Tips for a Terrific First Trip to Ireland

​You’ve put off visiting the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park, 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 a private guide
The best sites in the Emerald Isle are seen outside of the major cities of Dublin, and if you do not want to drive on the left side of the road or navigate a map while enjoying the scenery, then a driver guide is the best route to go. With a guide, you can enjoy the view while learning all of the Irish stories and history from an Irish guide.  Just imagine as you are driving by something that interests you, such as all of the highway art in Ireland, you can ask the driver guide instead of searching in the guidebook or wondering what that spot was all about. 

Tax-Free Shopping!
All those goodies you’ll find to buy on Grafton Street are tax-free! That’s right, travelers 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.
 
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 traveling 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 into a few hours. But during summer, the sunsets 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 you should be just fine.

Heritage Cards Are Helpful
If you plan is 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.
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So now that you have the tips to a successful Ireland trip, be sure to call or email me to help you plan your Irish vacation.