Ireland has a rich history and culture. It’s history includes ancient Celtic influences, Viking invasions, and of course English colonization. Ireland is known for it’s music, dance, literature, and folklore. Ireland is also known for it’s beautiful landscapes and historic sites.
When many people think of Ireland they think of Guinness, castles, green grass, and leprechauns. Yes, Ireland has all of those (I’ve never seen a leprechaun but I have it on good authority they do exist), but Ireland has so much more to offer.
I was born in Ireland but now live in Canada. Like most natives, I did not appreciate or explore the country I grew up in while I lived there. Over the years I have grown to love my homeland and have visited Ireland as a tourist on several occasions.
On my tour of Ireland in the summer of 2023 I visited just the top half of the country. This tour was organized by https://www.lakeshoretours.ca/. Lakeshore Tours offer full service tours that include return airfare, airport shuttle with several pickup points, accommodation, many meals, admission to many attractions, and a Lakeshore Tour Director who accompanies you throughout the tour. A local step on guide joins the tour at the destination. Our step on guide was provided by Royal Irish Tours, https://ritvacations.com/. We landed in Dublin, headed up to Northern Ireland to spend our first night in Newcastle and then moved along the northern coastline into Donegal. We then proceeded down the west of Ireland as far as County Clare before we travelled back to Dublin for our last two days. Along the way we visited the Titanic Experience in Belfast, made a stop at the Giant’s Causeway, walked the ancient walls in Derry, went to a Medieval banquet in an ancient castle in Limerick, took a boat cruise along the Cliffs of Moher, visited jails, a gin distillery, a whiskey distillery, an oyster farm, the Guinness Storehouse, and toured Dublin. Unlike other tours of Ireland, we did not tour the south of Ireland which means we did not get to travel along the Ring of Kerry nor did we get to kiss the Blarney Stone. The southern part of Ireland has so much to offer too so if you are planning a trip to Ireland I would encourage you to stay a bit longer to see as much of Ireland as you can.
The grass in Ireland is green for a reason. It rains a lot. Ireland gets on average 200 days of rain a year. Now, sometimes the rain is soft (a light drizzle). Other times the rain is torrential, even an umbrella won’t keep you dry. Having said that, you do not go to Ireland for the weather, you go for the scenery, the culture, and the craic (fun). If you are lucky the sun will shine, but always pack your umbrella and a rain coat when visiting Ireland, just in case.
Most visitors to Ireland are surprised at how metropolitan the cities are. They don’t look like New York or Toronto but they have all the amenities big cities offer.
Some questions you may have if planning a trip to Ireland
WIFI
Is there WiFi? – Free wifi is everywhere so if you are concerned about connecting with family back home don’t be.
What voltage is used in Ireland?
The voltage in Ireland is 220v (in Canada and the USA the voltage is 110v). Because of this you will need a converter if you are planning on taking electrical devices that are not dual voltage.
If your device is dual voltage you will only need an international travel adaptor as the plug style is different in Ireland.
You can pick up an adaptor at local stores, travel agents, at the airport, some pharmacies and of course Amazon.
Currency
What currency is used in Ireland? – In 1921 Ireland was split into two separate countries. As a result two currencies are used in Ireland. When visiting Northern Ireland (Derry, Antrim, Down, Armagh, Tyrone, and Fermanagh) you will need Sterling (Great British Pounds). In the south of Ireland, the remaining 26 counties, you will need Euros. Of course, bank machines are available all over the country and credit cards are accepted everywhere.
What’s the Food Like?
Contrary to popular belief, Irish people do not live on a diet of potatoes, nor do they eat corned beef and cabbage. The food in Ireland is excellent. You can get international cuisine as well as delicious pub grub. I always tell people to take stretchy pants because you will put on weight when in Ireland, especially if you start the day off with a traditional Irish breakfast.
Is the shopping good in Ireland?
The shopping is great in Ireland. Leave room in your suitcase for your purchases, or take an empty carryon. You will need it. In the south of Ireland many of your larger purchases will be eligible for a tax rebate at the airport. The shops will provide you with the information you need to claim the taxes back. Many shops also provide free shipping which will free up room in your suitcase.
Do Irish people really like to sing?
Yes! As mentioned before, one of the things Ireland is known for is the music. There is music everywhere so regardless of where you are staying you will be able to enjoy live music. I encourage you to go for a stroll and pop into the local pub for a bit of fun. You won’t regret it.
Ireland is not cheap but it is definitely worth the trip.