Ireland Travel Tips Archives - Ireland Family Vacations

When you rent a car in Ireland, one of the first choices you’ll face is manual vs automatic. For North American travelers, it’s a question you might not even think to ask – but the difference in price is bigger than you imagine.

In North America it’s nearly impossible to rent a manual transmission car – everything is automatic. In Ireland, it’s the reverse. Manuals are the standard, so when you book your rental you’ll have to decide between the two.

Renting a Car & Driving in Ireland
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In Ireland, manual transmission cars aren’t the budget option – they’re the default. Manuals are cheaper to buy, easier to maintain, and more fuel efficient, so rental companies fill their fleets with them.

Most Irish drivers also learn on a manual. If you pass your test in a manual, you’re licensed to drive both manual and automatic. But if you test in an automatic, you can only drive automatics. That flexibility keeps manuals in demand.

There’s also a bit of tradition at play: many locals feel manuals handle Ireland’s narrow roads, sharp curves, and hills better.

Here’s where the surprise comes in: automatics can cost two to three times more than manuals.

For example, when I checked rates with my preferred rental company, Irish Car Rentals, a week in a small manual car came in at just $100. The same size car with an automatic transmission? Over $360.

That’s a massive difference – and it’s average. During peak travel season, the gap can be even larger because automatics are in short supply and sell out quickly.

If you know you’ll need an automatic, book as far in advance as possible to secure one and avoid last-minute sticker shock.

Manuals are standard in Ireland, while automatics are limited and cost more. The right choice is the one that makes your trip enjoyable and stress-free.

👉 Once you’ve decided between manual and automatic, the next big thing to understand is insurance and hidden fees. That’s where car rental costs can really add up. Stay tuned for the next article and video in this series, where I’ll walk you through exactly what to expect.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 294

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Ireland is a terrific introduction to Europe for Americans because the Irish speak English. Kind of. But you're likely to hear quite a few words you won't recognize – or maybe words you recognize, but not in the way they are used.

The tips below will help you avoid a scaldy sambo, navigate your morning fry, and give you a few tips for phrases so you don't make a clanger as you chat with the lads at the evening sesh.

Ireland Family Vacations is programmatic ad-free, supported through partnerships with trusted travel brands I personally work with and recommend. We may earn income from purchases made via affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn commission from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support. ​See why this is important.

This article is based on podcast episode 109 featuring Irish author Denise Deegan.
Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

When you visit Ireland you're likely to hear a few words that you recognize – but they are used differently than at home.
A few American to Irish examples…

But there are far more ‘Irishisms' that may leave you baffled. Or just confused as to the actual meaning of a phrase.

Author Denise Deegan has written a charming wee book of ‘Irishisms‘ – words that almost seem to elevate the Irish above the English language.

Irishisms is written under Denise's pen name of Aimee Alexander. This book a very different direction from the novels she usually writes. A chance conversation with an American friend led Denise to take note of all the different ‘Irishisms' that she used, and heard, daily. And it really just built from there.

As Denise was writing the book she shared the progress with her readers and fans who requested other topics to include in the book – like information on Irish names.

Chapters in the book are short and sweet – but really useful. It's perfect for a fun evening in a pub or even as a primer for your trip to Ireland!

The chapter titled ‘Avoid these like the Plague' is especially fun. It's filled with words and phrases you will never hear spoken by the Irish.

Another chapter to dig into is ‘Tricks to Make Your Sentences More Irish'.  The use of a single word in just the right way instantly makes you sound more Irish. Often this is a string of past tense verbs or repeating what you've just said.

Learn more about Denise at her author sites Denise Deegan and Aimee Alexander.
Or connect with her on Facebook or Twitter.

Buy Irishisms on Amazon.

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How long is the ‘perfect' Ireland vacation? Everyone has an opinion, but the scientific study may surprise you.

Researchers say that the sweet spot is “not too long, where experiences begin to feel normalized, and not too short, where you don't have enough time to disconnect.”

This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 292. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

I'm a member of quite a few Ireland vacation advice groups on various websites and one of my biggest pet peeves is when people respond to a question with “That isn't enough time,” or “You should stay longer.”

Not everyone has unlimited time to spend on vacation. We all have a life to live, and vacation is just a part of that.

So let me begin with this statement – however long you have in Ireland is ‘enough time' for your vacation.

Is it enough time to do ‘everything'? No. But you could stay for years and not ‘see it all'. So let's lose the ‘not enough time' mindset before we begin.

My opinion is based on 23 years of travel from North America – US and Canada. If traveling from Australia or New Zealand this might be too short; if traveling from Europe it could be too long.

