Planning a vacation is exciting! So many options of what to see and do, places to stay and dine.

Today I'm sharing the Ireland travel tips you need to make your vacation magical and memorable (for the right reasons) in 2020!

This podcast is sponsored by my award winning book, Planning the Ireland Vacation of Your Dreams. 

Designed to guide you through every step of your Ireland vacation from when to go and what to see to what to pack and how to save money. 

Planning the Ireland Vacation of Your Dreams answers all the questions you have about Ireland travel. Visit Ireland Family Vacations and click shop to buy for just $5 thru December 24, 2019.

2020 Ireland Travel Tips You Need to Know

Ireland's visitor numbers continue to climb so I recommend planning earlier rather than later- especially if you have dreams of castle stays and popular destinations.

(1:45) Check Your Passport

Make sure your passport is valid for at least the duration of your trip, but preferably 6 months from the date of arrival. 

Because of visa time limits, many countries require your passport to be valid for three to six months beyond your departure date.  While Ireland does not, officially, follow this rule and most visitors can stay in Ireland up to 90 days with no visa, there have been cases of visitors turned away if their passport expires during their travel period or shortly after.

Read: Paperwork & Passports: What You Need to Visit Ireland

(2:40) Book Your Accommodations in Advance

Popular accommodations like castles book quickly!

It used to be that you could land in Ireland and let the road lead you to your nightly lodging. That has become more difficult as Ireland's tourism numbers have increased dramatically (2019 numbers are predicted to exceed the nearly 10 million visitors in 2018!!). 

If you are traveling from June thru September I recommend booking every night in advance.

If you want to stay in a castle, manor house, or popular locations like Dublin city, Doolin, or Killarney, book early. Some of the most popular accommodations are almost filled for summer 2020!

All other times book at least your first and last night's accommodation in advance. 

Read: A Quick Guide to Ireland Vacation Lodging

(3:45) Reserve Your Car in Advance

Not only will you pay more to book your car the day you land- especially at an airport!- but if you need an automatic transmission you must book that in advance of your visit.

Even manual transmission vehicles can sell out during the busiest travel times. I have personally seen people turned away from multiple car rental counters as there were no cars available that day. 

Read: