Travel tips

We have traveled to Ireland many times and get asked every day for recommendations. We try to host a Travel night 5-6 times a year to share our experiences and let you know about alternative options some of our customers have shared with us.

Planning your trip – we LOVE everywhere we have been in Ireland. Do some research with your travel mates and decide what you want to see. Try to stay at least 2 days in one place to get the flavor of the locals. The happiest people report back they don’t have to rush through and see every tourist attraction. Any town can be your favorite if you get to know it, Attend Saturday evening Mass, walk over to meet the pub owners, sample the cuisine, meet a local that becomes a lifelong friend.

How do you want to get around in Ireland? We like to DRIVE and it’s not as scary as you might think. We suggest rent in online and ask for insurance and automatic car when booking. Have a good (human) navigator in the front seat and have maps even if you have navigation. We suggest getting prepaid option for tolls and remember to use unleaded gas. Just a note about roundabouts -it is better to go around an extra time or 2 than to take the wrong exit. 🤣. HIRE A DRIVER Trudi Carmody with Experience Ireland has been recommended. TRAVEL AGENCY & TOURS Rosemary Sipes with Travelersinc.com is local and has planned many trips for KC customers and friends. Merideth Lutz with Luxury Travel, Mac Adventures for walking and cycling trips, Experience Golf and Travel for fantastic Golf packages, The Elders, KC Irish Center Tours and Ireland’s CEI Tours.
TRAIN OR BUS many cities and towns are accessible by either or both. Check on line for schedules.

AIRFARE Check Dublin as well as smaller airports when booking, App hopper and google flights can track if prices change. Travel insurance is recommended. You may be tired when you land so don’t overplan your first day. PASSPORTS take 10-12 weeks for new one. You need 6 months left on your passport for Ireland. UKETA needed if you are going to Northern Ireland. Access this app on line. CELL PHONE Check with your carrier for rates and Wi-Fi. WhatsApp allows you to text to US. MONEY – Most places accept cards, however markets and islands may require cash. Order Euros (South) or Pounds (North) from your bank and allow 1-2 weeks. Irish merchants will ask you if you want to pay in Euros or dollars. Ask your bank/credit card.

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS have pools, gyms and parking. VRBO May need to stay 4+ days to offset fees, but can save on meals especially a family or large group. B & Bs – Meet locals & are often near town center.

WHAT TO PACK. Pack plenty of layers, weather changes during the day. We suggest good raincoat, tops with hoods, a couple pair of comfy waterproof shoes and plenty of socks. Expect rain and consider yourself lucky if it doesn’t. Bring a Phone charger with Ireland adapter for everything. Take your meds and anything over the counter you need. Luggage can and will get lost. We suggest taking your meds and a change of clothes in your carry on. Bring a bright suitcase or cover it with stickers and a colored strap. There are a lot of black suitcases and a colored ribbon is not enough.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP Choose things to do and places to go to please everyone in the group. Irishroadtrip.com, UTube, are all great resources to help plan your itinerary. Blue flag BEACHES are everywhere. Zip lines, water parks, and adventure HIKES are plentiful as well. GOLF is everywhere and many clubs have visitor rates. Riders Cup is in Ireland in 2027. MUSIC is in every town and pubs often start about 9. There are many concert venues that are wonderful. There are at least 42 DISTILLERIES. RELIGIOUS SHRINES AND CHURCHES are scattered all over Ireland. Some of our favorite are Knock Shrine, Kylemore Abbey and Cobh. COOKING SCHOOLS in Galway, Cork and Dingle. Woolen Mills, Markets and Craft fairs are a must too.
NATIONAL means free entrance.

WEATHER Always have a good and bad weather plan. It is useless to drive to Cliffs of Moher if you cannot see the hood of your car. It’s also a waste of a day to spend the day in a museum if it is clear. Expect rain and be pleased if it doesn’t. A soft rain shouldn’t stop you from your plans because it can burn off. If you see the sun come out make a run for outside! Look at sunrise and sunset times before you go. Summer days are very long and winter days are short.