Colorful houses along the waterfront in Cobh, County Cork

Ireland · Planning

Ireland FAQs

Passports, driving on the left, money, tipping and the weather. Everything you’ve wondered about planning a trip to Ireland, answered by our Ireland specialists.

  • Euro Republic of Ireland
  • Pound Northern Ireland
  • Type G 3-pin plugs

Hassle-Free Dream Travel!

Google ★★★★★ 5.0 · 601 reviews
Stewart Logan
★★★★★
Mikaila from The Travel Byrds put together a fantastic trip for us to Vancouver. Everything was arranged to fit our preferences including experiences I would never have known how to navigate myself. What a great way to travel, no stress, all fun — because a professional does the hard part for you.
Karen Terry
★★★★★
Amazing family vacation to Italy * can't wait to go back!
Brandie Penrose
★★★★★
We used CeCe as our travel advisor for our European trip, and she was amazing! She was able to work with a very tight deadline, listened to all of the things we asked for, and executed the trip perfectly. It was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend her services for anyone looking to plan a trip!
Loida Martinez
★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Christina Gaspari and The Travel Byrds! She made sure to ask plenty of questions at the beginning, kept in touch while planning to make sure the things she was going to book for us were what we wanted, and made sure we had all info we might need and more before our trip. The trip itself was incredible thanks to her! Not having to worry about anything and having a full itinerary ready full of amazing experiences and even relax time accounted for was wonderful! She really put in so much work for our trip which was to multiple countries! Thanks Christina! <3
Steven Alsip
★★★★★
We have traveled with Travel Byrds 5 times and we love their service, last trip to Costa Rica was amazing. Our every concern was addressed/ all needs were met. Our agent's advice and expertise are much appreciated and we will not travel again without them!
Stephanie Fitzgerald
★★★★★
Paige planned my week-long trip to Greece. From my very first call with her to discuss my vacation “must-haves”, I was impressed with both her knowledge and her enthusiasm. She listened to my wants, made suggestions based on our discussion and then perfectly planned my trip… from the islands we visited to the hotels to the excursions. As my trip got closer, she brought in another team member to do any final bookings and modifications. It was so reassuring to know that she and her team had everything covered. I worried about NOTHING. I cannot recommend her enough.
Alexa johnson
★★★★★
If I could give Sylvie more than 5 stars, I would! Planning our honeymoon to Paros, Greece and Rome and Florence, Italy felt a little overwhelming at first, but Sylvie made the entire process so easy and stress-free. She truly thought of every single detail, and I honestly couldn’t have dreamed up a better trip or a more perfect way to start our marriage. Every hotel, transfer, flight, and excursion was seamless. On top of that, the travel app she created for us was incredible. It had every piece of information we could possibly need all in one place, so even traveling somewhere completely new felt easy and organized. We never had to wonder what was next or worry about missing anything because she had already thought of it. Not only is Sylvie incredibly organized and knowledgeable, but she genuinely cares about creating an unforgettable experience for her clients. Our honeymoon exceeded every expectation, and we made memories we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend Sylvie enough. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, do yourself a favor and let her handle it. It was hands down one of the best decisions we made, and we’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure with her!
Todd Brydges
★★★★★
Our trip to the Rockies and National Parks was the second adventure Sylvie planned for us, and once again she knocked it out of the PARK! 🙂 Her recommendations and family excursions were spot-on and perfectly matched our interests and family dynamic. She handled all the details, taking the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. We highly recommend reaching out to Sylvie for your next trip—she’ll make sure you have an amazing experience.
Stewart Logan
★★★★★
Mikaila from The Travel Byrds put together a fantastic trip for us to Vancouver. Everything was arranged to fit our preferences including experiences I would never have known how to navigate myself. What a great way to travel, no stress, all fun — because a professional does the hard part for you.
Karen Terry
★★★★★
Amazing family vacation to Italy * can't wait to go back!
Brandie Penrose
★★★★★
We used CeCe as our travel advisor for our European trip, and she was amazing! She was able to work with a very tight deadline, listened to all of the things we asked for, and executed the trip perfectly. It was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend her services for anyone looking to plan a trip!
Loida Martinez
★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Christina Gaspari and The Travel Byrds! She made sure to ask plenty of questions at the beginning, kept in touch while planning to make sure the things she was going to book for us were what we wanted, and made sure we had all info we might need and more before our trip. The trip itself was incredible thanks to her! Not having to worry about anything and having a full itinerary ready full of amazing experiences and even relax time accounted for was wonderful! She really put in so much work for our trip which was to multiple countries! Thanks Christina! <3
Steven Alsip
★★★★★
We have traveled with Travel Byrds 5 times and we love their service, last trip to Costa Rica was amazing. Our every concern was addressed/ all needs were met. Our agent's advice and expertise are much appreciated and we will not travel again without them!
Stephanie Fitzgerald
★★★★★
Paige planned my week-long trip to Greece. From my very first call with her to discuss my vacation “must-haves”, I was impressed with both her knowledge and her enthusiasm. She listened to my wants, made suggestions based on our discussion and then perfectly planned my trip… from the islands we visited to the hotels to the excursions. As my trip got closer, she brought in another team member to do any final bookings and modifications. It was so reassuring to know that she and her team had everything covered. I worried about NOTHING. I cannot recommend her enough.
Alexa johnson
★★★★★
If I could give Sylvie more than 5 stars, I would! Planning our honeymoon to Paros, Greece and Rome and Florence, Italy felt a little overwhelming at first, but Sylvie made the entire process so easy and stress-free. She truly thought of every single detail, and I honestly couldn’t have dreamed up a better trip or a more perfect way to start our marriage. Every hotel, transfer, flight, and excursion was seamless. On top of that, the travel app she created for us was incredible. It had every piece of information we could possibly need all in one place, so even traveling somewhere completely new felt easy and organized. We never had to wonder what was next or worry about missing anything because she had already thought of it. Not only is Sylvie incredibly organized and knowledgeable, but she genuinely cares about creating an unforgettable experience for her clients. Our honeymoon exceeded every expectation, and we made memories we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend Sylvie enough. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, do yourself a favor and let her handle it. It was hands down one of the best decisions we made, and we’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure with her!
Todd Brydges
★★★★★
Our trip to the Rockies and National Parks was the second adventure Sylvie planned for us, and once again she knocked it out of the PARK! 🙂 Her recommendations and family excursions were spot-on and perfectly matched our interests and family dynamic. She handled all the details, taking the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. We highly recommend reaching out to Sylvie for your next trip—she’ll make sure you have an amazing experience.

