No. It's just as cost effective to pay with your debit card and let your bank do the currency conversion for you, or to withdraw cash from an ATM, provided your bank reimburses your transaction fees at non-network ATMS. The Republic of Ireland is part of the European Union. The official currency is the Euro which is worth, on average, about 20% more than the dollar. Hence, 1 euro = approx. $1.20. Hotels, restaurants, museums, and most tourist attractions accept debit and credit cards, but you should withdraw some euros from an ATM to have petty cash for small purchases, bus fare, and tips.
Ireland's weather can vary greatly, even during the summer months. On average, you can expect temperatures between 65 - 75 degrees Farenheight most days, and rain is always a possibility. Rather than carrying an umbrella everywhere, we recommend dressing in cool clothing with closed toed shoes, and having a light waterproof jacket to pull on if you get cold, or have to walk in the rain.
There is no single standard for tipping in Ireland. Historically, tipping was not a part of Irish business practices in any industry. More recently, tipping has become more common in Dublin and other major cities of Eurpoe. Tips are generally not expected except in restaurants where a 10% gratuity is perfectly acceptable. Unlike in the United States, restaurant receipts often don't print a line to write in a tip, so you must remember to tell the server to add one before he or she scans your card, or be prepared to leave a tip in cash. It's polite to round taxi fare up to the next whole dollar or two. Bartenders in pubs generally don't expect tips, but it is polite to round up your tab by one or two euros if you received prompt service. It is appropriate to tip tour guides and tour bus drivers a few euros each if they provided excellent service.
If you want to experience a bit of Ireland even before you reach Dublin, fly Aer Lingus, the legacy carrier for the Republic of Ireland! Delta, American Airlines, Air Canada, Air France, British Airways, and a number of other airlines also operate regular flights to Dublin. We have generally found the cheapest flights from the United States to be on Aer Lingus or Delta, but summer promotion prices vary widely, and you can often save several hundred dollars just by adjusting your travel dates. We have never had a problem booking through third party travel sites like SkyScanner or Kayak. Most flights from the east coast of the U.S. are overnight flights that arrive between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Yes! RyanAir, the largest low-cost airline in Europe, operates dozens of flights to and from Dublin International Airport to cities all across Europe every day. You must book several months in advance to get the best prices, but you can visit London, Paris, Rome, and many other cities on a 3-4 day itinerary for very reasonable costs. We would be happy to help you plan travel elsewhere in Europe!
You can walk anywhere in Dublin city center in under twenty minutes. If you want to visit a location that is not within walking distance, or just avoid walking in the rain, the Dublin bus system is cheap and very easy to use. Almost every tourist attraction outside the city centre, such as Glasnevin cemetery, and Howth peninsula is serviced by one or more city bus line. Download the "Next Bus Dublin Free" app on your phone to be able to search by stop number and route number, with integrated maps for added convenience. You can tell the driver where you are going when you board the bus, and pay your fare in cash, or you can buy a "LEAP" transit card at most convenience stores. Add money to the card, and then simply tell the driver where you are going when you board the bus, and tap your card to pay. the cards are rechargeable, and you can add funds in any amount.
The wedding ceremony will be a semi-formal affair and, weather permitting, will be held in the rose garden, so gentlemen should feel free to wear a lighter "summer suit," with or without a jacket. Ladies, please wear your dancing shoes!