17 Ireland Travel Tips For First Timers [Tips From A Local]

Here are some Ireland travel tips for first-timers that will help you on your trip around this beautiful country.

Ger and I have travelled all over the world including Ireland so we have some great travel tips for first-timers. Ireland is an amazing country with so much to see and do, it can be daunting trying to plan a trip like this for the first time.

Don’t worry, Ireland is easy to navigate (geographically and culturally) if you follow these tips.

In this guide, you will find tips for traveling around the country, the best things to see and do, where to stay, what to eat, and much more!

Ireland Travel Tips For First Timers

1. The Difference Between Northern And Republic Of Ireland

2. People Eat Dinner Early Here… Really Early O_o

3. Garda = Police, And Emergency Number Is Not 999!

4. Chicken Rolls + Supermacs

5. Accents Vary Greatly, Be Prepared

6. ‘How Are You’ Is A Greeting, Not A Question

7. Compliments Make Irish People Uncomfortable

8. Day Of The Dead? Blessings Of The Grave?

9. Atm Withdrawals Are Not Free

10. Irish Football Is Huge Part Of The Culture

11. Ireland’s First Language Is Not English

12. Euros Or Pounds

13. Who Needs Visas

14. Public Transport Or Renting A Car

15. What’s ‘The Craic’?

16. The Reason Ireland Is So Green

17. How To Stay Safe In Ireland

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Photo Credit: @travellernorthernireland

Ireland Travel Tips For First Timers

1. The Difference Between Northern And Republic Of Ireland

Ireland is divided into two parts, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. It is important to have some understanding of this when visiting Ireland.

For many years, Ireland was under British rule with many attempts made by Ireland to become a free country.

Photo Credit: @chicabeingme

Eventually, Ireland gained independence and the Republic of Ireland was formed, but England maintained control over six counties in the North of Ireland.

This area is known as Northern Ireland and it is part of the United Kingdom.

Please don’t ever ask an Irish person, ‘ are you english? ‘Its considered an insult.

Photo Credit: @garlicrosemaryandsalt

2. People Eat Dinner Early Here… Really Early O_o

In the Mediterranean, it’s common for people to have dinner as late as 9 pm. In Ireland, you might be surprised to find people eating dinner in the middle of the day!

A traditional Irish family might have dinner around 5 or 6 pm when everyone gets home from work or school.

However, farmers, construction workers, or anyone who works a physically demanding job might eat their main meal at around 1 pm.

So they could be having a roast dinner in the middle of the day!

Photo Credit: @dublinlive_

3. Garda = Police

The Police in Ireland are called An Garda Síochana which is directly translated as ‘Guardians of the Peace’. They are commonly referred to as the guards.

The emergency number to contact the guards is 999 or 112.

Photo Credit: @cuisinedefrance_ie

4. Chicken Rolls + Supermacs

Chicken rolls, super macs, spice bags… the list of incredible Irish food (that you haven’t heard of) is endless.

A chicken roll is a common lunch item that is made up of a baguette with slices of hot breaded chicken and toppings of your choice. You can find a chicken roll at any hot deli counter in Ireland.

Supermacs is a fast food chain that originated in Galway in 1978. It is the fastest-growing Irish fast-food company.

Spice bags are an Irish-Chinese fusion. It is a mix of chips (what we call fries in Ireland), chicken, vegetables, and spices. It can be found in any Irish Chinese takeaway!

Photo Credit: @lord_ofmaps

5. Accents Vary Greatly, Be Prepared

There are 32 counties in Ireland and there are probably at least 32 different accents too!

Ireland has a huge array of accents for such a small island. You could visit one town and hear one accent and drive 30 minutes away and hear a completely different accent.

Old people from rural areas will probably have the most difficult accents to understand for tourists.

Also if you visit the North and compare the accent to the South you might think they’re speaking different languages.

So.. be prepared!

6. ‘How Are You’ Is A Greeting, Not A Question

‘How are you’, ‘Howaya’, ‘How’s it going’… there are all greetings in Ireland.

If someone says ‘how are you’ to you in Ireland you can say ‘how are you’ back to them and it is a perfectly acceptable response.

An Irish greeting, even if it sounds like a question, is not an invitation to hear your life story.

