Important information for your trip to Ireland

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, there are a few things I always tell people before they come—little details that make your visit way smoother and way more enjoyable. A lot of travelers arrive expecting Ireland to work like the UK or mainland Europe, but we’ve got our own quirks, and knowing them ahead of time honestly helps so much.

First thing: we use the euro (€) in the Republic of Ireland. This always surprises people because Northern Ireland (still on the island) uses British pounds, so if you’re hopping up to Belfast or the Giant’s Causeway, you’ll suddenly need a different currency. Most places take card everywhere, even tiny cafés, but having a little cash never hurts—especially in rural towns where small shops sometimes have minimums for card payments.

Power sockets here are the UK-style ones: three rectangular pins. They look intimidating but work fine with a cheap adapter. Voltage is 230V, so double-check your plugs if you’re coming from North America. Hotels usually have USB ports too, but not always.

Next up: weather. I can’t stress this enough—Ireland’s weather has a personality, and she is dramatic. We really do get all four seasons in one day. Even in summer, bring a light waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes that can handle rain. Locals don’t use umbrellas much because the wind just flips them inside out. Layers are your best friend here.

Something a lot of visitors don’t realize: Ireland is super safe, especially compared to many countries. Of course, you still need basic common sense in cities at night, but generally, people are kind, helpful, and quick with directions (and maybe a story or two).

Speaking of people—we’re incredibly chatty. Don’t be surprised if someone starts a full conversation with you at a pub, a bus stop, or even while you’re trying to buy milk. It’s not intrusive; it’s just how we are. Small talk is practically a national sport. And if someone invites you to join them for a pint or insists you try something on the menu, they usually mean it genuinely.

As for transportation, Ireland looks small on the map, but travel takes longer than you think. Roads outside the cities are winding and narrow (beautiful, but slow), and public transport between rural areas can be limited. If you want freedom to explore villages, cliffs, and countryside, renting a car is honestly the best option. Just remember—we drive on the left. And don’t freak out if sheep wander onto the road; it’s very normal.

When it comes to tipping, it’s appreciated but not required. In restaurants with table service, 10–12% is standard if service was good. We don’t tip for drinks at a pub unless the bartender spends extra time making something fancy or gives amazing service. Taxi drivers don’t expect tips, but rounding up is common.

One more thing that catches visitors off guard: opening hours. Small shops in rural towns often close early, and even some cafés shut in the late afternoon. Pubs stay open later, of course, but don’t assume everything will be open until night like in bigger European cities. Sundays especially are slow and quiet.

And lastly, a cultural one: don’t rush the pace. Ireland is best enjoyed slowly. Things take time here—service, chats, scenic drives, hikes, even the weather clearing up. Lean into it. The magic of Ireland is in the atmosphere, not a checklist.