The electricity supply in Ireland may require visitors to use plug adapters, power converters or power transformers to cope with both different voltage and different wall sockets.
Which do you need? We have a run down of why you may need at least one of these pieces of equipment and which one to you should choose.
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Since the introduction of the Euro, Ireland has shared a currency with many other European countries. However the fact that Northern Ireland has remained outside the Eurozone means that in Northern Ireland sterling is still used.
This is a quick run down of the notes and coins you’ll use in Ireland – with a few things to look out for.
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The currency of Northern Ireland is sterling, and although some stores close to the border will accept Euro, realistically you’ll need to have sterling if you travel north of the border.
There is an usual situation in Northern Ireland, with banks producing their own distinctive banknotes so that there is no consistent appearance to paper money – confusing, but also quite interesting.
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We’ve info here on bank opening hours in Ireland, where to exchange currency, using ATMs and other useful banking information for planning travel in Ireland.
Most large international banks have branches in Ireland, but few have a high street presence. However you should have no problems using your cards at Irish banks.
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There is no escaping it, Ireland is an expensive country, it’s an expensive place to live and an expensive place to take a vacation. There is value out there though – you’ll find more about that in our Save section.
This is a quick run down of what things cost in Ireland, which will give you some idea of what to expect when you arrive.
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Driving on the left may seem like the major obstacle to overcome in Ireland, but there are other hazards you need to be alert to also.
Knowing some local terminology and being familiar with road signs and road layouts is also important – this is a basic intro to staying safe on the road in Ireland.
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Tourists are not exempt from compliance with laws relating to driving. Since those policing the laws have authority to apply on the spot fines or even to seize your car, it’s wise to become familiar with the basics before you set out.
Speed limits, parking restrictions and proper licensing are the areas where visitors to Ireland are most easily caught out.
Read MoreRemarkable as it may seem, it is probably cheaper to buy a mobile phone when you arrive in Ireland. We look at the costs, the options, and have a quick run down of the pros and cons.
One obvious advantage is that you return home with a phone – and even if you can’t use it in the USA, there are other uses you may find for it!
Read MoreThe moterway network in Ireland, though growing, is not as extensive as elsewhere in Europe, and most visitors will eventually end up on narrow meandering roads.
There are some things to look out for on these roads: for one thing there is always the chance that unexpected road users may force you to slow your journey down!
Read MoreAlthough you will have no problem using a GSM phone in Ireland, you may find that high roaming charges means it is actually cheaper to buy an Irish SIM card to use while you are here.
There are some things you need to know about first though, and a choice to make about what SIM to buy for use in Ireland.
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Irish weather is notoriously changeable, but if you are prepared will not prevent you from having a good time. Keep our simple tips in mind and there is much less chance that it will catch you by surprise.
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The weather in Ireland changes through the seasons, and while there are few extremes knowing about seasonal variations can help you pick the best time to visit.
Never rely on the weather though, it can and does change with remarkable rapidity. You can literally be in baking sunshine one moment and running for shelter in a torrential downpour the next.
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