Tips for a terrific first trip to Ireland

TIPS FOR A TERRIFIC FIRST TRIP TO IRELAND

Ahh, the Emerald Isle.

My first trip to Ireland was filled with fascinating history, folklore, breath-taking scenery and fabulous tasty cuisine.

I’m here to tell you, that you’ve put off visiting the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park, Giants Causeway and Blarney Castle long enough. It’s finally time to take that trip to Ireland! We applaud that decision, but before you book that brewery tour or get too excited about visiting Dublin’s Grafton Street, here are a few tips to make for a more enjoyable trip.

Consider Car Travel

The best sites in the Emerald Isle are seen via public transportation or tour buses, but renting a car is not a bad idea to get to those obscure sites. Be sure the vehicle you rent is a small one, as rural roads in Ireland are narrow. Oh, and the Irish drive on the left side of the road and pass on the right.

Tax-Free Shopping!

All those goodies you’ll find to buy on Grafton Street are tax-free! That’s right, travellers who live outside the European Union can shop tax-free in Ireland. Make sure to apply for a Fexco Horizon Card prior to your trip so you can register and swipe it in affiliated stores in the country and claim sales tax back on the purchases.

Differing Currencies

And while we’re on the topic of shopping, it’s important to note that, as part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland uses pound sterling rather than the euro which is used in the southern part of Ireland.

Dress Appropriately

Irish weather is not extreme, but the country does get a lot of rain, particularly along its west coast. And if you’re travelling to Ireland during winter, know that the season’s days are short. The sun rises at about 8 a.m. and sets at about 4 p.m., which means you have to cram a lot of sightseeing in to a few hours. But during the summer, the sunsets are as late as 10 p.m. Be mindful of these seasonal changes, pack light layers of clothing and a pair of rain boots or waterproof shoes, and a rain jacket and you should be just fine.

Public Transportation Pointers

The trains in Ireland carry you in comfort, but they are pricey. So if you intend to travel on one during your trip, make sure to book it in advance to take advantage of online discounts that the Irish Rail offers. If you choose to travel by bus, be aware that you must flag the bus to get it to stop.

Heritage Cards Are Helpful

If you plan to visit the country’s many cultural attractions, picking up a Heritage Card from the Office of Public Works is a great idea. This card entitles you to free admission to all heritage sites managed by the state for an entire year. These sites include castles and national parks.

So now that you have some of the more essential tips for a successful trip, be sure to email me when you are ready to discover Ireland for yourself corry@epicluxuryvacations.com.