10 Tips For Travel In Ireland

Traveling to the green island has never been easier with these 10 tips for travel in Ireland. Are you in the mood for a pint of Guinness at one of the thousand pubs in Dublin? Perhaps you'd rather immerse yourself in history and visit some of the historical sites around the country. Whatever it is you are looking to do, avoid the leprechauns, stick to fairies and don't forget to get your shamrock while you travel in Ireland.

1. How to get there: The main international airports are Dublin airport, Cork airport and Belfast airport. Aer Lingus, the national airline, has direct flights to the UK, Europe and the USA. Ryanair offers cheap flights to many destinations in the UK and Europe (be aware of their limited baggage allowance).
2. Travelling around Ireland: The easiest way to travel in Ireland is by hiring a car. Buses and trains do not reach many of the most visited destinations.
3. Currency: The currency in The Republic of Ireland is the Euro. If you are going to Northern Ireland beware that they use the British Pound.
4. When to visit: St. Patrick's Day is the busiest time in Ireland and Dublin holds the biggest St. Patrick's festival. But the best time to visit Ireland is during the June-August period. The weather is nice and there are many festivals around the country. Check out the Cork Midsummer Festival , the Dublin Maritime Festival  in June and  the Belfast Festival in October. Note that many businesses located in remote regions outside main cities remain closed for the winter period until April. Make sure to call them to confirm they are open.
5. Climate: Ireland has a temperate maritime climate slightly modified by the North Atlantic Current, giving mild winters and cool summers. It is overcast about half of the time.
6. Electrical voltage: The voltage in Ireland is 220V AC at 50Hz. Most electrical items from Europe will work with a small adaptor. However, most electrical items from the USA won't work and they require to be used with a travel converter.
7. Tipping: Around 10% of the total bill is the acceptable amount.
8. Historical sites not to miss: Only an hour north of Dublin, Newgrange is a Megalithic Passage Tomb built about 3,200 B.C.. Glendalough (where some of "Braveheart" scenes where filmed),  is a sacred monastic settlement located in a glacial valley south of Dublin and founded in the 6th century. Bring your walking shoes to wander around the glacial lakes found by the site.
9. Irish castles: There are hundred of castles scattered around Ireland. While in Dublin visit Dublin Castle and Malahide Castle. In Cork, head out to Blarney Castle and see the legendary Stone of Eloquence. Legend has it, if you kiss the famous stone you will never be lost for words again.
10. Breweries and distilleries: Rated as Ireland's number one tourist attraction, the Guinness Brewery is certainly a must go. Learn about the black stuff history, how to use it on your favorite dishes and have a pint at the roof top bar while watching the sunset over Dublin. Also in Dublin city, the Old Jameson Distillery takes tours daily. If you are visiting Northern Ireland head on to the famous Bushmills distillery.