Ireland FAQ

When should I go?

Please avoid July and August when there are too many tourists.  Moreover, tourists go to the same museums, archaeological and other tourist sites.  If you do go in the summer, avoid the most touristy sites between 10:00 and 15:30 hours. Better yet go around supper time.

What is the best season for travel?

It has been downright hot in July and August the last two years (climate change?) and there generally is no air conditioning.  The best times are spring and fall though April is still a bit chilly. Otherwise, Ireland is perpetual spring so you need to dress in layers and be prepared for rain.

What is the best clothing?

The best travel clothing includes Gortex (waterproof) hiking shoes (not the heavier boots) about $160-220; breathable Gortex rain shell ca. $240, pricy but the least bulk: there are cheaper alternatives; and Patagonia fleece sweater $126-170, the best warmth. All these items are lightweight and geared to hiking; in effect, that is what you are doing as a traveller.

Where should I go? What are the must sees?

If you are a first-time visitor, first check out what elements of Quintessential Ireland interest you. Then check out which pre-designed itineraries best fit your interests via the Ireland Portal.

How much time do I need for Ireland?

To see Ireland thoroughly and not feel rushed, you need one week per geographic region. If you only have a week try to use statutory holidays to extend that to ten days. Otherwise you will get tired out and may not even remember the places in your photographs when you get home. This rule of thumb applies to all of Europe.

Can I see everything in a week?

The short answer is no!  Why can’t I just drive to a new town every day? Because it takes 1/2 to one day to drive to the next location. You will not have enough time to walk, admire, learn or enjoy each place. And you will need a vacation from the vacation.

Many people just plan on going to towns whose names they have heard. With the exception of a few colourful fishing towns like Dazzling Dingle and Kool Kinsale, towns are not what is special about Ireland. When people say, oh you have to go to Galway, it is not the city of Galway that is incredible. It is the fact that there are four day trips that you can do from that base.

It is impossible to see all the craggy coastlines and spectacular scenic areas. However, allowing at least two weeks will get the most out of your travel (cost) investment.

How safe is Ireland?

Ireland is very safe. In fact, most of Europe has a much lower violent crime rate than the United States, which is the 14th worst country in the world. Ireland has the least violent crime as well as infrequent robbery rate, The US is the 18th worst country for robbery.

Crime Levels: Countries Compared Countries

• Intentional homicide rate per 100,000 population
• Number of recorded robberies per 100,000 population

How much cash should you take to Ireland?

Ireland is a modern economy. You can use credit cards almost everywhere and ATM machines when you need cash. There were only a couple of B&Bs that insisted on cash payment.

Should I pay in Euros or my own currency?

The usual rule of thumb is always pay for expenses in the local currency.  Stores/hotels can use any exchange rate they want.  Pay for your air fare and rental car at home in your own currency so the rate is secure and there is no foreign exchange transaction fee. Don’t worry about transaction fees because banks can hide fees or just use a poorer exchange rate.  If you want to budget then economize on hotels and food.

Should I get a SIM Card?

That’s a personal decision.  If you plan on using the phone then it makes sense.  If your reason is to search for information then use free wi-fi when you can get it (hotel, café).  If your main reason is to use maps and get directions, then download the free maps.me app and a map of the country.  It works offline without connectivity.  This is what we used on our last trip. 

What apps are useful for travel? 

Mobile apps that we use for travel include:

• XE for exchange rates,
• Units Plus to convert Metric to English measurement systems,
• Google Maps for planning and fancier versions of my
• Maps.me for off-line maps and directions,
• Photoshop Express for minor adjustments to cell phone photos.

I use desktop Photoshop for proper editing at home. We also have Agoda and Trip Advisor but we don’t use them during our already planned trip and also we trust the Google Map ratings more.

Should I rent a car? Take a Taxi?

Within Dublin, no! Nor do you need to take a taxi as the public transit system is very good.

It is not as big a problem driving in Dublin as many people including Rick Steves make out.

Dublin is tame compared to Rome where we lived for four years. Try driving in Istanbul or Bangkok! Irish drivers are generally relaxed and polite. This does not mean I recommend driving — Traffic in Dublin is very bad and slow, parking is very expensive, and you need a navigator. the parking is very expensive but it is available. If you rent a car at Dublin Airport you will have to drive through Dublin to get to your hotel. Relax, you are more likely to get lost than to have an accident.

Dublin is tame compared to Rome where we lived for four years. Try driving in Istanbul or Bangkok! The drivers are generally relaxed and polite. This does not mean I recommend driving — the parking is very expensive but it is available.

Outside Dublin you will need a rental car or a tour to see the quintessential sights. Even cities like Galway were easy to drive. Driving on the left is not a real problem. However, the narrow country roads take getting used to. Yes, your small car does fit in the lane but there are no shoulders. Drive slowly — you are on holiday and should not be rushing to the next place.

Other Links

Quintessential Ireland

Ireland Portal