3 Important Documents to Check BEFORE Your Ireland Vacation

There is a lot to do as you prepare for your Ireland vacation…
Flights. Accommodations. Transportation. Tickets for tours and attractions. What to pack. What NOT to pack.

The list goes on and on.

Which makes it very easy to overlook the three important documents you must check prior to leaving for your Ireland vacation: your passport, your driver's license, and your travel insurance coverage.

Before You Leave for Your Ireland Vacation You MUST Check These 3 Documents

Passport

Be sure that your passport is not expired and that it has at least one blank page for the immigration entry stamp.

While your passport is only required to be valid for the length of your trip, I don't think it's a good idea for your trip to end the day your passport expires. Give yourself a little bit of leniency in case of delays or other unforeseen circumstances.

Learn more about the necessary documents you need to enter Ireland as a tourist.

Drivers License

If you plan to rent a car in Ireland you must have a valid driver's license that is not expired – or does not expire during your trip.

I have witnessed people arriving in Ireland with expired licenses, which can throw your entire vacation into chaos.

I even received the following email from podcast listener Laura C:
I listened to one of your podcasts on renting a car in Ireland where you mentioned that you need a valid driver's licence that is not expired. We have the car rented in my name and under my credit card because I will be the primary driver touring around while my husband is taking classes. After listening to your podcast I checked my driver's license to find that it had expired last October!! I just wanted to let you know that you rescued our dream holiday plans that I have been researching and planning over this past year from potential disaster as our plans involve me being the primary driver!! Thank-you thank-you thank-you for saving our family dream vacation!!

Learn everything you need to know about renting a car in Ireland.

Tip: While you are checking expiration dates it's not a bad idea to check your credit and debit cards, too!

Travel insurance

Weather delays. Airline strikes. Lost luggage. Unimagined accidents.

While we all hope our Ireland vacation will by idyllic accidents and disruptions can happen. As the old adage states: it's better to be safe than sorry.

Be sure whatever coverage you are relying on, whether you purchase travel insurance or are using your credit card benefits, will cover costs, cancellations, rebooking, medical, and other accidents that may happen.

Learn more about travel insurance and other coverages for your vacation.

The Best Resource to Plan Your Ireland Vacation

Ireland_vacation_planner_journal_Ireland_Family_Vacations

The ‘My Ireland Vacation Planner & Journal' follows the exact steps I use to plan my own Ireland travels and tours.
It has three sections – planning, itinerary, travel tips – which lead you through each step of creating the Ireland trip you've been dreaming about. You'll find easy-to-use worksheets and loads of advice
The 4th section is a journal, complete with fun prompts, to help you remember your amazing Ireland vacation.

Get more details & purchase the M y Ireland Vacation Planner & Journal

Traveling in Ireland Podcast episode 217

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Author
Recent Posts

Follow Along

Jody Halsted

Jody Halsted is the charismatic host behind the popular Traveling in Ireland Podcast and the Ireland Family Vacations website. With a deep passion for Ireland and an infectious enthusiasm for sharing its wonders, Jody has become a trusted voice in the realm of Irish travel.

Follow Along