Important Things to Know Before Going To Ireland
Have you ever watched movies like P.S. I Love you and Leap Year and thought to yourself “God, I’d love to go to Ireland. It looks so beautiful.” You might have craved to go there even more after watching Marianne and Connell’s love story in the hit TV show Normal People.
You might be thinking of going with a friend, partner, or just yourself but don’t really know what to expect from the Emerald Isle. Like what to pack, what’s the best time of year to visit Ireland, how to get around Ireland, or what Irish people are like in personality. Below are all your answers to your questions.
Things to know about Ireland:
It rains....a lot!
One of the many things to know before going to Ireland is that it rains..a lot. Don’t expect to have beaming down sun every day of the week. Expect rain even in the Summer. You’ll even find that you could wake up to the sun and the minute you go outside it will start pouring rain. That’s all thanks to the Atlantic frontal systems which travel northeast over the island. But hey if it didn’t rain a lot then we wouldn’t have extremely green land and that is what makes Ireland so special.
2. It ain’t cheap:
Ireland isn’t affordable. Especially in Dublin, the capital of Ireland. Expect to pay 10-12 euros for a Cocktail and 12-15 euros for dinner. However, I believe you can travel anywhere on a budget and thankfully there are a lot of free things to do in Ireland. We have plenty of amazing coastlines, cliffs, and walking trails so even though the food, drink, accommodation part is expensive there are ways to make up for it in other areas.
3. Irish people love the craic (not what you’re thinking):
When you come to Ireland you will notice the word “craic” is used a lot. This isn’t what you are thinking it may be. Here in Ireland craic means mostly fun but it can mean other variations.
For example: “What’s the craic?” or “any craic?”
Translation: “Any news?”
“No craic, no?”
Translation: No news, no?
“Ah, sure we were only having a bit of craic!”
Translation: Ah sure we were only having a bit of fun.
“Did you have much craic last night?”
Translation: Did you have much fun last night?
This is probably one of the main things to know before going to Ireland. Otherwise you will be confused.
4. We curse and say Jesus a lot:
I honestly don’t think there is another nation on this planet that curses as much as the Irish people do. You can be certain that a swear word will be in at least every second sentence. You will also notice that we will say Jesus in a shocking statement or an angry statement.
“Jesus Christ! I hit my toe off the corner of the table.”
“Jesus, did you hear who’s pregnant?”
I’m pretty sure when people come to Ireland they are confused and think we’re talking to Jesus all the time.
5. We are a friendly nation:
There’s no doubt about it. Irish people will practically welcome you into the country with open arms. You will make friends here easily. Ireland is a great place for asking for directions. When you are visiting Ireland for the first time you will be blown away by people’s friendliness. Irish people will go out of their way to help you.
Tips on visiting Ireland for the first time:
How to get around Ireland:
The best way to get around Ireland is by car. Just to let you know that Irish people drive on the left side of the road so this may be a bit strange to get used to when you first arrive.
Where is the best place to rent a car in Ireland?
Enterprise Car Hire-Dublin Airport
Budget Car Rental Cork Airport
How to get around Ireland without a car:
One of the most important things to know before going to Ireland is that you can get around Ireland without a car.. As a solo traveler myself, I understand you may not feel comfortable driving in another country. Especially on the other side of the road.
Here are many ways how to get around Ireland without a car:
Buses:
You can also use the app Rome2rio which will show you how to travel around the country.
Tour Buses:
Paddywagontours (I took this tour myself in Northern Ireland and it was great fun)
Darby O’ Gill “Get Away for a Day” Tours
Group Tours
Is it safe to travel to Ireland alone?
Absolutely! Ireland is safe for solo travelers. Women can feel safe here. Although just like any other country take precautions, have your wits about you, and trust your gut.
What to pack for Ireland:
Wind-Proof Umbrella.
Warm Rain Coat. (A light one will do in the Summer)
Waterproof Shoes.
Hiking shoes for hikes
Woolly hat
What is the cheapest time to visit Ireland?
Like everywhere else in the world the Summer is the most expensive time to visit Ireland so my suggestion is to visit in either Spring or Autumn if you are on a budget
What type of currency does Ireland use?
The Republic of Ireland uses Euro. However if you are travelling to Northern Ireland then you will be using pound sterling.
Where is the best place to stay in Ireland?
Hotels are fairly expensive in Ireland so I would suggest either a Bed and Breakfast or Airbnb. This will save you money plus I find Irish hosts of B&B’s are friendly. They make your stay homely. If you want to experience a real authentic Irish Breakfast then you will get this in a B&B. There are also many places to go Glamping.
What is the best time of year to go to Ireland?
March to early October is the best time to visit Ireland. Avoid coming to Ireland from November to February. This is when the weather isn’t great and the evenings become dark at 5 o’clock.
What are some traditional foods to eat in Ireland?
Tayto and Hunky Dory crisps. (what we call chips)
Soda Bread
As mentioned above, a Full Irish breakfast.
Irish Breakfast consists of fried Egg, Sausages, Rashers (Bacon), Black and White Pudding (not chocolate pudding), Baked Beans, a hashbrown, a fried Tomato, some Mushrooms and Toast. Wash it all down with some Barrys or Lyons tea.
Pudding here is pork and a popular brand in Ireland is Clonakilty Pudding which you can buy in any shop.
Irish Beef Stew
Bacon and Cabbage
Potatoes, Potatoes and more Potatoes. (Irish people love potatoes)
Fish and Chips. Although this is an English dish, Ireland makes delicious fresh fish and chips.
Purple or Yellow Snack. This is a chocolate biscuit.
Chicken or Beef Roast Dinners
Biscuits galore.
These are some traditional foods you can try out. A lot of Restaurants in Ireland serve Lasagne, Pasta, Pizza, Burgers, Vegetarian and Vegan dishes also.
So that’s it. These are the main things to know before going to Ireland. I mean you will learn more when you come here. That’s the great thing about travelling. Travelling to another country that has a whole different culture to yours. You can trust me when I say you will have a great time in Ireland.
Check out our 10 unique things to do in Ireland
Traveling to Dublin? Try out our Dublin Audio Tour Guide