I think a 10 day vacation is almost ideal.

Day 1 & day 9 are spent traveling.

Days 2 thru 8 are spent exploring, relaxing, and enjoying Ireland.

And day 10 is your day to regroup before returning to your ‘real life'.

If you can stay longer… great! But 10 days offers a full week in Ireland, travel days that don't have to include anything else, and a day to reset before ‘real life' resumes.

Ready to start planning your Ireland vacation?
Begin at the beginning and follow my expert step-by-step tips!
Bookmark this free guide to plan your dream vacation to Ireland.

According to the Journal of Happiness Studies eight days in the minimum length a vacation should be. The first few days are spent unwinding and disconnecting, with peak happiness and feelings of personal wellbeing around days 7 and 8.

The study also showed that, by day 11, vacation enjoyment tends to drop and people begin to miss their home and regular routines.

So don't worry if you don't have weeks or months to spend in Ireland – enjoy your vacation fully while you are there, bring home amazing memories, and maybe think about planning a return – according to studies trip anticipation boost happiness.

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When planning a trip to Ireland you’re probably focused on castles, coastlines, and creamy pints – but don’t overlook something far less exciting (yet super important): keeping your valuables safe.

This is part 3 of my Travel Smart series, and we’re talking about packing intentionally, choosing the right bag, and making sure you’re not carrying more than you can keep secure.

In this final installment, we're focusing on packing smart, because what you bring and how you carry it can make your whole trip more relaxed.

Ireland is generally a safe country, but like any popular travel destination, petty theft can happen – especially in touristy areas, crowded city centers, or when you’re distracted by your surroundings (which, in Ireland, is basically all the time).

These are the tricks & tools I rely on to keep my valuables secure. Most are pretty low-key – but a few feel just a little bit spy-worthy.

You don’t have to stick to carry-on only, but you do need to think intentionally about what shouldn't go into your checked bag: jewelry, cash, lithium-ion batteries, electronics, and medications should always stay with you.

If you are considering going carry-on only – either to avoid lost luggage or reduce your risk of theft – I highly recommend SCOTTeVEST travel clothing. The coats, in particular, are spy-worthy. With all those pockets, it’s like sneaking an extra carry-on onto the plane.

I’ve also put together a guide on what to pack in your carry-on to help you keep your belongings safe and make the most of your flight.

And remember: skip the flashy jewelry, extra electronics, and additional credit cards. The less you bring, the less you have to protect.

One of my best travel investments is a theft-proof day bag. I use the Travelon compact crossbody – it has locking zippers and slash-proof straps, making it perfect for days in the city. Travelon makes larger bags too, if you need more space.

Prefer a backpack? The first thing I look for is a hidden compartment that can only be accessed when the bag is off. My current go-to is the ORI London Travel Backpack. While it doesn’t have built-in locks, I use a locking carabiner clip to secure the rolltop. What sold me on it is the zippered pocket on the back – completely hidden while I’m wearing it. That’s where I’ll tuck my wallet if it’s not in my jacket or pants. It’s accessible enough for me, but out of sight and secure from everyone else.

This is one of the simplest but most important rules: don’t keep everything in one place.

Keep a small amount of cash and a credit card on your person, ideally in a zippered or concealed pocket. Split the rest between your day bag and your hotel safe. If something gets misplaced or stolen, you’re not left completely stranded.

Packing smart ties it all together. Combine these habits with the tips from Parts 1 and 2, and you’ll be ready to explore Ireland with confidence.
Part 1: Hotel, Tech & Street Safety
Part 2: Tips for Getting Around Ireland

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 291

The post Travel Smart: Packing for a Safe Trip to Ireland appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Travel days are busy, a little chaotic, and exactly when people tend to misplace things. Whether I’m driving myself or taking the train across the country, I have a few go-to habits to make sure everything stays where it’s supposed to.

This is part 2 of my Travel Smart series, and we’re focusing on how to keep your belongings safe while you're on the move. From rental cars to public transit, these are the habits and tools I use to stay secure without stress.

Different types of transportation come with their own safety considerations – and a few small vulnerabilities if you’re not paying attention. After years of traveling all over Ireland, I’ve learned that how you handle your gear on the move matters just as much as where you store it at your hotel.

The good news? You don’t need complicated strategies. Just a few intentional habits for each situation can make a big difference.

If you’re renting a car, be extra mindful at tourist sites, beaches, or walking trails. These are easy spots for quick smash-and-grab thefts.

A clean, empty-looking car would take too much time to search formsomething to take.

