Ireland, or the Republic of Ireland as it is known officially, is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its traditional folklore, stunning Atlantic coastlines, and of course, their patron Saint, Patrick. It’s history is not as dark as that of it’s neighbor, Northern Ireland. However, it is important to know before visiting Ireland, that becoming an independent country is a recent achievement for them. It has since become a member of the European Union and now boasts urban cities, while still maintaining the charm of local traditions.
This was second time visiting this beautiful country and it is as wonderful as I remember it to be. My hours of research resulted in an action packed trip and I have included everything here I learned and needed to know before visiting the Republic of Ireland. Continue reading if you’re going to be visiting soon or are looking for inspiration for your next trip! You will be happy that you did!
Thinking about visiting Northern Ireland as well? This is a good source of information if you’re planning on visiting The Republic of Ireland’s neighbor to the North.
Know Before You Go
But what exactly do you need to know before you visiting the Republic of Ireland? I never like to travel to a destination “blind,” so I compiled a list of helpful information I learned throughout my stay to share with you!
If you’re flying into Ireland, there are several airport options and depend on which city you are flying into. The biggest one is, of course, Dublin International Airport, located in the capital city of Dublin. There are also airports located in Shannon, Galway and Cork if you are beginning your journey in one of those cities.
Driving to Ireland is also very easy! Nowadays, there are no official border crossings from Northern Ireland. However, please know, that you have to drive on the lefthand side of the road. If you’re cool with that, then this is for you! If you’re traveling from Belfast, it’s a straight shot south for about two hours. I highly recommend renting a car, simply for the ease of getting around. If you’re interested in visiting many different parts of the country as I was, than this is your best bet for getting around. Yes, there are bus tours you can take out of Dublin, Galway or Shannon, but those are not the same as doing it yourself!
Bonus tip: If you are driving between the two countries, pay close attention to the speed in which you are driving! The North uses miles per hour (mph) and the Republic of Ireland, kilometers per hour (kph).
The Nitty Gritty
So, what else do you need to know before visiting the Republic of Ireland? There are a lot of considerations to make before you decide to travel internationally. Whether it’s your first time or 100th time outside of your respective country, it is important to know what to expect as you prepare to travel to your chosen destination. Although Ireland is considered an easy country to plan for and visit, it’s always important to consider the following. Keep in mind, this list is not all inclusive, but things I thought about when planning my trip.
Language
The predominant language spoken in Ireland is Gaeilge or Irish. This is a Celtic language and it is one of the oldest and most historic languages in the world. You will see it used everywhere as street and road signs are written in both English and Irish. Spend some time also listening to the locals speak; it is my favorite part of traveling throughout this country!
Visa Requirements
Determining whether or not you need a visa to visit Ireland depends on where you are from, how you are traveling there, and what travel documents you are carrying with you. I found this website to be very helpful.
Currency
The Euro is the official currency of the Republic of Ireland. The value of it is a 1-to-.98 ratio with the U.S. dollar. Euro notes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500. The Euro is also divided into 100 cents; coins come in denominations of €2, €1, 50¢, 20¢, 10¢, 5¢, 2¢, and 1¢. I found it beneficial to have cash or coins on me for toll payments since I was driving throughout the country. Lastly, if you are also planning on visiting Northern Ireland, you will need to have British Pounds on you as well as they do not accept Euros.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, so you won’t need to bring a ton of cash with you. Keep in mind too, that if you use American Express, my tip is always to have a backup credit card. There are still a few places that don’t accept it.
Where To Stay?
The most important question when planning any trip! There are countless choices depending on what type of amenities and experience you prefer. From modern hotels in Dublin and Galway, to bed and breakfasts’ in Cashel, The Republic of Ireland has it all. Wherever you choose to stay, make sure to do your research! Read reviews, understand its location and proximity to attractions, and confirm availability and price. Here is a full rundown of where I stayed during my travels in this picturesque country.
- Riverside Hotel in Sligo. Overlooking the Garavogue River, this was a pleasant surprise along my Wild Atlantic Way journey. Within walking distance to the city center, it not only has stunning river views, it is conveniently located between Dublin and Belfast and a short drive to Galway or Donegal.
- The Western Hotel in Galway. Free parking in the heart of Galway! I’ll be honest, I was sold just reading that. This was a great, moderately priced option that works well for me since I was only in the city one night.
- The Westin in Dublin. WOW! This hotel is by far my favorite of the trip. Located in the heart of Dublin, you step out of the hotel, right into the hustle and bustle of the city. Everything is at your finger tips! The hotel is also stunning, modern and upscale and the rooms are the same.
- Bailey’s Hotel in Cashel. A charming hotel that looks like a bed and breakfast from the outside. It’s my second time staying at this hotel and it did not disappoint! I love the cute town of Cashel. Situated between Dublin and Cork, it allows for easy travel and access to the southern most part of the island.
- The Morrison Hotel in Dublin: Another great option for Dublin! It’s proximity to the Temple Bar section of the city made celebrating St. Patrick’s Day all the more entertaining. All of the city highlights are also at your fingertips with this hotel!
No matter where you stay though, remember to soak everything in around you. It’s the memories that matter at the end of the day. You made it to the Republic of Ireland!
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