You’ve decided to visit Ireland. Congratulations! Now you will need my 9 insider travel tips to get you there as economically as possible.
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Even though Ireland is a small country, there is a lot to see, and you should take that into account when planning your vacation.
Let's dive into these 9 insider travel tips.
Tip #1 – Choose Your Car Rental Carefully
If you are renting a car in Ireland, be sure to do it well in advance of your vacation. That way you are guaranteed to get the best rates. If you can drive a manual car, the rates will be cheaper.
For two people traveling together, a compact is the most budget-friendly option. However, be aware of the trunk size and bring the appropriate-sized luggage so that it will fit. Cars are generally smaller in Ireland than they are in the U.S.
Be sure to book your car with the right credit card that will cover the mandatory CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) insurance, meaning that if you have an accident in Ireland, you will be covered, and your credit card will handle the issue.
Some of the credit cards that you can use to cover the cost of your rental car in Ireland include the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, and the Costco Anywhere Visa® by Citi.
If you are a member of AARP, you may get additional discounts. Interestingly, you do not need to be over 50 to join. Membership in AAA is also a cost-saving consideration.
Read More: 8 Tips for Getting a Rental Car in Ireland You Can Afford
Tip #2 – Be Prepared for Driving in Ireland
While driving in Ireland might not be for everyone, it is the best way to get a feel for the country and to discover the places that a tour bus might not take you to.
Driving on Ireland’s motorways won’t be unlike what you’re used to at home. Even R roads (Regional Roads) are manageable, but smaller roads (those designated as L routes or Local Roads) will be narrower and you may come across cows, sheep, and tractors on these roads, so drive slowly.
You will encounter tolls on the major motorways in Ireland.
There are 11 tolled motorways in the Republic of Ireland. They include the M50, M1, M3, M4, M7/M8, N6, N8, N25, the East-Link Bridge, the Limerick Tunnel, and the Dublin Port Tunnel.
Ten of Ireland’s 11 toll roads have regular toll plazas, and you can pay in cash at all of them (just be sure to have coins available).
Visa debit or Mastercard are the only acceptable cards you can use to pay for tolls on the M1, M3, M4, M6, M7/8, N25, and the Dublin Tunnel toll plazas.
The M8, the Limerick Tunnel, and the East Link Bridge do not accept bank card payments.
The M50 is Ireland’s only digital toll road, which means that you must pay by 8 p.m. the following day by using eFlow if you haven’t already signed up for the automatic payment that most rental car companies in Ireland offer.
The Motorways and Tolls PDF that I've created for you, which is also referenced above, will help you out a lot and you can even print it before you get to Ireland and then use it as a guide.
To get to Ireland’s many tourist attractions, you can use Google Maps to help with directions. There may be instances when it doesn't work so well in rural areas, but on main roads, it works pretty well.
Waze can also be used in Ireland.
If your rental car has a touchscreen with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, you can use it to control the phone from the car display rather than from the phone itself. Download maps ahead of time in case you end up in a dead zone with no Internet service.
There are plenty of tourist signs across Ireland that will lead you to previously unknown destinations. Look for the brown signs with white lettering.
Find Parking in Ireland with QPark
Tip #3 – Research Your Wifi Options
While you can get WIFI in Ireland in places that offer it for free, the most hassle-free way to access it is to either get a Sim card at the airport (they can be purchased at both Dublin and Shannon airports) or buy one online before you leave your home country.
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Other options include using an eSIM or renting a portable Wifi device from Irish-based company WiFicandy.
Use code IOB2024 to get 10% off your portable Wifi device purchase, or get 25% off on an eSIM purchase, if you buy 2 packages. Use code eSIM25 in that case (both codes cannot be used together).
Tip #4 – Book Accommodation Early
Like airfare, accommodation is best booked beforehand, especially if you are traveling to Ireland in the high season as many guesthouses and hotels may be booked out, especially in popular tourist areas.
This is especially true post-Covid and due to the fact that space in some hotels has been given over to Ukrainian refugees.
B&B Ireland is a good resource if you are considering B&Bs and hotels can be found on various booking sites, including Booking.com, Agoda, Hotels.com, Expedia, Trivago, and others.
Members of the Ireland Facebook Group, Ireland Travel Planning Tips, give high marks to several hotels around the country.
Some include the Grafton Hotel, The Russell Court Hotel, Wynn's Hotel, and The Mont, all in Dublin; The Huntsman Inn, The Hardiman Hotel, and the Park House Hotel, all in Galway; the Greenmount House, the Dingle Benners Hotel, and the Pax Guesthouse, all located in Dingle.
Tip #5 – Traveling with Money in Ireland
How much money to bring to Ireland is a concern for many travelers.
My suggestion is to have some euros (€200 is sufficient) in your wallet before you leave for Ireland (ordering them through your bank is ideal or if you're a member of AAA, you can order currency that way too).
While many places around Ireland will take bank cards, there may be times when you need to pay for something in cash.
For example, Dublin Bus only accepts coins, and while most B&Bs in Ireland accept credit cards as payment, some may not, so it's best to check with the provider beforehand.
It is more convenient to use cards since ATMs are all over the country anyway. My advice is to use a bank-owned ATM.
The major banks in the Republic of Ireland include Allied Irish Bank, Bank of Ireland and the Permanent TSB, a popular building society.
