“May the Irish hills caress you, may her lakes and rivers bless you, may the luck of the Irish enfold you, may the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.”
Unknown
Top Five Destinations In Ireland
- Dublin, Ireland’s attractive capital, is a gritty but lively city full of rich history, Georgian architecture, gorgeous churches, characteristic pubs, and beautiful parks. Guinness and Jameson’s tours make it extra memorable.
- Cork Is a quirky seaport within a bustling cosmopolitan city where you will find intimate pubs with live music, wonderful markets, friendly locals, and deep cultural history to explore. Add to that an area full of magnificent castles. It is quintessential Ireland.
- Cliff of Moher/Doolin Is where you will discover the heart of Ireland’s spectacular Wild Atlantic coastline. This historical landmark is a geographical wonder within a rich conservation area. Check out our Cliffs of Moher blog post.
- Galway is a seaside medieval bohemian city dotted with brightly painted pubs filled with lively music, gorgeous cathedrals and churches, riverside walks, and fun pedestrian streets. There are many sites near Galway to enjoy.
- Kilkenny Is a medieval city full of history, energy, and life. Explore the breathtaking scenery and cultural attractions, and wander cobblestone streets inside these ancient walls. You will find a network of quaint villages, lovely castles, and welcoming countryside just outside of this city.
Trim Castle was the first we visited, and the castle obsession grew from there. Check out our blog post on the magnificent Trim Castle.
Did you know?
Country Stats
- Population: 5.1 million
- Capital City: Dublin
- Currency Euro: (EUR)
- Government type: Parliamentary Republic
- Known as the Republic of Ireland
- President Michael Higgins
- Ethnic groups: Irish 82.2%, other white 9.5%, Asian 2.1%, unspecified 2.6%, other 3.6%
- Language: English (official, the language generally used), Irish (Gaelic or Gaeilge) (official, spoken by approximately 39.8% of the population)
- Religions: Roman Catholic 78.3%, Church of Ireland 2.7%, other 2.4%, none 9.8%, unspecified 5.6%
- U.S. State Department Risk Level: One
- Terrorist groups: Continuity Irish Republican Army; New Irish Republican Army (2019)
- 32 counties make up Ireland.
- Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle.
- The Patron saint of Ireland is Saint Patrick.
- There are over 30,000 Castles and Ruins in Ireland.
- The average family size is four, two adults and two children.
- GDP 413 billion
- The MacGillycuddy’s Reeks are Ireland’s highest mountain range, at 1,038m (3,406ft).
- The Irish Harp is the official emblem of Ireland.
- Over 70-80 million people worldwide claim Irish ancestry.
- Major exports are food products, zinc-lead, machinery, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, computers, medical devices, and animal products.
- Inventions from Ireland: Halloween, The US White House, submarine, color photography, guided torpedo, hypodermic needle, chocolate milk, croquet, tattoo machines, portable defibrillators, seismology, tanks, and ejection seats.
- Industries: Agriculture, tourism, pharmaceuticals, and organic chemicals.
- Approximately 50% of the population is less than 28 years of age.
- Ireland does not have postal codes.
- Newgrange is 5000 years old and older than the ancient pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge.
- Approximately 50% of the population is less than 28 years of age.
- Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, Ireland covers one-sixth of the island’s land.
- Dublin is home to over one-quarter of Ireland’s total population.
- Shamrock (a type of clover) is the national symbol of Ireland.
- Life expectancy is 81.5 years old.
- Literacy rate 99%.
Fun Facts
- The Irish are known to be strong drinkers, but they consume more alcohol for such a small country than most nations on Earth.
- Ireland is the sixth-highest beer consumer per capita after the Czech Republic, Namibia, Austria, Germany, and Poland.
- The Irish are the second biggest tea drinkers in the world.
- Irish surnames beginning with O’ mean ‘descendant of’ in Irish Gaelic.
- The ancestral language of Irish people is Irish Gaelic. Sadly the 2011 census found that only 82,600 people in Ireland speak Irish outside of school.
- Halloween is derived from the Irish Festival of Samhain, which celebrates the end of the harvest.
- The longest word in Irish is Grianghrafadoireachta, which means photography.
- Seans’s Bar, the oldest pub in Europe, is in Athlone’s town between Dublin and Galway.
- One of the oldest books globally, a Latin book of Gospels from the 9th century, resides in Dublin’s Trinity Library.