Public transport in Ireland is generally safe – but it's still worth being cautious in stations and crowded compartments.

Packing for public transport should be treated the same as packing for a flight – your most important items (identification, money and credit cards, jewelry, electronics, and medications) should remain with you.

On most buses you will be able to take carry-on bags and personal items on board with you, checked bags will be stowed underneath. When you board the bus watch your bags be loaded, take a photo for proof (this is optional but sometimes it pays to be paranoid), and know which compartment your bag should come out of.

Unless the bus is an Express (meaning no stops), your bag could be removed for access to other bags, so letting the driver (or whoever is loading the bags) know when you are getting off the bus, could be helpful for more secure placement.

On trains your personal item, especially if it contains money or identification, should remain on your lap or at your feet. If storing anything overhead, I recommend placing the item where you can see it – usually that is across from you, not above you. For bags that must remain in the luggage storge you can consider a cable lock to thread through the handles and attach to the storage racks. Because I don't keep electronics or valuables in my larger luggage I usually don't so this – but I will prebook a seat with a view of the bag storage.

No matter the type of transportation you choose, keeping your bag close and your attention up goes a long way.

Ireland’s taxis are safe and regulated, but a few smart habits can help you avoid mishaps:

Every mode of transport has its quirks, but a few simple habits can keep your trip moving smoothly.

In the final part of this series, I'm sharing the packing strategies I use to keep myself and my belongings safe.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 289

The post Travel Smart: Safety Tips for Getting Around Ireland appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

When you arrive in Ireland, your focus should be on enjoying the trip – not worrying about your stuff. But once you’re on the ground, the small, everyday decisions you make can go a long way toward keeping your belongings secure.

This is part 1 of my Travel Smart series, where I share the simple habits and tools I use to travel with confidence. In this first part, we’re covering how to protect your valuables in hotels and B&Bs, keep your tech and documents safe, and move smart in public spaces.

From hotel rooms to crowded city streets, a few quick precautions can help keep your belongings exactly where they belong.

Before you leave home, make digital copies of your passport, driver’s license, travel insurance, and any essential reservations. Store them in a secure, password-protected cloud folder.

I also recommend leaving a copy of these items – digital or paper – plus your itinerary, with a trusted friend or family member at home. If anything happens it's helpful for someone else to have your information.

Not every Irish hotel or B&B has an in-room safe, but when there is one, I use it – and I have a simple trick so I don’t leave anything behind:
When I pack, shoes are first into the bag. I put one shoe on or in the safe – if I can't find the second shoe in a pair, I immediately remember it is at the safe.

If there’s no safe, I’ll place valuables in my suitcase and hide them in less obvious spots – think inside socks or tucked between bags of dirty laundry. And I always lock my luggage when I’m not in the room.

Phones, tablets, and laptops are easy targets – so make sure yours are locked with a password or biometric ID, and have tracking and remote wipe capabilities turned on.

Also: don’t do banking, shopping, or anything involving sensitive data on public Wi-Fi. Use a VPN or, better yet, a private Wi-Fi device (like a mobile hotspot from WifiCandy) or eSIM to stay secure. I travel with both.

I also highly recommend RFID blocking bags, wallets, or sleeves for your passport and credit cards.

Ireland is one of the safest countries for travelers (especially solo women), but an added dose of confidence never hurts – it's actually one of the best ways to deter petty theft. Walk like you know where you’re going, even if you’re secretly following Google Maps.

Pop in one earbud for navigation, so you can hear directions without constantly looking down at your phone. And try not to flash cash or look overly distracted, especially in very busy spots (think Temple Bar, train stations, the airport).

This is the first step in a safer, smoother trip to Ireland. In the next part of this series, I’ll cover how to protect your stuff while traveling across Ireland, with tips for self-driving and public transportation.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 287

The post Travel Smart: Hotel, Tech & Street Safety in Ireland appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Want to visit Ireland without blowing your entire vacation budget on airfare?
You don’t need insider connections or complicated travel hacks – just two easy-to-use (and totally free) tools: Kayak Explore and Google Flights. These platforms make it simple to find the best airfare, whether you’re ready to book or searching for the best deal.

These tools are especially handy if you're using my flight monitoring strategy and haven't seen prices drop. When you're willing to be flexible with travel dates you open yourself to the kind of deals most travelers miss.

Ireland Family Vacations is programmatic ad-free, supported through partnerships with trusted travel brands I personally work with and recommend. We may earn income from purchases made via affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn commission from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support. ​See why this is important.

Let’s break down how to use both Kayak and Google Flights to find the best fares to Ireland (and beyond).