7. Compliments Make Irish People Uncomfortable

Irish people are incredibly modest and humble, and if they act otherwise, family and friends will quickly bring them back down to earth!

The Japanese saying ‘The nail that sticks out gets hammered down’ can definitely be applied to Ireland.

Photo Credit: @edible_words

8. Day Of The Dead? Blessings Of The Grave?

I’m sure you’ve heard of Dia De Los Muertos or Day of the Dead, the Mexican tradition of honoring the dead.

Ireland has a very similar concept. Every year there are graveyard masses all over the country. It is a special mass to celebrate all those who have passed away.

This tradition is known as the blessing of the grave.

9. Atm Withdrawals Are Not Free

To avoid ATM fees you should try to use them as infrequently as possible.

You can use Wise or Revolut cards which offer free withdrawals so top them up when visiting Ireland.

Also, cash is accepted almost everywhere in Ireland so you can just use cash too!

Photo Credit: @nationallibraryofireland

10. Irish Football Is Huge Part Of The Culture

The photo above shows a packed stadium for the All-Ireland Final in 1979. Gaelic Football is the most popular sport in Ireland and a huge part of Irish culture.

Every town and village in the country has a Gaelic Football team and everyone in the community is involved from a young age.

It is an amateur sport, even at the highest level which would be to represent your county.

If you’re in Ireland and you get the opportunity to go to a Gaelic Football match, you should.

11. Ireland’s First Language Is Not English

The official language of Ireland is Irish. You will see Irish on signposts all over the country. Luckily for you, the signposts usually have English on them too.

The Irish language is taught to all kids in Irish schools but is only spoken on a daily basis by a small percentage of the population in certain areas.

These areas where Irish is commonly spoken are called Gaeltachts.

Everywhere else in the country, Irish people speak English, even if the accent makes you think otherwise!

12. Euros Or Pounds

Many people get confused and assume Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. However, the Republic of Ireland is independent and a member of the European Union.

As a result, the euro is used in the Republic of Ireland while the British pound is used in Northern Ireland.

Photo Credit: @thinkaboutmaps

13. Who Needs Visas

If you have a passport from a European Union member or the United Kingdom you can travel to Ireland without a visa.

If you are from outside the EU or UK then you can apply for a Short Stay ‘C’ Tourist Visa. With this, you will be able to visit Ireland for up to 90 days.

If you wish to stay longer or work while in Ireland you will have to check the requirements and restrictions for your specific scenario online.

You can read more about this on the Irish Immigration website.

Photo Credit: @dublinbusnews

14. Public Transport Can Be Unreliable

Public Transport in Ireland is quite unreliable or infrequent.

In Dublin, you can travel all over by public transport but once you leave the capital, public transport is not the best mode of transport.

15. Renting A Car

If you’re heading outside Dublin on your trip then I would advise getting a rental car.

This will give you much more freedom to travel where you want when you want.

You won’t have to rely on buses and trains and you will be able to explore the most beautiful places off the beaten track.

I recommend DiscoverCars for renting a car in Ireland.

16. The Reason Ireland Is So Green

The main reason Ireland is so green is also the reason I recommend carrying a raincoat with you whenever you’re in Ireland.

Yep… it’s the rain. In Ireland, it rains between 151 days per year in the East and up to 225 days per year in the West!

It can be miserable, but when the weather clears up, Ireland is the most beautiful place on Earth.

So the rain in Ireland really is a blessing and a curse!

17. How To Stay Safe In Ireland

Ireland is one of the safest places on Earth. However, like most countries, the cities are the areas that often have the most crimes committed.

You need to be aware of your surroundings and belongings in cities like Dublin to avoid being mugged or pickpocketed.

It’s also important to take caution when driving in Ireland, especially if you’re not used to narrow roads or driving on the left-hand side!

Photo Credit: @turismoirlanda

What To See In Ireland

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are an incredible stretch of cliffs on the West Coast of Ireland.

Some scenes from the Harry Potter movies were even filmed here!

Photo Credit: @andywoo2

Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael is a beautiful little island off the coast of County Kerry in the southwest of Ireland.

There are beehive-shaped huts made of stone on the island along with a huge amount of birdlife.

Giants Causeway

The Giants Causeway is a stunning natural landscape in the North of Ireland in County Antrim.

The coastline is made up of thousands of hexagonal stone columns of varying heights. It is a truly unique natural landscape.

