Ireland Travel Tips & Packing Guide

Planning a trip to Ireland is exciting, and for many, it’s a bucket list destination. A little preparation can help ensure that you make the most of your Irish vacation. Ireland offers a wide variety of experiences, and often, a variety of weather conditions, all in a single day.

The good news is that packing for Ireland is simpler than many travelers expect. With comfortable clothing, a few layers, and some weather-ready essentials, you’ll be prepared for everything. Get ready to enjoy scenic walks, historic sites, traditional music, green countryside views, and local hospitality.

Use this guide to help you pack smart and understand what to expect. Get ready to enjoy every moment of your Ireland tour with confidence.

Packing for Ireland doesn’t need to be complicated. The most important things to remember are comfort and preparing for changing weather conditions. We recommend bringing one suitcase (carry-on or medium sized) along with a small day bag or backpack. Your day bag can stay with you on the mini-coach throughout the day, while larger luggage will be stored securely and easily accessible when needed. With the right preparation, you can enjoy every activity no matter what the weather brings.

Here is a suggested packing list:

Many of Ireland’s guest houses are smaller properties and may not have elevators. You might need to carry your luggage up a flight of stairs, so packing light will make your trip much more enjoyable.

Remember, Ireland is a modern country. If you forget something at home, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to purchase it during your travels.

Check out this short video about packing for your Irish vacation!

Your accommodations in Ireland are part of the experience. Throughout your journey, you’ll stay in welcoming guesthouses, inns, and locally owned stays that offer authentic Irish hospitality.

Hair Dryers: Most accommodations provide hair dryers for guests. However, unlike many North American hotels, they are not always stored in the bathroom. If you don’t see one right away, check a bedside table, dressing table drawer, or wardrobe.

Laundry: If you’re traveling on a multi-day tour, there are usually opportunities to have laundry done during your free day. Self-service laundromats are not very common in Ireland, but many towns offer convenient wash-and-fold services where you can drop off your clothes and collect them later the same day.

Irish Dress Code: How do people dress in Ireland? The Irish generally dress quite casually, even when dining out. Comfortable, practical clothing is appropriate for most restaurants, pubs, attractions, and sightseeing activities. There’s no need to pack formal attire unless you have specific plans outside of your tour itinerary.

Managing money while traveling in Ireland is simple and convenient. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the country. ATMs are available in cities, towns, airports, and many smaller communities.

The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro (€), while Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, uses the British Pound Sterling (£). Travelers joining the Go North tour will spend time in Northern Ireland. Carrying large amounts of cash is usually unnecessary, as most businesses accept card payments.

Want to check the current exchange rates? Here’s a foreign currency converter(opens in a new tab).

Using Credit Cards and ATMs
Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards throughout Ireland. While some businesses may accept Discover and American Express, they are not as widely used and shouldn’t be relied upon as your primary payment method.

Our recommendation is to use ATMs, credit cards, and avoid travelers checks. Banks have odd opening and closing times and smaller towns may not have the capability to exchange foreign currency. Some banks in Ireland don’t cash travelers checks any more. ATMs are available in the Dublin airport and all across Ireland and accept Visa and MasterCard debit cards.

Before you travel, contact your bank to notify them of your trip and ask about any international transaction fees that may apply.

Chip and PIN Payments
Most payment terminals in Ireland use Chip & PIN technology. If your card requires a signature instead of a PIN, don’t worry. Merchants are accustomed to international visitors and can usually process your transaction without issue.

Ireland is somewhat of a non-tipping country, but tipping is expected in some situations:

• In pubs, the bartender does not expect a tip for each drink order. However, if you order drinks at a table, a tip is expected depending on your group size.
• Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but you can round up to the next Euro.
• At restaurants and cafes with table service, a 10%-15% tip is customary—or more if the service was exceptional. In nicer restaurants, you may see a “Service Charge” on the bill. This equals a tip.
• For your tour guide, a standard amount is €15- €20 per person per day of the tour, or whatever you decide is appropriate. Tipping is entirely up to you and any tip will be greatly appreciated.

Ireland is a highly connected country, making it easy to stay in touch with friends and family back home. WiFi is available in the majority of your accommodations, as well as bars, coffee shops, and public spaces throughout the country.

Using Your Current Mobile Plan
Before you travel, check with your mobile carrier to see if they offer international plans for Ireland. Many providers offer daily or monthly travel packages that allow you to use your existing phone number, make calls, send texts, and access data while abroad.

