When booking your flight, you will have a choice to fly into either Dublin Airport (DUB) or Shannon Airport (SNN). Either airport is fine to choose (Ireland is not a big country) depending on your preference: Dublin Airport: Dublin airport is about 3 hours away from the Connemara Coast Hotel; flights might be cheaper when flying into this airport Shannon Airport: About 1 hour from Connemara Coast Hotel; flights may be more expensive
Ireland uses Euro. You may be able to exchange your dollars for euros at your local bank for a small fee. Other options are your local post office, the airport in Ireland (not recommended) or a bank in Ireland when you arrive.
Ireland is a country of beauty, tradition, and unpredictable weather. A good rule of thumb is to never go out without your sunscreen and your umbrella! Temperatures average between 50-60 degrees F. Being close to the coast will guarantee a fresh breeze so light coats/cardigans are recommended! Galway has beautiful walking trails and a busy city center you will want to explore so bring your walking shoes!
Ireland’s wall outlets/sockets deliver 220 volts (countries like the US and Canada only use 110 volts). If your device can’t handle 220 volts, you can use a converter/transformer that will “step-down” the voltage such as this one: https://www.amazon.com/Ireland-Scotland-Adapter-TESSAN-American/dp/B07Y2V1HXV/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=plug+adapter+for+ireland+plugs&qid=1619123858&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzMU5ER0dRMzJXUEhRJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzQxOTg5S1ozSlVPSTJaR05HJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAwNzg0OTczMzY1NENaQktJRzBFJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ== OR Devices such as hairdryers, curling irons, and flatirons, are often NOT designed for 220 volts. You can purchase these hair care devices once you get to Ireland. It is easy to find them in a pharmacy or department store such as Dunnes or Tesco for €10-50. At the end of their trip, some visitors choose to leave these items at the last hotel or B&B they stay.
There are many ways you can choose to explore Galway and even other parts of Ireland based on your wants/needs. Ireland has amazing public transportation that allows you to explore the country easily using buses, trains, or taxis. You could get on a bus or train directly from either Shannon or Dublin airport to the Connemara Coast Hotel. Check out bus/train routes here: https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Dublin-Airport-DUB/Connemara-Coast-Hotel-Furbo The Connemara Coast Hotel is not walking distance to Galway City Centre but it is very close to the bus stop and is only a 15 minute drive. You may also want to consider renting a car for your transportation during your stay. There are many options for car rental companies in which you could pick up your car directly from the airport or check out a local company and rent in Galway.
You will be required to have a US Passport for travel to Ireland. If you do not already have one, please give yourself plenty of time for that process. You can start the process of applying for your passport at your local US Post Office. It’s also suggested you make a photo copy of your passport to keep with you in case your physical passport is lost while traveling.
There are a few things you can do to ensure you have cell service/access while traveling internationally. One approach is to only use your phone when you have internet access. If you put your phone on airplane mode or turn off cellular data, you should still be able to use most apps and imessaging when connected to WIFI. Some good apps for free international txting/calling are Viber and WhatsApp. Your cellular service will not work internationally (or it will work but will charge you a crazy fee) unless you have an international plan. Most carriers offer an add-on international plan you can activate for only a limited time. This would be a good idea if you plan to do a lot of traveling or will be in areas without dependable internet access.