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!
I applaud your 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.
Carefully Consider Car Travel
The best sites in the Emerald Isle are seen via public transportation or tour buses, but renting a car is not a bad idea to get to those obscure sites. Consider the pros and cons carefully, though, before you commit to driving on your Ireland trip!
Be sure the vehicle you rent is a small one, as rural roads in Ireland are narrow. Additionally, whoever is driving isn’t going to be able to sight see while driving.
Oh, and don’t forget: the Irish drive on the left side of the road and pass on the right.
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 Ireland trip so you can register and swipe it in affiliated stores in the country and claim sales tax back on the purchases.
Differing Currencies
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.
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.
During summer, however, the sunsets are 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.
Public Transportation Pointers
The trains in Ireland carry you in comfort, but they are pricey.
If you intend to travel by rail during your Ireland trip, make sure to book it in advance to take advantage of online discounts that the Irish Rail offers.
If you choose to travel by bus, be aware that you must flag the bus to get it to stop.
Heritage Cards Are Helpful
If you plan 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.
Planning a trip to Ireland can be overwhelming. How do you make sure not to miss the must-see sights during your Bucket List trip-of-a-lifetime? Use a travel agent who knows how to get you there with all of the luxury and none of the stress. I know a girl. 😉
Kimberly Brownlee is your Kansas City Area Travel Agent at Next Adventure Vacations!
Kimberly@NextAdventureVacations.com
Text/Call 816.866.8883
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