Insider Tip - The Emerald Isle Revealed…

Discover tips to travelling in Ireland. We share some useful information on the fundamental questions asked when planning a trip to Ireland...

Landscapes and heritage sights:

Ireland’s rich natural beauty cannot be missed on your city break. With so many picturesque heritage sites, lowcostholidays.com recommend you visit at least one landmark on your Ireland holiday.

The world heritage site of Brú na Bóinne is a popular attraction for tourists in Ireland. Located in County Meath, it is possibly the most important prehistoric megalithic site in Europe. Tickets are sold on a first come first served basis and cannot be reserved in advance, so make sure you arrive early to avoid disappointment. Tourist photography and filming is permitted so bring your cameras along.

The Hill of Tara is known as the early seat of the High Kings of Ireland, consequently one of today’s most significant sites on the Emerald Isle.

Accessible all year round, the Hill of Tara is a cheap tourist attraction; administration is just €3 for adults, €1 for children and €5 for families. Be aware, Tara isn’t built monument, it’s a beautiful cultural landscape, and for this reason mobility-impaired visitors are likely to find access difficult.

One of nature’s true wonders, made up of 40,000 basalt columns rising out of the sea, Giants Causeway makes for another top tourism site. Northern Islands only world heritage site is free to visit but expect parking tickets to be a little more expensive than expected. Make sure you pack a comfy pair of walking shoes and prepare for a long journey to this remote location.

Drinks:

Good things come to those who wait…Guinness is the most popular dry stout produced in Ireland. The famed drink is practically on tap in every bar and pub in the country. The average price for a pint of Guinness is €5 but prices will vary depending on where you go.

Even if you’re not a beer drinker a visit to the Guinness Storehouse is a must on your Irish holiday. Located in the heart of the St James’s Gate Brewery, the Guinness Storehouse is without doubt Ireland’s number one international visitor attraction. With that said long queues and pricey entrance fees are a given. €15 entry fee will get you a self-guided tour, experience pouring the perfect pint and a complimentary pint of the dark stuff.

There’s method in the Magners… The most popular Irish cider Bulmer's, also known as Magner's in Northern Ireland, has become one of the most popular drinks in Ireland over recent years. Served ice cold, typically by the pint, Bulmer’s/Magners make for a refreshing thirst quenching drink. Look to pay an average of €5 for a pint of the golden drink and a little more in the city centre of Dublin.

Irish coffee is another internationally known drink made in Ireland. Ingredients include coffee, Irish whiskey, cream and sugar. Served hot it’s a good way to enjoy Irish whiskey or to finish a meal. Again you will find this drink in all bars and restaurants in the country.

Here for the craic?

Known around the world for Irish pubs, Ireland boats a lively nightlife. Traditional cosy pubs are still the most common place to have a drink and a good laugh but, there is also a wide range of bars, cafes, restaurants and nightclubs you can choose from.

The capital Dublin is probably one of the most exciting nightlife scenes not only in Ireland, but in Europe. It’s recommended you visit Temple Bar on you Irish holiday. At night the city streets become crowed with people bar crawling, dancing singing and having a great time.

The populated cities of Belfast, Cork and Galway are also lively metropolises. With live music events all year, the cities are popular destinations for great nights out. Like most city centres keep an eye on your wallet or purse and don’t leave any valuables lying around.

How do I get around?

The best way to get around Ireland is by car. Journeying Ireland in the comfort of your own or rented vehicle is a convenient way to see the islands beautiful scenery. You need to be 21 years of age to rent a car in Ireland and necessary documentation, such as a clean EU or American driving licence, will need to be provided. Be aware that drivers aged 21-25 may be charged more to rent a vehicle as they are more prone to accidents.

Ireland has an extensive bus service, the budget friendly travel option provides frequent and reliable service in city centres. Depending on how far you are travelling, prices will vary, but still tend to be reasonable; it’s always helpful to keep spare change on you to buy your ticket. Be aware, in the rural areas of Ireland, bus services are less frequent and may not run late in the evening or at all on Sundays and public holidays.

Shop until you drop:

With a complete spectrum of stores and shops available in Ireland, expect to find a complete array of things to buy. Souvenirs range from traditional Irish rum to homemade arts and crafts.

The republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland:

The local currency in the Republic is the euro; Northern Ireland uses the currency of the UK, the pound sterling. Some large shops along the border of Northern Ireland will accept euros but be careful; you may be charged for the currency exchange.

Northern Ireland consists of Protestants and Ireland consists of Catholics, while this may have no effect on your holiday it is custom to be respectful of religion while you are in the country.

Other useful tips:

• Be attentive, speed restriction signs in the Republic of Ireland are displayed in kilometres per hour, but not in Northern Ireland.
• There isn’t a huge tipping culture in Ireland, though some tourists and locals do tip some services. On average people tip 10% of what they’re paying but this is not vital, tipping is at your personal discretion.
• The police force is known as Garda in Ireland. In case of an emergency call 999 or 112 for Gardaí, ambulance, fire service, coast guard or mountain rescue.
• Despite what time of year you travel to Ireland, be expected to experience rainfall.
• Although UK citizens do not need passports to travel to Ireland you must take photographic identification to prove you are a British citizen.