Using WiFi During Your Trip
We recommend you keep your phone in Airplane Mode and use free WiFi at your overnight stays and whenever it is available. Since WiFi is widely accessible throughout Ireland, many visitors find this to be a simple and cost-effective solution.

Purchasing an Irish SIM Card or a Cheap Mobile Phone and Minutes
Check if your phone can be unlocked and is compatible with different SIM cards. You can then buy a SIM card and a calling/data/text plan in Ireland. This can provide local calling, texting, and data services for the duration of your trip.

Want to buy a cheap mobile phone and minutes in Ireland? The Tesco Mobilestore in the Jervis Shopping Center at 125 Abbey Street Upper(opens in a new tab) (click link to open map in a new tab) sells mobile phones, SIM cards, calling plans, and other accessories.

If you’re bringing electronic devices from the United States or Canada, it’s important to understand the differences between electrical systems before you travel.

Electrical Voltage in Ireland
Ireland and the United Kingdom use a 230-240 volt electrical system, while the United States and Canada use 110-120 volts. Before plugging in any device, check the power adapter or charger. If it lists an input range of 100-240V, it can safely operate in Ireland without a voltage converter. Most modern electronics, including phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, and battery chargers, are designed to work worldwide.

If your device does not support dual voltage, you will need a power converter for Ireland (sometimes called a transformer) in addition to a plug adapter.

Type G Plug Adapters
What is the Ireland outlet type? Ireland uses the same three-pronged Type G outlet found in the United Kingdom. Travelers from North America will need a Type G plug adapter to connect their devices to Irish outlets.

Many guests choose to extend their adventure by renting a car before or after their guided tour. Spending time on an Inroads Ireland tour is a great introduction to Ireland’s roads, signage, and driving culture before getting behind the wheel yourself.

Driving on the Left
In Ireland, vehicles drive on the left side of the road and the driver’s seat is on the right side. For visitors from North America, it can take some time to adjust, but most travelers become comfortable after a short period of driving.

Rental Cars & Transmissions
Manual transmission vehicles are very common in Ireland and are often the standard option offered by rental companies. If you require an automatic vehicle, be sure to reserve it in advance, as availability may be limited and costs are typically higher.

Insurance & Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
When comparing rental car rates, you’ll often see Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) included. This is an important form of coverage and should not be declined without fully understanding the insurance options.

Most rental companies will also apply an “Excess” amount, which is the maximum amount you could be responsible for if the vehicle is damaged. This amount is usually held as an authorization on your credit card during the rental period. Many rental companies offer additional coverage that reduces or eliminates this excess amount for an additional daily fee.

Credit Card Coverage
Some travelers rely on rental car insurance provided through their credit card. However, coverage rules vary by provider and country. If you plan to use credit card coverage, contact your card issuer before traveling and request written confirmation of your coverage.

Dublin’s M50 Toll Road
Drivers using Dublin’s M50 motorway should be aware of the electronic toll system. The toll must be paid online by the specified deadline after travel, so be sure to review your rental company’s policies regarding toll payments.

Age Requirements
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may apply restrictions for drivers over the age of 75 or require additional documentation.

Pack Light
Vehicle trunks, known locally as “boots”, are often smaller than those found in North America. Packing light will make your travels easier and ensure your luggage fits comfortably in your rental vehicle.

Visitors from outside the European Union may be eligible for a refund of Value Added Tax (VAT) on qualifying purchases made during their stay in Ireland.

What Purchases Qualify?
VAT refunds usually apply to physical goods purchased in Ireland and taken home with you. Services such as hotel stays, restaurant meals, and car rentals do NOT qualify for VAT refunds.

Participating Retailers
Not all retailers participate in VAT refund programs, so it’s important to ask before making a purchase. Some stores work directly with VAT refund agencies, while others handle the process independently. You may be asked to provide documentation, such as evidence of your place of residence, inbound and outbound flight dates, and a signed declaration.

How the Refund Process Works
In some cases, VAT is paid at the time of purchase and refunded after proof of export is provided. In other cases, retailers may sell qualifying goods tax-free and only charge VAT if export documentation is not submitted.

If your purchase is processed through a VAT refund agency, be sure to follow the instructions provided and submit all required documentation before departing Ireland.

Before You Leave Ireland
Keep all receipts, refund forms, and supporting documents in a safe place throughout your trip. Depending on the retailer or refund agency, you may need to present paperwork at the airport, obtain customs verification, or submit documents before your refund can be processed.

For the most current information and eligibility requirements, we recommend consulting official
VAT resources before your trip. You can find additional information regarding the VAT here(opens in a new tab).