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Travel FAQs

Ireland Tour – Essential Travel & Packing Guide

This page combines Travel FAQs and Packing Guidance to help you prepare for your trip to Ireland. Please read it carefully before departure and keep it handy while traveling.

About Ireland

Ireland (Éire), often called the Emerald Isle, is located on the northwestern edge of Europe. English is the primary language, though Irish (Gaelic) is spoken in parts of the west and southwest. The island is divided into four provinces—Ulster, Leinster, Connacht, and Munster—and consists of 32 counties.

The Republic of Ireland (26 counties) is a parliamentary democracy led by a Taoiseach (Prime Minister) and an elected President. Northern Ireland (6 counties) is part of the United Kingdom. The total population of the island is approximately 6.6 million.

Before You Travel

  • Share your travel itinerary and contact details with a trusted family member or friend.
  • Confirm that your passport is valid for at least 30 days beyond your return date and that your airline ticket name matches your passport exactly.
  • Attach completed luggage tags to all bags.
  • Take a photo of your passport ID page and store it securely in email or cloud storage.
  • Keep your passport, money, medications, tickets, and credit cards on your person at all times—never in checked luggage.
  • Check in at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. If connecting, ask the airline agent to check your bags through to Ireland.

Arrival in Ireland

After landing at Dublin Airport, you will proceed through immigration, collect your luggage, and exit into the public arrivals area.

Getting into the City

  • Taxi: Available outside the terminal. Travel time is about 20–30 minutes.
    Cost is approximately €25–€40. If offered the tunnel, accept if it is faster—the toll is cheaper than sitting in traffic.
  • Public Bus: Fares can be as low as €2, with travel time around 40 minutes (plus waiting time). Note that luggage space is limited on public buses.

Hotel Check-In & Early Arrivals

Hotel rooms are generally available from 3:00–4:00 pm. If you arrive earlier, hotels can store your luggage.
Early arrivals can make for a long first day, so consider packing a small day bag and planning light activities to manage jet lag.

Tour Logistics

  • First-Day Pickup: Details vary by tour. Please refer to your tour webpage. Airport pickups typically meet at the café level in Terminal 2.
  • Motorcoach Seating: Seats are rotated daily to ensure fairness.
  • Smoking: Smoking is banned in public indoor spaces and on the motorcoach. Some hotels allow smoking in designated rooms—check with reception.
  • Special Requests: Please advise us of any special needs before traveling.
  • Return Travel: Confirm your post-tour hotel or same-day departure plans in advance.

Health & Medical Considerations

  • Medications: Bring at least two weeks’ supply of all prescription medications.
  • CPAP/Bi-PAP Users: Distilled water is available in many pharmacies, but availability is limited in smaller towns. Bring enough for the duration of the tour.

Dining on Tour

  • Breakfast: Typically buffet-style with cereal, breads, fruit, tea/coffee, and a traditional Irish breakfast.
  • Dinners (when included): Fixed menus with choices. Beverages are extra. Dining times are scheduled for the group.
  • Lunch: Not included, but stops will be made daily.

Please notify us in advance of any dietary requirements.

Dress Code & Weather

  • Dress is casual throughout the tour.
  • Pack layers, including a windbreaker or light rain jacket.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
  • A small umbrella is recommended.

Climate

  • Summer: ~60°F
  • Spring/Fall: ~50°F
  • Winter: ~40°F

Rain is possible year-round.

Luggage & Packing Guidelines

Luggage Limits (Motorcoach Tours)

  • 1 suitcase per person (max 30″ × 20″ × 10″, under 50 lbs)
  • 1 small personal bag for valuables

Do not pack passports, medications, money, or valuables in checked luggage.

Porterage

Hotel porterage is limited and may cause delays. Most hotels have elevators and wheeled bags are recommended.
Assistance will be provided if needed.

Suggested Packing List

Essentials

  • Passport & copies
  • Medications
  • Credit/debit cards & some cash
  • Travel insurance information

Clothing

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Casual outfits for layering
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker
  • Sleepwear & undergarments

Accessories

  • Small day bag
  • Foldable umbrella
  • Sunglasses

Electricity & Electronics

  • Voltage: 220V
  • Plug type: 3-prong square

Most hotels provide hairdryers and irons. Do not bring U.S. hairdryers. Bring a suitable plug adapter.

Phones, Internet & Communication

  • Confirm international plans with your mobile provider.
  • Turn off data when not in use or use airplane mode.
  • Wi-Fi is widely available and usually free.
  • WhatsApp is commonly used and recommended.

Calling Codes

  • Ireland to USA: 001 + area code + number
  • USA to Ireland: 011 353 + area code (drop leading 0)

Money & Shopping

  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • ATMs are widely available.
  • Visa & MasterCard are most accepted; notify your bank before travel.

VAT Refunds

VAT may be refunded on eligible goods. Follow retailer and airport procedures carefully.

Customs, Duty Free & Tipping

  • Customs limits apply to alcohol and tobacco.
  • Duty-free shopping is available at airports.

Tipping Guidelines

  • Restaurants: 10–15% for exceptional service if not included
  • Taxis: Round up
  • Housekeeping: €1–2 per day
  • Driver gratuities: €5–8 per person, per day (not included in tour price)

Emergency Numbers

112 or 999 – Police, Ambulance, Fire

We look forward to traveling with you and hope this guide helps you prepare for a smooth and enjoyable journey.