Travelling in Ireland – All You Need to Know

Ready to explore the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of Ireland? To help you prepare for your tour, we’ve put together some top tips and practical advice on travelling in Ireland.

WEATHER
Ireland's climate is mild, frequently damp, highly changeable, localised and often with four seasons in one day. This means that you may well have a morning of rain and an afternoon of sunshine, and the weather may be quite different just 10 miles away. The chances are that over a week or so in Ireland, the weather will be varied, with some good and some not so good days, no matter what the time of year.

Cool days in summer: 10-15° C (50 - 60° F).
Warm days in summer: 21-27° C (70 - 80° F)

Ireland doesn’t usually experience extremes of climate. Temperatures generally range from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius in the summer and from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius in the winter, with rainfall throughout the year, usually more the further west you go.  While peak season for visiting Ireland is in July and August, summer conditions are not always guaranteed. Sometimes the weather in June & September can be much better!

Visit www.met.ie for Ireland weather information.

CLOTHING
It’s a good idea to bring layers of clothing with you so you can change whenever the temperature does. Just be ready for almost anything - in summer you might be wearing a warm sweater in the morning but shorts and a t-shirt in the afternoon! You’ll need comfortable, waterproof shoes for hiking, cycling and visiting outdoor historic sites and visitor attractions. As a rule, always bring rain gear with you and remember that the higher you go, the cooler it gets. 

We’ll send you a list of recommended clothing and equipment when you make your booking. You can find out more in our What to Bring section.

MONEY
The unit of currency in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro written as €. The unit of currency in Northern Ireland is the British Pound sterling (GBP) written as £. 

Most Irish businesses accept Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards for payment. However American Express and Diners Club are not always accepted. Chip and pin card payment is also widely available for smaller amounts. ATM machines are available in all small towns but not in all villages, so it is advisable to have some cash with you for smaller purchases. 

Banks can be found in most small to medium sized towns in Ireland, although opening hours can be limited. Currency exchange is best done at a bank or Post Office (An Post) rather than at hotels or other establishments to ensure you get the best rate.

Check with your own bank before travelling to find out which cards and ATMs you will be able to use and what you will be charged for using them.

LANGUAGE
English is spoken throughout Ireland. Irish (Gaelic) is also spoken in pockets mainly along the west coast in areas known as the Gaeltacht. Irish accents change almost from village to village, which can be a source of amazement for visitors, and of course we use a lot of colloquialisms and ‘Irish slang’.

Irish people aren’t very fluent in other European languages, but they will often give it a try to help tourists. They will also show great patience if you are struggling with getting your message across in English.

FOOD
Food is generally of high quality in Ireland and offers plenty of choice. Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available.

Breakfast in hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs is known as a ‘Full Irish Breakfast’ - a cooked breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, black pudding, tomatoes and even baked beans! A continental breakfast of fruit, yoghurt, cereal and a selection of breads will also be available. A range of options for lunch and dinner is available, from pub-grub to fine dining. Most small villages will serve food of some sort or will have take-away options from a local café or shop.

There is a growing gourmet food scene all along the Wild Atlantic Way. There are many options available, from fine dining restaurants to small cafes, family-run pubs and food trucks all serving the finest of seasonal, local produce and freshest catch from nearby waters. There are also many small-scale, high-quality producers crafting whiskey and spirits, artisanal cheeses, chocolate, edible seaweed, bread, honey, preserves and much more, their flavours reflecting the unique natural resources of the wild landscapes of Ireland. You’ll be spoilt for choice!

HEALTHCARE
Healthcare in the Republic of Ireland is provided through both public and private health systems, with care and treatment generally of a high standard. Tourists can access emergency care in public hospitals, but non-EU/EEA/UK visitors will typically need to pay for treatment. EU/EEA visitors can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for certain treatments at reduced costs or free of charge in some cases. 

Pharmacies are widely available for non-prescription medication, and local GP services can be accessed for minor health issues, though you’ll usually have to pay around €60-€75 for an appointment. Some larger towns and cities have walk-in minor injury clinics where you’ll typically pay up to €100 to be seen with additional costs should any further tests of imaging be required. 

In Northern Ireland healthcare is provided through the NHS which is usually free at the point of access, although visitors from some countries may have to pay for treatment. 

You should take out travel and/or health insurance to cover potential medical costs including repatriation before you come to Ireland.

THE IRISH PUB
An institution in itself and a location for all sorts of entertainment in Ireland, both day and night, the Irish pub is famous and imitated the world over, but the experience of the real thing is second to none. A visit to one of these cosy, quirky, traditional treasures is a must do during your trip to Ireland. Pull up a chair by the fire, find a quiet corner to read or watch the comings and goings of locals and visitors alike. Many pubs serve very good lunch and dinner as well as coffee and a range of non-alcoholic drinks if you prefer not to drink alcohol.

The range of entertainment to be found in pubs varies from quizzes and card games, singing, dancing, and of course traditional music sessions - some organised and some impromptu - and always great craic, as we say here! So, if the person at the next table to you breaks into song or starts to play the fiddle don’t be alarmed, just sit back and enjoy.

IRISH HOSPITALITY
We are generally a friendly and hospitable nation, something which we are very proud of and try to maintain. In more rural areas, smaller towns and villages we will likely say hello as we pass you in the street or wave as we drive past in the car. This might take some getting used to but feel free to join in.
If you are in trouble or lost, you can call in to a pub or shop or ask someone in the street for assistance. We Irish like to chat and are genuinely interested in you so be prepared to be asked a few questions about yourself. Irish people are generally well-travelled and may well have visited your own home country, state or local area, or have friends and family living there, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation too!

We look forward to welcoming you here in Ireland very soon.

Visit our FAQ area or contact us by phone or email for more information.