://www.footprintguides.com/
More topics on this site…
Ireland travel information
Ireland health and safety
Ireland maps and geography
Essentials
Visas: Not needed by citizens of most countries for visits of less than 90 days. Check with your embassy for confirmation.
Season: April to October
Money: Euro
Language: Gaelic and English
Emergency #:122 or 999