Ireland is a relatively easy country to travel in — English is spoken everywhere (Irish/Gaelic is the first official language but English is universal), the infrastructure is good, and the people are famously welcoming. But there are a few things worth knowing before you arrive. This guide covers the practical essentials for a smooth Irish trip in 2026.
Currency and Money in Ireland
The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro (€). Northern Ireland uses British Pounds Sterling (£). If you're crossing between the Republic and Northern Ireland on the same trip, you'll need both currencies — though many businesses near the border accept both.
Card payments are widely accepted across Ireland, including in most pubs and small shops. Contactless is standard. ATMs are available in all towns and most villages. It's worth carrying some cash for rural areas, farmers' markets, and traditional music sessions where a cash tip for the musicians is appreciated.
Currency exchange: the best rates are usually found at your bank before travelling or at ATMs on arrival. Airport exchange desks offer poor rates — avoid them.
Getting Around Ireland
By car — A car is by far the best way to explore Ireland outside Dublin. The road network is good, fuel is widely available, and driving gives you the freedom to stop at viewpoints, beaches, and villages that public transport misses entirely. Remember: driving is on the left. Rural roads can be very narrow — passing places are common on single-track roads in Connemara and Kerry. An international driving licence is not required for UK, EU, or US licence holders.
By bus — Bus Éireann operates an extensive national coach network connecting all major towns and cities. Expressway services between Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford are fast and frequent. Rural services are less frequent but cover most towns.
By train — Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) connects Dublin to Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, and Belfast. The trains are comfortable and the scenery on routes like Dublin–Galway and Dublin–Cork is beautiful. Book in advance for the best fares.
Dublin transport — Dublin has an extensive bus network, the DART coastal rail line, and the Luas tram system. The Leap Card (a reloadable travel card) gives discounted fares across all public transport in Dublin.
What to Pack for Ireland
Packing for Ireland is all about layers and waterproofing. The weather can change multiple times in a single day — sunshine, rain, wind, and back to sunshine — so versatility is key.
Essentials: A good waterproof jacket (not just a light rain mac — something genuinely windproof for the west coast), comfortable walking shoes or boots, layers (fleece or light down jacket even in summer), and a small daypack.
What not to bring: An umbrella is largely useless in Ireland — the wind turns them inside out. A waterproof jacket with a hood is far more practical.
For driving trips: Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) before you go — mobile signal can be patchy in rural Connemara and Kerry.
Tipping in Ireland
Tipping in Ireland is appreciated but not as obligatory as in the US. The general conventions:
Restaurants: 10–15% for good service. Many restaurants add a service charge automatically — check the bill before adding more.
Pubs: Tipping bar staff is not standard practice in Ireland (unlike the UK). Buying the barman a drink ("and one for yourself") is the traditional gesture.
Taxis: Round up to the nearest euro or add 10% for good service.
Hotels: €1–2 per bag for porters; €2–5 per night for housekeeping is appreciated but not expected.
Useful Ireland Travel Facts
Electricity: Ireland uses the UK-style three-pin plug (Type G). Voltage is 230V/50Hz. Visitors from continental Europe and North America will need an adaptor.
Mobile/SIM: EU roaming rules apply for EU visitors — no extra charges. UK visitors post-Brexit may face roaming charges depending on their provider. Check before you travel. Local SIM cards from Three Ireland or Vodafone Ireland are cheap and widely available.
Language: English is spoken everywhere. Irish (Gaelic) is the first official language and is spoken as a community language in Gaeltacht areas (mainly in the west — Connemara, Donegal, Kerry). Road signs in Gaeltacht areas are in Irish only — download a map app before driving through these areas.
Emergency number: 999 or 112 (both work in Ireland and Northern Ireland).
VAT refunds: Non-EU visitors can claim VAT refunds on purchases over €30 at participating retailers. Ask for a VAT refund form at the point of purchase and present it at the airport on departure.