One of the most powerful tools for finding unexpected travel deals is Kayak Explore. This tool maps out low fares from your chosen departure airport to anywhere in the world—including Ireland.

Instead of entering a specific destination, just plug in your home airport and let Kayak show you what’s possible.

How to Use It:

Pro tip: Slide the map over to Europe to see where the best transatlantic deals are, including Dublin, Shannon, and maybe even Belfast. You might even spot surprising deals to nearby cities like London or Paris where you can hop on a budget flight to Ireland.

But there are a few trade-offs:

If you're dreaming of Ireland but your calendar is open, this tool is unbeatable.

If you want a bit more control over dates, stops, and flight class – but still want the flexibility to discover deals – Google Flights is your friend.

There are two easy ways to use the “Anywhere” search:

Once you’re in, choose Flexible Dates instead of putting in a strict travel window. You can search weekends, 1-week trips, or 2-week trips, across one month—or up to six months out.

Want to fly business class? Only looking for nonstop flights? Traveling with kids? You can fine-tune it all.

Keep in mind:

But if you’re planning a summer trip to Ireland and need specific dates or flight types, Google Flights gives you the best of both flexibility and precision.

Use Kayak Explore if:

Use Google Flights “Anywhere” if:

If you can be open about when you go (and even which airport you fly into or out of), you may find fares that are hundreds of dollars cheaper than what you'd expect. Sometimes you’ll find Dublin cheaper than Shannon, or vice versa – so be sure to check both if you’re renting a car or planning a circular route.

Even once-a-year flexibility – like planning next summer’s Ireland trip now based on today’s low fares – can make your trip much more affordable.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 283

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If you’ve ever listened to the podcast and thought, “I wish you’d just take me to Ireland!” well, I’ve got good news.

Next spring, from mid-April through early May, I’m hosting two small-group tours to Ireland. The first leads you along the rugged coastlines and through the rich history of the North – think dramatic cliffs, castle stays, and stories older than time. The other is a women-only journey through Ireland’s cultural heart, with hands-on crafts, slower travel, and a whole lot of craic.

April 16–24, 2026

This tour takes you straight into the wild beauty and rich history of Northern Ireland. Expect dramatic coastlines, towering castles, and hands-on experiences that go beyond the usual tourist trail. We’ll explore vibrant towns, dine well, and even spend a night in a castle. This is the kind of journey that leaves you with windswept hair and stories to tell.

A few highlights of the Giant Adventure tour:

April 26–May 3, 2026

One week. Just for women. Crafted with a slower pace, deeper connections, and a touch of luxury. You’ll meet local artists, taste your way through Ireland’s food culture, and explore some of the island’s most soul-stirring landscapes – without ever feeling rushed. From storytelling to hands-on workshops, this trip is all about meaningful moments and shared laughter.

A few highlights of Craft, Culture & Craic:

Both tours are intentionally small and often fill quickly, so if either sound like your kind of adventure, hop over to the Guided Tours page to view the full itineraries and hold your spot. There’s no payment or commitment needed right away, just a quick form to let me know you’re interested.

And if you know someone who’d love to come along? Invite them, too! Traveling with friends always makes the memories even sweeter.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 281

The post Your Invitation to Explore Ireland (with Me) appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

It's a question I receive often, and one that doesn't have the same answer for everyone as it has to do with risk, as well as figuring out the coverage you may already have.

Since the question is on the table, lets delve into it piece by piece.

This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 278. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

It's helpful to begin by simply pointing out the purpose of insurance, which is to provide you with a form of protection against a possible risk.

This varies from person to person, family to family. What is your threshold? Some people may say $1000, while others say $5000.

Another way to think of it is, “If my family couldn't go on our vacation, how would it affect us financially to lose the money we spent?”

That last question puts a bit different spin on it, yes? Would you want to reschedule the trip? Or replace it with something else? If so, purchasing travel insurance would be a good idea.

Packaged policies will cost from 4-8% of your trip cost and often include coverage for trip cancellation and delay, interruption (in case you have to return home suddenly), medical costs, and lost or delayed baggage.

Additional options include medical coverage, medical evacuation coverage, and ‘cancel for any reason'. Adding these options will raise the cost of your travel insurance.

It's important to remember that not all policies are created equal, so thoroughly read the policy details and compare before purchasing travel insurance for an Ireland vacation.

You may have quite a bit of travel insurance that you aren't aware of!

Did you use a credit card to book your travel? You may have trip cancellation, trip interruption, or even medical coverage.

