Things You Should Know Before Going to Ireland

I feel so dumb! I thought I booked a flight for June (next month), but I actually booked it for …January of 2024! 🤣Not sure what I was thinking, but maybe being tired had something to do with it. Oh well, I guess I’m going to Oregon in 2024! Time to whip out my snowshoes.

Here are some things you should know before going to Ireland…

I really enjoyed the country and it’s great to see how Irish culture has influenced the rest of the world. Keep reading for for tips that’ll make your trip to Ireland a success:

Pack multiple layers because the weather can change several times daily. It can be hot, windy, rainy, and chilly all in one day. Remember, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just improper clothing. Scarves are a great option since they warm you up without being too heavy. And consider bringing a lightweight jacket. You don't have to overdo it.

Pick the right currency - I know the educational system in the United States is questionable, but Ireland isn’t a part of the United Kingdom…only Northern Ireland is. This distinction matters because Ireland uses the Euro, while Northern Ireland uses Pounds. So, it’s important to have the correct currency when traveling between the two regions. If you want to be “extra” safe, you could follow my example and pay for everything with a credit card.

Take your time - I spent a full week in Ireland, but even that wasn’t enough to see everything. There are many places outside of the city that are worth visiting, so I’d recommend dedicating around 2 weeks to exploring the country. Many of the must-see sites in Ireland are located outside of Dublin, so you'll essentially be taking a mini tour around the country.

Know Irish Slang - I received the same response talking to Irish people as I do when I’m talking to Gen Z kids, “What the hell did you say?!” Although many Irish people speak English, they have their own slang that you may not understand. Watching my video should help you understand it better:

Don’t just try Guinness - Just like not all Americans drink Miller Lite, not all Irish drink Guinness. This isn’t meant to disparage Guinness because I definitely enjoy a good pint. But there are other beers, like Murphy's, that may actually be better. So what's the point? Try them ALL! 🥴

Ireland is Expensive 🤑- Ireland isn’t a cheap place to stay, especially when it comes to lodging and accommodation. Expect to pay more than you would in most other countries. However, you can reduce costs by visiting during the shoulder season or at off-peak times of the year.

Rent a Car - Although Ireland is highly industrialized, a car is still necessary for traveling outside of major cities like Dublin. If you plan to travel around the country, be prepared to drive. And that brings me to my next point…

Cars drive on the left side - Cars drive on the opposite side of the road and the driver's seat is also on the opposite side. This is particularly important to keep in mind when crossing the street. I have PTSD from almost getting hit by a car multiple times, so please be careful!!

English is NOT the official language - Not everyone knows this, but English is not the official language of Ireland. In fact, Gaelic was the native language until the English invaded and occupied the country for 700 years. It's impressive how the Irish were able to preserve their language despite the occupation.