FAQs

Question

I need help planning travel. Who should I reach out to?

Answer

Jess would be more than happy to help! Give her a call or shoot her an email/text and she can give you guidance.

Question

Do I need a passport and visa to travel to Ireland?

Answer

You DO need a valid passport to travel to Ireland. Passports must at least be valid for the duration of your stay, but validity for six months after your arrival date is recommended. You DO NOT need a visa to travel to Ireland. US citizens may visit the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland without a visa for up to 90 days.

Question

When should I book my flight and accommodations?

Answer

The sooner, the better! Flights will rise and drop a couple hundred dollars over the next 8 months or so. As long as you book before June, you should be safe from significant increases. Accommodations at Old Ground Hotel have been reserved for our guests but if you want to stay elsewhere, doing research and booking soon is recommended. July is peak season for tourism in Ireland.

Question

I want to rent a car during my stay. Do I need an international Drivers Licence to drive in Ireland?

Answer

No. Your full US driving licence allows you to drive in Ireland both North and South. If you normally drive an automatic, ensure that you specify automatic when making your reservation of you'll get a manual. There are some age and other restrictions on renting cars in Ireland, for more details on this please see http://www.discoveringireland.com/avis/ ***Please note that driving is on the right hand side of the car and on the right side of the road.... opposite of the US***

Question

What is the weather like in Ireland?

Answer

Average temperatures in the warmest months (July and August) are between 14–16°C (57–61°F), occasionally reaching as high as 25°C (77°F). Parts of the west of the country are twice as wet as the east because of the prevailing Atlantic winds, with annual rainfall averaging 1,500mm (59 inches). There are about 18 hours of daylight during July and August and you will find it only gets truly dark after 11 pm. As a golden rule Irish weather is not predictable! You could be wearing a t-shirt in March and need a woolly jumper for August! Ireland gets a lot of rain, so remember to pack a light coat and umbrella!

Question

What kind of clothes should I bring?

Answer

The temps in July are typically 57–61°F so plan to bring whatever clothes you would feel comfortable in that weather with. Ireland has a saying: There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. In other words, a little planning goes a long way. Packing for Irish weather can be summed up in one word: layers. T-shirts, light sweaters, a light jacket, a waterproof hat, and good walking/hiking shoes are all good suggestions. A rain jacket and umbrella are a must if you want to stay dry!

Question

What currency is used in Ireland?

Answer

The currency used in the Republic of Ireland is the euro (€). One euro consists of 100 cent. Notes are €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500. Coins are 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2. Remember, higher denomination notes such as €100, €200 and €500 will not normally be accepted in retail outlets, so bring cash in lower denominations when you’re coming to Ireland. Visa and Mastercard are widely used, while American Express cards may not always be accepted. Credit cards can be used for purchases and also to access money from ATMs (a fee will be charged). It is recommended that you notify your bank of your travel plans prior to your departure.

Question

What electronics should I bring?

Answer

Views and picture-perfect moments tend to pop up a lot in Ireland so a camera is a must (or a really good phone camera!). Don't forget the battery charger and spare memory cards for it either – a common mistake! Plugs in Ireland are three-pronged and the electricity supply is 230v/50hz, so bring an adaptor.