Things To Do In Ireland

Kayak On The Lakes Of Killarney

This is one of my favorite activities I have done in Ireland. Killarney National Park, Ross Castle and the Lakes of Killarney are all stunning locations to visit.

Taking a tour around them by kayaking on the lakes is an even more incredible experience!

Photo Credit: @maxballesteros

Visit The Guinness Storehouse

The Guinness Storehouse is the number one most visited attraction in Ireland.

It is a really interesting experience to see how Guinness is made and you even get to try a pint of ‘the black stuff’ at the end of the tour.

Photo Credit: @katiedalysireland

Check Out Spike Island

Spike Island is a really cool historical site off the coast of Cork in the south of Ireland.

The island was originally a monastic settlement, it then became a military fort due to its strategic location in Cork Harbour, and later became a prison.

It has now been developed as a heritage tourist attraction.

Photo Credit: @lougheskecastle

Where To Stay In Ireland

Lough Eske Castle Hotel

Lough Eske Castle is an incredible site on the shores of Lough Eske in county Donegal.

This five-star hotel offers the most stunning location to relax and unwind surrounded by nature or even as a base to explore Donegal!

Oranhill Lodge B&B

Oranhill Lodge is a family-run guesthouse located in the village of Oranmore just 10 minute drive from Galway City.

This is a great place to stay to experience Irish B&Bs and for your adventure around Galway.

Glamping at the Grove

Killarney Glamping at the Grove is an incredible glamping site in Killarney, county Kerry. They offer a range of accommodations from luxury lodges, to cabins, and glamping suites.

It’s a great way to immerse yourself in nature while also being close to the many attractions of Killarney.

Photo Credit: @moransoystercottage

Where To Eat In Ireland

Morans Oyster Cottage

Morans is a famous cottage in Kilcolgan, county Galway. This traditional thatched cottage is over 250 years old. You can sit in a cozy snug inside the cottage or take in the views from the outdoor dining area.

They specialize in delicious local seafood and attract customers from all over the world with their Galway Bay Oysters.

The Brasserie Restaurant

The Brasserie Restaurant is located within the world-renowned Europe Hotel & Resort in Killarney, county Kerry.

The Brasserie offers a casual fine dining experience. The food, service, and setting are all exquisite but the restaurant still maintains a casual atmosphere!

Delicious Dublin Food Tour

If you really want to try out a range of Irish foods then this Dublin food tour is the way to go.

On this tour, you will get to try coffee, pastries, stews, ice cream, and more from local cafes and restaurants in Dublin!

FAQs On Ireland Travel Tips For First Timers

What Is The Best Way To See Ireland For The First Time?

Taking a tour is the best way to travel around Ireland whether you travel alone or with a friend! If there is a group of you then the best way to explore Ireland is by renting a car. Renting a car gives you much more freedom than going with a tour group.

Should I Tip In Ireland?

Plan to tip around 10-15% in Irish restaurants. However, unlike in the United States, it is not as common to tip every time you pay for something in Ireland, you can just tip when the service, food, or experience is very good. For taxis, porters, and hairdressers, tipping is at your discretion.

What Is A Stereotypical Irish Food?

Irish stew, bacon and cabbage, boxty, brown bread (as it is referred to in the south) or soda bread (predominantly used in Ulster), coddle, and colcannon are some stereotypical Irish foods. The Full Irish Breakfast is also a stereotypical Irish dish, this includes bacon, sausage, egg, pudding, tomatoes, mushrooms, beans, tea, and toast.

What Is A Irish Goodbye?

An Irish Goodbye refers to someone leaving a social gathering without notifying the host, or anyone for that matter. It’s another way of referring to someone slipping out the back door unnoticed. Normally, Irish people don’t like making a fuss or a scene so they prefer to slip away quietly from social gatherings.

Ireland has so many stunning locations and great activities to choose from, there are bus tours, hiking trails, quaint villages, and large cities. However, these tips will be useful no matter which type of Ireland trip you go on.

Having travelled to so many different places around Ireland, I’ve learned some tips along the way and with this list, you can have an incredible Ireland adventure too.

Now that you’re ready to visit Ireland you can start planning where you want to go in Ireland. If you want more information about different areas and activities in Ireland you can check out the articles below.