If you're planning to visit Ireland this year you need to hear these 2022 Ireland travel tips as you start planning!
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Happy New Year and welcome to the Traveling in Ireland podcast!
For everyone new to the podcast I want to take a minute to introduce myself. My name is Jody Halsted and I am an author, publisher, Ireland vacation coach, tour coordinator, and (obviously) your host on the Traveling in Ireland podcast.
That is a lot! But Ireland is my passion; and my goal -100% – is to help people have an amazing Ireland vacation. And I have quite a few ways to help you.
My book, Planning the Ireland Vacation of Your Dreams, is available on Amazon in both print and Kindle editions (and the Kindle edition is included in the Kindle Unlimited library).
My website, Ireland Family Vacations, is a complete resource for Ireland vacation planning – filled with information on what to do & see as well as handy tips for planning your trip and free itineraries to get your plans in motion quickly.
My vacation coaching services and custom itinerary creation help you maximize your Ireland experience, and my small group guided tours are designed to not only deliver the Ireland you've been dreaming of, but introduce you to the people and hidden places that make the country so very special.
On a more personal note, I have 2 teenage daughters who have been traveling through Ireland with me since before they could toddle, one very understanding husband (who loves it when I plan other people's vacations because it means I'm not planning my own), and one large, very fluffy, dog who prefers we stay in the US and travel by RV so she can come along.
Now that you know all about me, let's jump into what you need to know as you consider planning an Ireland vacation in 2022!
Ireland Travel Tips You Need for 2022
Ireland Travel Rules & Restrictions
As we have seen over the past 2 years, travel rules can change by the day.
Current rules state that all visitors must complete a Passenger Locator Form prior to departure.
With effect from Thursday 6 January 2022, passengers to Ireland with:
– an accepted proof of vaccination, or
– proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the prior 6 months
do not have to show an additional pre-departure COVID-19 test result.
Passengers without proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the prior 6 months, must show evidence of a negative (‘not detected') RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arriving in Ireland.
Pro Tip: Stay current on rules and regulations – both for travel to and travel home from Ireland.
– Current rules for traveling to Ireland are here
– Current rules for returning to the US after international travel are here
– Current rules for Canadians returning home are here
Flight Tips
Flight prices have increased in the past year so knowing when to buy your tickets is critical.
Pro tip: Begin monitoring flights for your travel dates as soon as possible.
Car Rental Tips
Planning to self-drive? Know that car rental shortages are still happening and as Ireland hits peak tourism season this may come into play with higher prices and fewer options. Book in advance.
Pro Tip: Understand the ins and outs of car rental in Ireland. Car rental tips link
Accommodation Tips
Book accommodations early – don't leave it to chance. Postponed vacations from 2020 and 2021 have many accommodations approaching capacity for the busiest months and locations.
Tours & Driver Guides
Hoping to join a tour? Know that many large tour companies have decreased the size of their tours – and many of their offerings are already full due to rescheduled tours from 2020 & 2021.
Pro Tip: There are still a few spaces available for A Celtic Experience in September!
Chauffeur companies are also handling rescheduled tours and may be experiencing limited dates and availability. Be flexible with your dates between late may thru early August if possible.
Cancellation Policies & Travel Insurance
Read and understand your cancellation policies. Know exactly what to expect if your plans are altered.
Purchase travel insurance. Understand what you need and how it works. And be sure it covers COVID.
Pro tip: Understand your risk tolerance when determining travel insurance needs.
3 Tips to Make Your Ireland Vacation a Success in 2022
Make bookings at ‘must see' attractions to avoid disappointment.
Stay fewer places and take more day trips.
Plan more outdoor activities – dramatic cliff walks, incredible greenways, and dozens of heritage sites offer so many opportunities.
Thanks for Listening!
As always. you can email me at [email protected] with any questions!
Submit your Comment 
My wife and I have been to Ireland 8 times – our home away from home. Normally, we would fly into Shannon because we stay on the west coast (Roundstone, Ballynahinch, Ashford Castle, Cong, etc.). This last time we had to fly into Dublin because flights were not available to Shannon due to COVID restrictions. I found that car rentals were more expensive due to Dublin Airport being a ‘premium’ location. Shannon, apparently doesn’t have that distinction. also, I notice that Shannon flights are currently $400 more than flying into Dublin ($1237 versus $822). From your point of view, is Shannon worth the extra cost to avoid Dublin’s problems? When is the best time to purchase tickets – we are planning a trip August 5 through August 27th this year?
I admit to loving the ease of Shannon Airport. No crowds, no L O N G lead time for check in and security.But, as you say, there is a significant price difference between DUB and SNN.I do find Shannon worth the extra cost – usually – but I do lay out all the costs associated with each airport to understand what those costs are.- flight costs- what is the car rental difference?- what is the difference in cost in the final night’s lodging?- fuel cost to return to Dublin (if required)
If the difference is under E100 per person (when I travel with my family) I will pay for Shannon. If I am traveling solo or with my husband I will raise that a bit. Usually I find that a $300-400 difference is worth the ease of flying through Shannon.
As to the best time to purchase tickets… I always monitor my routes in advance (read more about that here) so I have a good idea of what prices are doing. And, if I see a significant drop, I can buy right away.. I usually find the best deals between 6-8 weeks prior to travel, though this year that could be different.
I hope that helped you answer the question!