Ireland Vacation Packing Tips: What to Take & What to Leave Home
Don’t overpack for your Ireland vacation! Packing tips including what to take, what to leave home, and how to pack your suitcases.
-
-
When Not to Visit Blarney Castle (and How to Time It Right)
Blarney Castle and Gardens is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations – and for good reason. But if you show up at the wrong time, your magical visit can quickly turn into a crowded, stressful experience. Here’s a quick planning tip that can make all the difference. How Cruise Ship Schedules Can Make or…
-
Step Into Morrissey’s: Abbeyleix’s Timeless Irish Pub
Slip off the motorway and into another era with a visit to Morrissey’s Pub in Abbeyleix, County Laois. Established in 1775, this isn’t just a place to grab a pint—it’s a deep dive into the kind of Irish hospitality and history that you just can’t fake. This article is based on podcast episode 168 featuring…
-
Should You Accept a Rental Car Upgrade? Here’s How to Decide
It happens all the time—you walk up to the rental counter in Ireland, share your reservation information, and the agent smiles and says, “We can upgrade you today!” But before you say yes, take a pause. While an upgrade might sound like a win, it’s not always the best choice for your trip – or…
-
The Best Deal in Irish History (Literally): Why the OPW Heritage Card Is a Smart Buy
From ancient monasteries to mighty castles, Ireland’s OPW Heritage Card offers unlimited entry to dozens of incredible sites for one flat fee – making it one of the best travel values on the island. When I travel through the Republic of Ireland, whether it be with my family or hosting a tour group, it is…
-
Parking in Irish Cities: What You Need to Know Before You Drive In
Planning to rent a car and explore Ireland’s cities? While having your own transportation gives you flexibility, parking in cities like Dublin, Galway, or Belfast can be frustrating—unless you plan ahead. This quick guide (and the video below!) will help you avoid stress and find the best place to park, whether you’re staying overnight or…
-
World Music Day – The Irish Way
Ready to tap your toes and soak up the sounds of Ireland? World Music Day (June 21) is the perfect time to do just that – and on the island of Ireland, where music is part of the heartbeat of daily life, the celebration hits a high note. Where Every Street Has a Soundtrack From…
-
Tips for Ireland Vacations in the Off-Season
With Ireland’s tourism numbers increasing annually it’s understandable that many travelers are looking outside the busy summer months to plan their vacation. Ireland Travel Tips for Off-Season Vacations In this article you’ll learn Ireland travel tips for off-season vacations plus my advice on taking your children out of school to visit Ireland. This article is…
-
Why ‘Winging It’ Might Not Be the Best Plan for Your Ireland Vacation
Planning your Ireland vacation is a smart way to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience. While the idea of “winging it” might sound tempting, today’s travel landscape in Ireland is a bit different from what it used to be. With more visitors, limited accommodations, and higher demand for attractions, a little planning goes a long…
-
Arrive in Dublin, Depart from Shannon: Why to Consider this Itinerary Tweak
If you’re flying to Ireland from North America, chances are you’re looking at round-trip tickets into and out of Dublin. It’s the most popular route for good reason—direct flights, solid availability, and yes, it’s usually cheaper. But if your Irish adventure follows a classic path—landing in Dublin, heading down to Killarney or Dingle, touring the…
-
Can You Book Flights too Early?
Booking flights can be a nerve-wracking game of ‘now or later.’ That anxiety often leads to early clicks — and higher prices. I use a simple flight monitoring process to take the edge off (outlined here), but timing – and a bit of patience – plays a crucial role. So, can you book flights too…
-
Ireland at Your Own Pace: Smart Tips for a Trip Without the Rush
I fear that I can be a bit like a broken record as I seem to repeat ‘slow down, do less, experience more’ like it is a personal Ireland travel mantra. Which, I suppose, it kind of is. As I’ve mentioned previously, I’ve made every travel mistake there is to make and I still struggle…
-
Getting the Most Helpful Advice from Travel Forums
I offer a lot of Ireland travel advice. In over 22 years of travel to and through Ireland, I have made dozens (hundreds?) of mistakes and have learned a lot. Additionally, I spend a lot of time researching anything new, confirming and updating the information I have, and traveling (on my own dime and not…
-
Tips to Plan a Memorable Multigenerational Trip to Ireland
In this episode of the Traveling in Ireland podcast, Jody shares valuable insights and tips for planning multi-generational family trips to Ireland. She emphasizes the importance of creating memorable experiences for families, discusses transportation logistics, accommodation choices, and activity planning, and offers advice on how to manage group dynamics effectively. Jody also highlights the benefits…
-
Choosing the Best Mobile Connectivity for Your Ireland Vacation
Best tips for using your mobile phone in Ireland. How to save your data, avoid roaming charges, and find wifi.
-
Ireland Car Rental CDW Insurance
So, what is CDW coverage and why do you have to have it? Put very simply, CDW coverage limits your liability for material damage to the vehicle. Basic CDW is included in your rental agreement. This coverage limits your liability for damage to the vehicle. But it does not completely cover it. The amount over…
-
Ireland Rental Car Insurance: What is CDW Coverage and Why Do I Need It?
Ireland rental car insurance and CDW coverage leaves many people confused. What you must know before renting a car in Ireland.
-
Your Final Night in Ireland: How Close to the Airport Should You Stay?
This article focuses on departures from Dublin and Shannon airports for North American visitors to Ireland. At this time no other Ireland airports offer direct flights to North America. How far can you stay from the airport the night before you leave Ireland and still have a relaxed morning and a (mostly) stress-free departure? A…
-
Everything You Need to Know About Car Rental in Ireland {2026 Guide}
Renting a car in Ireland is the best way to explore the country. Everything you need to know about car rental in Ireland. Updated for 2023.
-
The Best Time to Visit Ireland
We have visited in every month of the year and I can honestly say that any time you can go to Ireland is a good time to go! Planning your trip is dependent on your own schedule and the experiences you want to have, but trust me when I say that you can have an…
