Travel

Travel Note

Passports & Entry Requirements

Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of the trip. While Ireland does not require six months of validity beyond your stay, airlines sometimes enforce stricter rules. Best practice is to have at least six months of validity beyond your return date. U.S. passport holders do not currently need a visa or advance travel authorization to enter Ireland. Entry requirements can change, so please double-check Ireland’s official immigration site once your flights are booked.

Travel Note

Flight Comfort & Power Adapters

This is a long international flight. Small comfort items can make a big difference. We strongly recommend neck support, compression socks, and a seat cushion if you’re prone to discomfort. Ireland uses Type G power outlets (same as the UK). Phones and laptops do not need voltage converters — just a plug adapter. One adapter per person or couple is ideal.

Travel Note

Arrival & U.S. Preclearance

When arriving in Dublin, you’ll go through passport control, baggage claim, and customs. This usually takes 45–75 minutes. When flying home, Dublin Airport offers U.S. Preclearance. You’ll complete U.S. customs and immigration before departing Ireland, so when you land in the U.S. it feels like a domestic arrival. Please plan to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.

Travel Note

Money & Tipping in Ireland

Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Ireland, and tap-to-pay (Apple Pay / Google Pay) works very well. Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted; American Express is accepted in some places but not everywhere. We recommend carrying a small amount of euros for taxis, small cafés, tips, or rural stops. €100–€200 per family is usually plenty. Tipping in Ireland is very different than the U.S. About 10% is polite only if service is good and only if it’s not already included. Tipping is appreciated but never expected.

Travel Note

Driving in Ireland – What to Know

If you plan to rent a car, be sure to reserve an automatic transmission — manuals are the default in Ireland and automatics are limited. Drivers sit on the right side of the car and drive on the left side of the road. Roundabouts are common. Roads are well-marked, and most people adjust quickly. Google Maps is highly recommended, especially because you can download offline maps for use in rural areas.

Travel Note

Taxis & Getting Around Cities

Taxis are readily available in Dublin and other cities. While many taxis accept credit cards, some still prefer cash, so having a small amount of euros is helpful. Ride-hailing apps and hotel-arranged taxis are reliable and safe.

Travel Note

Important Lodging Differences (Ireland vs U.S.)

Before choosing a hotel in Ireland, it’s helpful to know that room sizes and bed terminology are different than in the United States. In Ireland: A “Double” bed is roughly equivalent to a U.S. Queen A “Queen” bed is closer to a U.S. King Single beds are very common, especially in family rooms Many family rooms are intentionally designed with: One larger bed, plus One or two single beds This setup is normal, practical, and comfortable in Ireland—particularly in cities like Dublin, where historic buildings and limited space are common. Single beds are not a downgrade and are often the most efficient and comfortable option for families.

Hotel

Dublin Skylon Hotel

Quieter neighborhood with spacious, family-friendly rooms Easy taxi or bus access to downtown Dublin Good option for guests renting a car right away Often offers more space at a lower price point

Hotel

Marlin Hotel Dublin

Located in the heart of Dublin near St. Stephen’s Green, this hotel is within easy walking distance of many of the city’s most famous attractions. You can explore nearby Grafton Street, Trinity College, and Temple Bar while enjoying a wide selection of restaurants, pubs, and shops. It’s a great base for experiencing Dublin’s vibrant city center.

Hotel

St. Helen's Hotel, Dublin

Set on beautiful historic grounds along Dublin Bay, this hotel offers a peaceful setting just outside the busy city center. Enjoy scenic coastal views while still being a short drive from downtown Dublin and Dublin Airport. It’s a relaxing place to unwind before departing Ireland.

Hotel

Castletroy Park Hotel and Suites

Located in Limerick near the University of Limerick, this hotel is a comfortable base for exploring Ireland’s west coast. From here, guests can easily visit famous sites such as the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, and charming coastal villages. The area also offers scenic countryside and traditional Irish pubs.

Hotel

The Connacht Hotel

Located just outside Galway’s city center, this hotel provides convenient access to the vibrant heart of the city. Guests can easily explore the Latin Quarter, Quay Street, and Galway Bay while enjoying the lively atmosphere of local pubs, music, and restaurants. It’s a great stop while exploring Ireland’s beautiful west coast.