- Guinness brews 3 million pints a day in Dublin. Nigeria is the top consumer of Guinness.
- Leprechauns are a huge part of Irish tradition. In Irish folklore, these tiny men can fit on top of your shoulder. They are believed to have buried numerous pots of gold throughout Ireland.
- Ireland has been a location for several famous films, including Star Wars, The Mackintosh Man, The Princess Bride, Braveheart, and Harry Potter.
- During the 1840s, Ireland’s staple crop – the potato – failed, leading to the Great Famine. An estimated million people died of starvation between 1846 and 1851, and two million emigrated between 1845 and 1855.
- In 1759, Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease for Guinness Brewery’s land in Dublin.
- There is a tradition called “Bumping” in Ireland. It is a strange Irish birthday tradition when they lift the birthday child upside down and gently tap his head on the floor the number of times, as is his age plus one.
- The Blarney stone draws visitors from all over the world. It is said to endow whoever kisses it with the eternal gift of eloquence – the ‘Gift of the Gab.’
- Boxing is Ireland’s most successful sport at the Olympics.
- Gaelic football and hurling are traditional sports in Ireland and remain the most popular sports in the country.
Ireland Map
Good to know before you go
- Generally, people do not tip for many services, such as hotels, taxis, and bars, except in restaurants. Irish people typically tip between 10% and 15% of the bill in restaurants, depending on the service. At times there could be service charges, so watch for that.
- Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere. Small village markets or cafes prefer cash.
- Overall, the clothing is casual, contemporary, and well-kept. Western attire like blouses, sneakers, and denim are common. Business wear is generally formal but relaxed. Raincoats are an essential Irish wardrobe piece. Wear layers as the weather can change quickly.
- In Ireland, they drive on the left. It may seem intimidating, but trust us, we have driven twice in Ireland, and it quickly becomes natural. This is a country where you can never do justice without your own car. The magic is the castles, small villages, the countryside, and off-the-beaten-path surprises. Irish are good drivers, but they can go fast. The major roadways are excellent and easy to navigate. Country roads vary. There are often two-way roads that are only one car wide. At times, you will find animals on the road. Be aware. Use GPS as tiny roads are not well marked. Parking was easy in most places. There are 11 toll roads in the Republic of Ireland, all of which have a toll tag account. As a visitor, you can pay cash or use a credit card at tolling locations. You could also sign up your rental car for a Toll Tag.
- This is a small country. A bit bigger than South Carolina but smaller than the next closest Maine. The crossing takes 2-3 hours. It makes it very doable and manageable.
- It is proper etiquette in Ireland to acknowledge other drivers on the road by raising a hand or just a finger from the steering wheel. Even if you are a foreigner, this is a courtesy; Irish people greet others on the road this way.
- Handshakes with eye contact are the most common way to greet people in Ireland. Handshakes are used at both the beginning and end of a meeting.
- Even if you don’t know them, using the person’s first name is typically appropriate etiquette in Ireland.
- Cuisine in Ireland is not something you hear much about, but there is much to enjoy. From lamb to fish, stews and soups, bangers and shepherd’s pie, and, of course, potatoes, Irish food involves hearty, simple, family cooking. The large breakfasts were our favorite; that blood pudding grew on us. What would a morning be without it?
- Trains are an excellent way to get around but are expensive at the last minute. Book in advance if you can.
- Buses don’t stop automatically in Dublin; you must flag them down. You will also note locals often thank the bus driver as they get off the bus.
- If you want to see many Irish cultural attractions, getting a Heritage Card from the Office of Public Works is a good idea. It provides free admission to all fee-paying state-managed heritage sites in Ireland, including castles, national parks, and war memorial gardens. We used it often and found it very valuable.
- If invited to a friend’s or relative’s home, you should bring a small gift as a token of appreciation. Flowers, wine, or some chocolate are considered proper etiquette in Ireland. It would be well received if you could bring a gift from home.
- When with a group of friends at a pub, a system of “rounds” is used. Each group member offers to buy a round for everyone in their group and takes turns. It is considered rude not to buy a round.
- Public displays of affection, such as hugging, touching, or simply being overly physical with others in public, are considered inappropriate etiquette. Avoid using PDA and respect others’ personal space in Ireland.
