Ireland Travel Tips – Boomer Travel Blog
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Clothing
In Ireland there may be a double rainbow and a pot of gold at the end of it, but remember that rainbow starts with a sprinkle of rain or a good shower. This will stop as quickly as it starts as does a good gust of wind! When in Ireland we recommend dressing in layers layers with a rainproof jacket (my hood saved me a couple times). Those small umbrellas travel well and come in handy. Comfortable walking shoes are necessary and will save your feet and back if whether you are hiking Croagh Patrick or maneuvering Grafton Street in Dublin City.
Dublin City Tour
We have used the Big Bus Tours in different European cities, and we recommend them as we find them reliable, informative and clean. This link will take you to the English version of the Dublin Tours page.
Planning Journeys
Remember, as much of Europe, there are no straight roads in Ireland. It may look like a small island on the map, but the roads wind and twist like a knotty shillelagh, but will take you to places you never imagined. Allow for stopping and exploring, slowdowns from farm machinery and friendly locals (their stories are worth the time!) Cows and sheep will slow you down a bit as well and provide wonderful photo ops.
Cell Phone
Adjust your phone service before you leave home. We learned the hard way once by not contacting our cell phone service provider and paid dearly in overseas fees / roaming costs. Don’t let this happen to you! Contact your provider prior to traveling and get on an International program to minimize these crazy costs.
Credit Cards
Credit Cards may be a great way to convert from Euros to Dollars or whatever currency you use at home. This makes purchases easy and limits the need for taking Euros out of an ATM (which is convenient but you may end up, like us once, with an abundance of coins weighing you down at the end of your trip.) We had no luck using our American Express at any restaurant or hotel but Visa and MasterCard seemed to be accepted everywhere.
Ireland Travel Tips – Walking
You can see a good amount from the car or bus, but so many great sights and experiences require a short hike. We recommend boots or shoes which will allow you to climb a little and maybe step in a puddle or walk on the beach. I brought a lightweight backpack which turned out to be very useful.
Ireland Car Rental / Car Hire
Always good to reserve with reputable Car Rental company where you can pick up the car at the airport (not off site) in Dublin or Shannon. Automatics are available (but may cost extra). Remember, Ireland drives LEFT and the steering wheel is on the RIGHT. There is nothing tricky about this BUT it takes a bit of getting use to. Car rental companies will not rent to you if you are under 25 years of age and in Ireland, there are some slight restrictions for those over 75 which may include a printed medical certificate from a health care provider certifying fitness to drive as well as a statement from your insurance company verifying a void of accidents (or crashes) for a period of 5 years. Check with the rental company ahead of time to ensure you have time to gather requirements if needed.
Electric Power Adaptor
Make sure to have Plug Converter for Irish 3 pin style plugs and an In-Car Charger to charge phone or laptop. The car charger saved us especially using my phone to navigate and take an abundance of photos.
May be an issue even in the off season at hotels, restaurants and events / sites of interest so plan accordingly and be ready to walk from parking area to final destination and to pay to park.
Tipping
Be aware tipping is not necessary in Ireland, though leaving change up to 10% in restaurants and 15% in taxis are graciously accepted. I always leave money for the maid too (a little always helps).
Tax Free Purchases
Shopping can be Tax Free. Get a VAT slip to be reimbursed. Different rules for travelers within European Union and Outside EU.
Passport
Make sure Passport is up to date (& Visa if applicable) as well as your Medical Insurance card.
Medications
Keep a list of ALL medications – Just in case and you will have no problem buying pills to cover you until your return. Keeping them in a medication caddy organizer is a good investment. Write a list of your medications, with dosage and your regular pharmacy for contact confirmation if necessary.
Flight Schedules
Plane Arrival & Departure – make sure you have plans for arriving early into Dublin or Shannon if you arrive from USA as some flights are really early e.g. 4:30am, and when departing from Dublin allow plenty of time (3 hours) before departure as its a slow process and includes US immigration.
Ireland Travel Tips
Playing Golf in Ireland
- Wear comfortable (waterproof) walking shoes as not all Irish Golf courses have “golf buggies” available, and many Links Golf don’t allow buggies for visitors e.g. Portmarnock Golf Club.
- Be prepared, not only to walk the course but for windy weather and probably misty wet rain during a 4 hour round, despite a fine weather forecast, so get used to playing in rain suit and bring a dry towel and extra gloves.
- Also practice playing your irons more, particularly off the tee to avoid the wind
- Be prepared and get used to playing your putter when your still off the green
- Remember to book a caddie early for your booked rounds through the Club Pro office, and remember to pay and tip the caddie regardless how badly you play !
- Be prepared for the wind to change directions at will, just because you played into the wind on the front 9 does not necessarily mean you have the wind at your back on the back 9!
- Thinking of wind, bring some sun wind cream / lip balm, to prevent dry skin.
- Don’t be confused by the calm weather inland, compared to the 15 -20 mph winds blowing on the links by the coast
- Golf Balls are usually a significant cost premium in Ireland and UK vs USA so plan accordingly, whether you play Titleist Pro V or low price balls bring more than you think you will need.
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