For example, World Mastercard offers lost or delayed baggage coverage, trip cancellation or curtailment coverage, trip delay and missed connection coverage, accident, medical, hospital, and emergency evacuation coverage when the trip is paid for using this credit card. Travel Assist services are also offered (but are not insurance).

Do you have homeowners or renters' insurance? Your property might be covered for theft or loss, and you might have liability coverage.

Be sure to talk to your insurance agent before leaving home to confirm any coverage. If you travel with expensive electronic equipment, be sure to mention that as an inexpensive rider on your policy could cover those items for theft during travel.

If I am planning a trip far in advance, if things are uncertain, or if a member of my family is not well, I will book “cancel for any reason” coverage.

With the pandemic firmly in mind as well as recent travel warnings and restrictions, ‘cancel for any reason' coverage, as well as policies that specifically cover terrorism, are never a bad thing to consider.

While this type of coverage may not reimburse 100% of your trip costs, it helped us save our trip a few years ago when a planned 5-week journey fell apart and became a 10-day jaunt.

Note: Cancel for Any Reason coverage is a time-sensitive coverage. In most cases it needs to be purchased 7-21 days after the first vacation payment has been made (time limits vary based on insurance company).

Any time you purchase a vacation package or work with a tour operator you should strongly consider purchasing travel insurance. As we have seen in the past, unexpected closure of any travel company leaves many travelers without any support system.

Pro Tip: How to determine if an Ireland vacation package is right for you

Many times these travelers arrive at their destination unaware of any issues- until they attempt to pick up a rental car, board a train, or check in to their first accommodation.

A good travel insurance policy will not only provide the support necessary to continue the vacation, but will soften the financial blow of the additional costs for transportation, accommodation, and other loses.

But… you may not want to purchase the coverage offered by the tour operator, airline, or cruise company.

Trip operators, airlines, cruise companies, even travel agents, offer travel insurance plans. Often these policies coverage just isn't as good as an independent insurer. Some may only offer vouchers for future travel as opposed to cash. Be sure to do your homework, read all terms & conditions, and compare policies before purchasing any travel insurance.

Tour operators usually don't offer ‘cancel for any reason‘ coverage, which is what I look for and recommend. So, for that, I turn to Squaremouth, an easy-to-use comparison site that allows you to search for policies by terms and price. Their site is so user friendly and begins with very simple questions to help narrow down your selections. With over 100 policies available and 54,000 reviews you can be assured of finding the right policy for your trip.

Squaremouth also offers the ability to speak to an agent to be sure you are getting exactly the coverage you need – and not paying more for what you don't.

Compare Travel Insurance at Squaremouth

If you are searching for family travel insurance another company to check out is Travelex. Not only does this company offer ‘cancel for any reason' policies, Travelex also has policies that include coverage for children under 17 when traveling with an adult at no additional cost. (Be sure to read all terms and conditions.)

Learn more about Travelex Family Travel insurance

You can buy a general travel insurance policy any time before you depart on your trip. “Cancel for any reason' coverage, which I recommend, is time sensitive and must be purchased soon after you travel booking. (Limits vary based on company but can be less than 7 days.)

Personally, I buy my insurance just after I secure my non-refundable bookings.

Why?

Because you never know what will happen. Maybe the travel company, rental company, or airline files for bankruptcy and closes its doors. Your money- and possibly your trip- are gone.

Also, most travel insurance policies cover pre-existing conditions that are under control if you buy the policy soon after making that trip payment. Up to 20% of travel insurance claims can be traced to pre-existing conditions, so this may be an important consideration for you. (Be sure to read your policies carefully and look for the coverage you know you need!)

Only you can answer that question. What is your threshold for risk?

Do I buy it? Not all the time. Am I thankful when I do buy it and end up needing it? Always.

For more information on travel insurance, visit the US Travel Insurance Association.

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If you're wondering where to eat in Dublin, these three picks cover every craving and budget, each one recommended by Gráinne Lawlor of Flavor Trails, who knows this city’s food scene inside and out.

Find Grainne's full podcast interview & article here.

Try a spice bag from a Chinese-Irish takeaway on Capel Street or Camden Street. It’s salty, spicy, and addictively good. Vegetarian versions are available too—perfect if you're not a fan of chicken.

Head to The Seafood Café in Temple Bar, run by local seafood supplier Niall Sabongi. It’s relaxed, fresh, and has an oyster happy hour that’s tough to beat.

If you’re celebrating or just want to be wowed, book a table at Chapter One in Parnell Square. The tasting menu is exceptional, the service is warm (never stuffy), and yes—it’s worth every cent.

Hungry yet? You should be.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 277

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