About Ireland
The Emerald Isle, as it is often referred, combines Northern Ireland to the North East of the island which is part of the political union of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, which is an independent country and part of the European Union. This can cause some nuances when travelling such as using different currencies and having different entry requirements – the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is required for entry to Northern Ireland, however nuances aside, we strongly advise visiting both countries because you are sure to get the famous Irish welcome wherever you are on the island.
Things You Need to Know
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to Ireland:
Weather
Ireland is well-known for its wild weather, especially on the coast. Being a small island surrounded by the North Sea, the Irish Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean, strong winds and heavy rain are not uncommon in Ireland all year round. Summers are mild, and temperatures tend to drop in the evenings, so its best to bring warm clothing all year round.
Best Time to Visit
Summer in Ireland brings ideal conditions for outdoor conditions, while late spring and early fall offer similar conditions with fewer crowds. During these months, you’ll find bustling cities and lively music and literature festivals. Winter in Ireland offers a more peaceful experience with festive markets and cosy pubs full of Irish charm.
Getting Around
Ireland has great public transport links, even having ferries that can take you around the coast. The major cities are all accessible by train, while buses serve more remote areas. The Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coast make for some of the most stunning driving routes in the country.
Culture and Traditions
Ireland has a rich cultural heritage, known for its music, dance, literature, and folklore. You can experience traditional Irish music in local pubs, explore ancient castles, and visit museums that celebrate the country’s history. It is important to remember that the Republic of Ireland uses the Euro (EUR) and Northern Ireland uses the British Pound (GBP).
Featured Irish Destinations
Explore the beauty of Ireland with our selection of featured destinations, including the vibrant streets of Dublin, the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, and the scenic Killarney National Park. Whether you’re seeking a city break, or an outdoor adventure, our customisable experiences ensure that there will be something to captivate you in Ireland.
Personalised Itinerary
Are you a history buff, nature lover, or a big foodie? We can customise your vacation based on your interests. Our sample experiences have been created to inspire you and show that we can accommodate everyone. However, if there’s something that you’ve always dreamed of doing, let us know and we will incorporate this into your completely personalised itinerary!
Get in TouchFeatures Irish Blogs
6 Botanic Gardens You’ll Have a Bloomin’ Good Time At
Discover the UK’s Tranquil Waters by Cruise
The Road Less Travelled: Hiking Hidden Gems in the UK
FAQs
Before packing your bags, ensure you have all the necessary travel documents in order. All visitors to the UK who do not need a visa for short stays (like holidays) will need an Electronic Travel Authrorisation (ETA) – a digital approval to travel. Without an ETA you cannot travel to or transit through the UK.
UK Government website details.
The Republic of Ireland requires a separate visa to that of the UK.
Both the UK and Ireland have their own currencies – pounds sterling (£) in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland and euros (€) for the Republic of Ireland. Familiarise yourself with the current exchange rates and consider carrying a mix of cash and cards for convenience. Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with using your cards abroad. Although cash and cards can both generally be used, there has been a rise in the number of vendors only taking cards, so useful to have access to both methods of payment.
It is certainly customary to tip in the UK however it very much depends on the service you are tipping. The following will give some guidance:
- Food and Drink – quite often a service charge of around 12.5% is added to your bill already, so you may wish to check this. If you have enjoyed your experience you could top this up to make 15 – 20% in total. For takeaway purchases a tip is generally not expected, however if this is delivered to your accommodation you wish to give the delivery person a small tip.
- Transport – tipping a taxi driver would be the norm, around 10% or rounding up the charge. For driver transfers around £5 – £10 per person and for full-day tours around £15 – £20 per person.
- Tour Directors / Guides – as with drivers for short, guided tours £5 – £10 per person, and for longer / day tours £15 – £20.
As a rule though, tip according to service received and how much you have enjoyed the experience and the person has added to that experience. Tipping does not require to be a given!
The weather in the UK and Ireland can be unpredictable, so be prepared for the potential of four seasons in one day! Pack layers, waterproof clothing, comfortable shoes for exploring, and don’t forget an umbrella or raincoat. Regardless of the season, it’s always wise to pack an extra sweater or jacket. When the sun does shine it can be glorious, but also hot, so be prepared with sun protection also. Make sure to bring plug adapters for your electrical devices and a reminder that the UK is 230v.
The British and Irish are known for their friendliness and hospitality, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with locals wherever you are. If you happen to find yourself on the island of Islay you will find all passing (local) vehicle drivers waving at you! When visiting religious landmarks or some historical sites, observe any rules or guidelines in place. For golfers note there may be a dress code in some of the private clubs, both for playing courses and visiting clubhouses.
For many visitors to the UK on a self-drive tour this will mean driving on the left (wrong!) side of the road, however it won’t take you long to get the hang of it. Some key items to remember:
- Speed is in mph not km/h.
- Make sure you have requested the correct car seats for any infants and children travelling with the party.
- The Drink Driving limit in the UK is very low, with Scotland having a zero-tolerance policy.
Additional information can be found here:
https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/driving-in-great-britain
Driving on the left – Road Safety Scotland
If you are hiring a vehicle, all drivers must present a fully valid and unexpired driving licence (digital licences are not accepted). If the driving licence is written in a language and characters different from those of the country of rental, you may require an International Driving Permit. Therefore we thoroughly recommend you travel with an International Driving Permit to present if requested. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation to allow you to rent a vehicle. We cannot take responsibility if you are unable to proceed with rental due to incorrect or missing documentation.
Before travelling, ensure you have adequate travel insurance coverage that includes medical emergencies. Carry any necessary medications in hand luggage and familiarize yourself with emergency contact numbers and healthcare facilities in the area. While the UK and Ireland are generally safe destinations, it’s always wise to exercise caution and stay vigilant, especially in crowded tourist areas.
