TRAVEL TO IRELAND & NORTHERN IRELAND

Ireland is one of the most incredible and stunningly beautiful countries I have ever traveled to. Maybe it's my British heritage that makes me partial to rolling green hills, but Ireland is just magnificent. I look back on my two weeks of adventures in Ireland with such fond memories - the incredible landscape, jaw-dropping cliffs and mountains, friendly people, beautiful accents and rich history make this country extremely attractive. It is also easy to travel around, whether you do it by renting a car, train, or using tour groups/buses. 

QUICK TRAVEL GUIDE TO IRELAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND

• Speaks English and Gaelic
• Power voltage: 230v 50hz
• Currency: Euro in Ireland, and Pound in Northern Ireland
• Credit and Debit Cards are widely accepted across Ireland & Northern Ireland, however, many local or small business operations, including guest lodges and Bnb's may only accept cash. 
• Tipping: 10-15% 
• Visa: No tourist visa needed for citizens of other European countries, Australia, NZ, Canada or the US. Other countries should check their status. 
• Safety ranking: Ireland = 10 Global Peace Index
• When to go: Weather is at its best from June to September, but it extremely busy with tourists and accommodation is expensive.  It is quieter with relatively good weather in May and September to October. November through April is off-season, but many sites may be closed, and the weather is rainy, windy and cold. 

IRELAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND TRAVEL TIPS 

• As of 2017, there is no border control between Northern Ireland and Ireland. However, if you are renting a car, you should check whether there is an extra charge to cross the border, or whether it is included in your car rental agreement. 
• The weather changes instantly and throughout the day. Use layers and always be prepared for anything! 
• Be mindful that the currency is different in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Using a credit/debit card will not be a problem if you are at major tourist sights and larger cities. If you head into the countryside, you may want to take some currency of each. 
• If you are renting a car, rent a small one and remember to drive on the left! Though your car rental will probably have a sign in the window to remind you. 
• If you travel to Ireland in Winter, be aware that the days are extremely short. You may want to plan your trip so that your sightseeing doesn't have you on a tiny, cliff side country lane road in the dark. 
• Don't race around Ireland trying to see everything in a few days (like I did). There are many wonderful sights in Ireland, and some are not even on the tourist maps. Slow down and soak in everything that Ireland has to offer and really get to know the areas you travel to. 
• Stay in a Bnb in Ireland. You get to meet locals and hear stories and advice from people living in the area. It is a lot of fun, with a great breakfast, good company and in a beautiful country. 
• If you are road tripping - whatever time Google Maps or your GPS says it will take you, add at least 1/3 of that time to it. With the small winding roads, getting stuck behind a tour bus, truck, tractor, or sheep, and the picturesque countryside's photo ops, it will take you a lot longer than you originally planned.
• Bring good walking shoes!  

TOP THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN IRELAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND

• Hire a car and road trip around Ireland
• Explore Northern Ireland on a road trip
• Stay in Killarney and drive the Ring of Kerry
• Drive the Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Drive
• Road trip Northern Ireland and see some Game of Thrones Filming Locations
• Visit Ireland's Ancient East and explore the Rock of Dunamase and the Rock of Cashel
• Explore Ireland's ancient stone circles like the Uragh Stone Circle and Northern Ireland's Ballynoe Stone Circle
• Go hiking in Ireland's gorgeous County Sligo and see the Horseshoe Bend

TRAVEL GUIDES FOR IRELAND & NORTHERN IRELAND