- Sunday is a day of rest for many Irish people. Although establishments in most Irish cities and towns are open on Sundays, many operate with limited hours, are closed late in the day, or are closed at all. Make sure to check your location’s hours ahead of time.
- The Irish have an international reputation for extending céad míle fáilte or a hundred thousand welcomes’, but Irish friendliness can sometimes seem reserved. They love to chat but aren’t outgoing by nature.
- Some locals say that using loud voices and being disruptive can be considered bad etiquette in Ireland.
- Irish have a little filter when speaking. They swear often. Take it in stride and smile.
- Smoking in public is illegal in enclosed public places. Pubs can have designated areas.
- Irish people aren’t afraid of arguments and are good at expressing their opinions. However, some Irish people are sensitive about religion and past conflicts in their country.
- It is a very safe country.
Rock of Cashel was a sight to behold. Check out our blog post on the Rock of Cashel – Irelands Ancient Site of Kings.
When to go to Ireland
The shoulder seasons are the best time to visit Ireland. April to May and September to October is the best time to visit this beautiful country. Our first trip was in April, the second in May, and both were lovely overall. In the shoulder season, prices are more reasonable, and space is less of an issue. The crowds will be smaller. In the fall, the colors can be spectacular. Both shoulder seasons can be chilly, so plan for layers.
Summer is warmer and has less rain. The one advantage of summer is the long 18-hour days. You can genuinely make every evening moment count. The crowds can be an issue as that is when most tourists go.
Winter is rainy with very short days. The temps rarely go to freezing; snow is infrequent. There are often fireplaces in pubs, and you see them well-used in the winter.
Ireland is known for rain, and that is a simple fact. It isn’t the Emerald Isle for no reason. Plan for it year-round. The lowest rain month is May.
- Summer 54-74 °F (16-20 °C)
- Spring 46-53 °F (8-15 °C)
- Fall 57-64 °F (14-18 °C)
- Winter 3-42 °F (4-6°C)
Our Favorite Ireland Resources
This resource section contains some Amazon affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Travel Books/Guides
Ireland was our first trip overseas as a travel team. It was life-changing for both of us. We can never get enough of Ireland: the people, the culture, the history, the natural beauty, and, of course, the castles. It is just perfect, and each region is unique and magnificent.
Lonely Planet’s Ireland (Country Guide) by Lonely Planet
A passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on the highlights Ireland has to offer and what hidden discoveries await you. Get drawn into brooding landscapes and windswept coast, visit pubs and enjoy music, learn about Dublin, Cork, and Galway, and explore centuries of history. Great photography and lots of details to aid in planning. Discover this travel guide here.
Rick Steves Ireland 2020 by Rick Steves
Full disclosure: We are huge Rick Steve’s fans; it will be rare if we do not recommend one of his wonderful guides, and this is a great resource for Ireland. We love his travel style and perspective. His off-the-beaten-path approach and independent travel philosophy match well with how we travel. The guides never disappoint. This book made the cut into our suitcase and was a fantastic resource. Find this must-have guide here.
D.K. Eyewitness Ireland (Travel BC Guide) by D.K. Eyewitness
The ideal travel companion, full of insider advice on what to see and do, plus detailed itineraries and comprehensive maps for exploring beautiful Ireland. Everything you need to know is clearly laid out within color-coded chapters. Discover the best of Ireland and its 32 counties. In this lovely illustrated guide. Find this guide here.
Our favorite websites
2. U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Ireland Country Info
We cannot encourage you enough to visit this website as you plan and prepare for your trip. This is the U.S. Federal Government addressing the safety, security, travel risk, entry, exit, visa documents mandates, emergency U.S. and Embassy contacts, health, local laws, special circumstances, threats, traveler vulnerabilities, government warnings, and transportation in Ireland. This is your best and most reliable resource for all this important info. Check back often before you go, as things can change quickly. Being prepared is essential in all travel, but especially internationally.
Ireland International Travel Information (state.gov)
3. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers Health Resource
This CDC travel resource provides essential health info for your specific destination. Using their tool, you can determine which vaccines, medications, and health advice recommendations are needed for Ireland.
CDC’s Travelers Health Page for Ireland
Our favorite maps
Lonely Planet Ireland Planning Map by Lonely Planet
Durable and waterproof. Comes in a handy slipcase. It is easy to read this map with practical road and travel information. Explore the rich history of Ireland. Major sites and landmarks are marked. Mapped road network with distances and designations for major highways to the off-the-beaten-path roads. There are no usual map choices for Ireland, which is odd. Though we default to Google Maps, this came in handy when service was poor or during construction detours. Find this essential map here.