Frequently asked

Your Ireland questions, answered

Pick a topic to narrow the list, then tap a question to open it.

Before you goDo I need a visa to visit Ireland?

U.S. citizens don’t need a visa for tourist stays in the Republic of Ireland of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for your whole stay. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so it has its own entry checks.

Before you goDo I need anything extra for Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, which requires U.S. visitors to hold an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), even when crossing from the Republic. We confirm current requirements before you travel.

Before you goHow many days do I need in Ireland?

Seven to ten days lets you combine Dublin with the west or southwest at a relaxed pace. Two weeks covers the whole island, including Northern Ireland.

Before you goCan you help me trace my Irish ancestry?

Yes. We can arrange time with genealogy researchers, visits to EPIC in Dublin and a guided day in your ancestral county.

Getting aroundShould I rent a car in Ireland?

Driving is on the left, many country roads are narrow and most rental cars are manual. A private driver is the most relaxing way to see the countryside, and we arrange it for you.

Getting aroundWhich airport should I fly into?

Dublin has the most flights, and Shannon is ideal for the west coast. Many travelers fly into one and out of the other.

Getting aroundCan I get around by train?

Trains link Dublin with Cork, Galway, Killarney, Belfast and other cities. For the coast and countryside, we add private drivers.

Food & cultureWhat is Irish food like?

Far more than stew and potatoes. Expect superb seafood, grass-fed beef and lamb, farmhouse cheeses, brown bread and creamy butter.

Food & cultureWhat should I know about pubs?

Pubs are the heart of Irish social life and welcome everyone, including families during the day. Order at the bar, and take turns buying rounds in a group.

Food & cultureIs Irish still spoken?

English is spoken everywhere, but Irish (Gaeilge) is an official language. You’ll see it on signs and hear it in Gaeltacht areas such as Dingle and Connemara.

Money & practicalWhat currency is used?

The euro in the Republic of Ireland and the pound sterling in Northern Ireland. Cards and contactless payment are widely accepted.

Money & practicalHow much should I tip in Ireland?

Around 10% in restaurants is appreciated if service isn’t included. Tipping isn’t expected in pubs for drinks. Guides and drivers appreciate tips, and we’ll give you a simple guide.

Money & practicalWhat plugs and voltage does Ireland use?

Ireland uses 230V with type G three-pin sockets, the same as the UK. Bring an adapter and check your devices support 230V.

Money & practicalWhat should I pack?

Layers and a waterproof jacket in every season, plus comfortable walking shoes. Smart-casual clothes are fine for most restaurants.

Money & practicalCan I drink the tap water?

Yes, tap water is safe to drink throughout Ireland.

Work with One of Our Travel Experts

The average person takes over 11 hours researching their vacation. Take that time back and let us handle the nitty gritty of reading reviews, asking questions, comparing hotels and more.

The Cliffs of Moher rising above the Atlantic Ocean

After a true deep dive into your requests, your travel agent will come back with a variety of suggested hotels, activities, and surprise experiences. You tell us which ones fit you best and we'll work through the logistics!

The stone bridge and turrets of Ashford Castle surrounded by woodland

You'll be equipped with an itinerary complete with the details of your trip. If anything happens along the way, you can relax knowing your travel agent will take care of everything!

Lough Leane in Killarney National Park beneath the Kerry mountains

Your Dream Ireland Getaway

Have a question that isn’t here? Tell us about the trip you’re dreaming of, and one of our Ireland specialists will get back to you.

  • A tailor-made itinerary, designed around you
  • Private drivers, guides and tickets handled
  • Hand-picked castles and hotels with exclusive perks

Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Trip by Contacting One of Our Ireland Specialists

Scroll to Top