Destination

Ireland Travel Guide

When you think of Ireland, you probably think of rain, green rolling hills, and pubs on every street. And while all of these things do exist, Ireland surprised me with so much more on my recent 2-week Ireland road trip!

Along with Guinness and pubs playing traditional Irish music, you can find beautiful parks, castles, high-end shopping, impressive lakes and valleys, cliffs that drop down into the sea, and roads that wind up the coast.

The best way to explore the country is to rent a car and hit the road to stops like Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, Cork, and Galway. And enjoy a pint or two along the way!

Best Time To Visit

Ireland’s weather is very mild and temperate, making it a destination that can be enjoyed year-round if you don’t mind the rain. You can expect lots of rain showers, no matter what time of year!

That being said, the winters in Ireland are characterized by daily drizzles and short daylight hours. Though, it never gets too cold (temperatures average to be about 45 F).

Spring in Ireland means mild temperatures and less congestion at many of the top tourist sites. Summer is peak season and tourists from all over the world flock to soak up the little sunshine that Ireland receives. You’ll compete with others for hotel rooms, and prices are higher, so book in advance to get the best lodging and deals.

Read more about the Best Time to Visit Ireland!

What To Expect

Language: Today Irish is recognized as the official language of Ireland but don’t fret because most locals speak English—do be prepared to come across some interesting slang and thick accents though!

Currency: The currency in Ireland is the Euro (EUR). If visiting Northern Ireland, you will find the currency is the Pound.

Credit Cards & ATMs: Credit cards are widely accepted on the island of Ireland. It is useful to have Euros for small purchases, tips, and to accommodate smaller businesses. Finding an ATM in Ireland is as easy as it is at home. They are on the main streets of every town and city and might be labeled as a “Cashpoint.”

Plugs: In Ireland, the power plugs and sockets are type G, the standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.

Safety: Millions of travelers visit Ireland every year with very few safety or crime complaints. Overall, it does not have a high risk of crime, so you won’t need to worry too much when visiting. Take the usual precautions, and you will be just fine.