Our Favorite Apps
Rome2rio: Trip Planner Trip and Holiday Organizer Enter any address, landmark, or city; the App will instantly display all your travel options, booking info, accommodation providers, and things to do. Find it on your local App Store.
Rick Steve’s Audio Europe This App includes a vast library of Rick Steve’s audio content. Get cultural and travel info. Includes self-guided tours of top attractions and historic walks. A must-have. Find it on your local App Store.
Do you have a favorite Ireland travel resource? Share your favorites in the comments section at the bottom of this page or
Check out our Ireland Posts
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Our Ireland Gallery
Our Top Recommended Travel Products and Services
Travel Insurance
Squaremouth.com
Our favorite travel insurance site!
We could not be stronger advocates of being well-insured—not just for the little stuff but for the big things like medical emergencies. We never leave home without it. Our go-to place is Squaremouth.com. It does a fantastic job with its user-friendly interface and uses top-rated and reputable insurance carriers. They also mediate on your behalf if you have problems.
To empower you as a consumer, we suggest you read our blog post on the importance of travel insurance and how to get the best coverage from top-rated companies for an affordable price.
MedjetAssist
Medical transport back home from anywhere in the world
They are the premier global air medical transport. One caveat to travel insurance is that medical evacuation usually gets you to the closest facility to care for you. Medjet gets you back to the U.S. to the hospital of your choice once you are stable enough to fly. A Medjet membership is only for medical transport. Medjet Horizon offers expanded coverage. They have individual trip policies starting at $99 and annual policies for around $300. Most of their policies limit the age to 74.
To learn more about how Medical Evacuation membership with Medjet Assist works, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.
Accommodations and Airfare
Expedia and VRBO
Hotels, home rentals, BNBs, flights, and other transportation & tours
Expedia is a US-based company whose mission is to power global travel for everyone and everywhere. Wanderers Compass focuses on independent travel, and using sites like Expedia makes that possible. Every aspect of travel you need, from airfare, accommodations, rental car, and cruises to activities to do at your destination, can be booked on Expedia.
Booking.com
Hotels, Home rentals, BNBs, Flights, and other Transportation & Tours
Booking.com connects millions of travelers to memorable experiences, various transportation options, and incredible places to stay – from homes to hotels and much more. It is one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces for established brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes. It is our preferred booking site.
Transportation
Daytrip
Personalized city-to-city private car transfer service
Daytrip is an affordable private car service for city-to-city transfers around the world. We love their service, and it costs much less than renting a car. You can enjoy comfortable, stress-free travel with the added bonus of scenic sightseeing stops along your journey. For example, we used them between Budapest and Vienna, making some fantastic stops along the way. Their professional drivers and customizable routes ensure a smooth ride while allowing you to explore hidden gems and local attractions.
To learn more about how Daytrip, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.
Travel Experiences
Viator
The leading marketplace for travel experiences
Viator believes that making memories is what travel is all about. And with 300,000+ experiences to explore—everything from simple tours to extreme adventures (and all the niche, interesting stuff in between)—making memories that will last a lifetime has never been easier. We use them often during our travels and love their liberal cancellation policy.
Communication products for seamless connectivity overseas
GigSky International eSIM Data Plans
Local Prices. No Roaming. Fastest Networks.
GigSky eSIM keeps travelers seamlessly connected worldwide without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or facing unexpected roaming charges. With affordable data plans and instant activation, you can enjoy reliable internet access in over 190 countries, making travel more convenient than ever. They have a great offer, a 100 MB data plan for free, and no credit card is required. They are that confident you will love their product!
Enjoy 10% off all GigSky Plans (except cruise and inflight) with our discount code WCOMPASS10
To learn more about how GigSky, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.
Shopping
Wanderers Compass Amazon Storefront
An excellent source for all travel essentials and guides
Amazon is one of the most comprehensive online shopping sources in the world. Teams worldwide provide lower prices, better selection, and rapid delivery on behalf of customers. They offer a vast inventory, and their 1.7 million small and medium businesses worldwide selling on Amazon.com offer extensive options to customers.
This article contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
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