In general, be selective with the bank cards that you bring to Ireland to avoid paying high foreign transaction fees.
Tax-Back Scheme for Non-EU Citizens
Other money-related tips include the use of Ireland's tax back scheme, which non-EU visitors (including residents of the UK but not Northern Ireland) are entitled to after purchasing specific items (mostly souvenirs and other gift items like jewelry, Irish crystal, and the like).
Under Ireland's Retail Export Scheme, tourists are entitled to claim the VAT/sales tax on goods they export (the minimum spend is €75).
According to Ireland's Revenue Department, “the goods must be exported from the EU by the tourist or traveller within three months of purchase, and the scheme requires proof of purchase and proof of export.”
The company that is handling the refund process is called Planet.
When making a purchase, you should ask retailers if they participate in the scheme. If they so, they will provide you with a Planet Tax Free form.
When you are leaving Ireland, you can get customs approval from the customs officer at the airport or electronic validation from a special kiosk at your point of departure.
You must submit your fully completed tax free form, store receipts, unused purchased goods, your passport and travel documents.
The form must be sent back to Planet to receive the refund. You can track your refund on the Planet website.
Tip #6 – Saving Money on Food
Food in Ireland has changed a lot over the years. Sure, you can still get the traditional full Irish breakfast in most B&Bs and hotels, but there are other offerings too that you should be willing to try.
Due to Ireland’s proximity to the ocean, fresh seafood is a popular option on most restaurant menus.
Farm-to-table practices are also common as Irish chefs rely increasingly on produce, cheese, and other ingredients that come from Ireland’s farms.
Many tourists, especially those from the U.S., find that food is more affordable in Ireland.
However, if you're looking to save money eating out, there are some ways that you can do that, including availing of Early Bird specials, which many restaurants offer.
Here are some early bird specials that are available in popular Dublin restaurants:
The FIRE Steakhouse & Bar – located on Dawson Street in the heart of the city. This eatery offers a 2- and 3-course early bird special Monday through Friday from 5 to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.
Toscana Restaurant – located on Dame Street in the city center. This popular Italian restaurant serves up a 3-course early bird pre-theater dinner special for €35.95 per person.
Sole Seafood & Grill – the award-winning Sole Seafood & Grill restaurant is squarely in the luxury category given its recent nomination as “Europe’s Best Luxury Seafood Restaurant,” but if you can snag its 2 or 3-course early bird special, you won’t be disappointed.
Gallagher's Boxty House – if you find yourself in the Temple Bar area, don’t hesitate to pop into Gallagher’s Boxty House, which takes its name from the traditional Irish dish, “boxty.”Here you’ll find interesting variations of the original humble dish, including on its special boxty menu.
Dada Moroccan Restaurant – known for serving up an eclectic menu, this Moroccan eatery offers an early bird Halal menu on Monday through Friday (5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.) and on Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Choose from either two courses for €25.95 per person or three courses for €29.95. The restaurant uses 100% prime certified Irish lamb.
Quays Irish Restaurant – located in the heart of the city’s Temple Bar section, you can get two courses at Quays Irish Restaurant for just €25.95.
If a restaurant has a pub attached, it may be cheaper to eat there. Additionally, some pubs in Dublin are known for their delicious, wholesome carvery offerings, which is basically a full dinner (usually 3 courses), all for an affordable price.
These moderately-priced meals can be found at Sinnott's off Grafton Street, Eden House, and The Old Spot (look for their Sunday Old Spot Roasts).
Tipping is not required in Ireland but of course, it is appreciated. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of the total bill is the standard when tipping.
Read More: The Best Food in Ireland: Discover What’s Available in Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim
Tip #7 – Bring the Right Clothing and Footwear
The kind of clothing and footwear you bring with you really depends on the activities you are planning to do.
If you plan to do a lot of walking and hiking, you’ll need good sturdy hiking boots. If you are planning regular tourist activities, a good pair of sneakers or alternative walking shoes are fine.
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Most importantly, dress comfortably and in layers. If the weather is warm, you can always shed the layers.
A good waterproof jacket is a must when in Ireland. If you’re worried about the rain damaging your cross-body travel bag or shoes, purchase a can of waterproof spray.
Tip #8 – Book Popular Attractions in Advance
Since popular attractions tend to book up quickly, it is wise to reserve tickets in advance.
Attractions like Kilmainham Jail in Dublin and the Newgrange archaelogical site in County Meath need to be booked in advance.
In the case of Kilmainham Jail, tickets are released 28 days out, so be sure to count back 28 days to the date you want to visit. In addition, take into account any time difference between where you live and the time in Ireland so that you get to the website once tickets are released.
Tip #9 – Get the Right Adapter for Your Electronics
You do not need a voltage converter to operate your electronics in Ireland since most laptops, tablets, cell phones, and other such devices operate in a range between 100 volts and 240 volts.
The standard domestic electricity supply in Ireland is 230 volts (AC). The voltage in the U.S. is 120V.
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All you really need is a plug adapter Type G. If you have several devices that need charging on a daily basis while you are in Ireland, consider purchasing a universal power strip for use worldwide. If you are planning to visit other European countries, this adapter will work for those and in Ireland.
Are you planning a vacation to Ireland? Let me know in the comments below if these 9 insider travel tips were helpful.
