Your best tips

smshowalter · Member

Your best tips

Roy · Guru

Eat Irish food

Michele Erdvig · Host

Did you read my article 10 Things you Must Do in Ireland? http://irishfireside.com/2009/11/11/10-things-you-must-do-in-ireland/

smshowalter · Member

I did read that Michele and enjoyed it. :)

I definitely plan to eat plenty of Irish food, Roy!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Always take your umbrella/rain poncho even if the sun is splitting the stones. The weather changes fast.

When walking on beaches watch for the tide. It can come in faster than you think and trap you.

If the electricity is not working in a plug, be sure you have turned on the little switch on the outlet.

Judy · Guru

Charge in euros, not dollars, for a better exchange rate.

If you normally use a washcloth take a few with you. Most hotels do not provide them.

Take photos of your rental car before leaving the rental lot.

tony2phones · Guru

Don't rely solely on guide book information, talk to the locals, we don't bite (not often anyway). Check the price of Soup on the menus (displayed outside most eating places) before you decide if the prices up or down, 5euro is a guideline for soup and bread.

Michele Erdvig · Host

If using the M50 (around Dublin) be sure to pay your toll: http://irelandyes.wordpress.com/2013/03/02/how-to-pay-your-dublin-m50-motorway-toll/

Ask the locals where off the beaten path secret places are that tourists never see - but should

If it is approaching 6 pm and you have not arrived at your accommodations yet, call them to let them know you are late

Take lots of photos at the highest camera setting. Bring plenty of memory. Back up your photos at least twice before erasing.

Pop into the local tourist offices and pick up free brochures, maps of the town, discount coupons, etc.

Before departure let you bank/credit union and credit card companies know you are traveling to Ireland

Use ATMs to get cash and credit cards for everything you can

Don't just speed through little towns. Stop and poke around if you have time. that is how I found this:

http://irelandyes.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/shrine-1-afc-web.jpg

murphy · Guru

Good foot wear! DW slipped on a wet rock, fell, and broke a bone in her shoulder during our 2nd trip to Ireland. Make sure your foot wear is comfortable and has tread on it for all those rocks, ruins, etc. Also, you can spray some types of shoes with water-proof aerosol spray like you would use on a tent, to water-proof them. Many times wet shoes & wet feet are a given in Ireland, and we have found this tip helpful to solve this problem!

Some here will not agree, but I really liked my Garmin Nuvi GPS in Ireland, if for nothing else, to help you determine WHICH exit you will use in a round-a-bout! Don't rely on it 100% for navigation; sometimes it will take you the long way around, right Tony? A GPS AND a good map used at the same time relieved lots of stress for us when navigating, as some Irish towns are not well sign-posted.

Take in the Traditional Irish Music in Pubs at least once if possible. It was addicting for us! Bear in mind that it most often starts around 9PM and runs about 2 hours. Check with the local tourist office, or ask a local, or your lodging host...they will point you to the right pub on any given night, if music is scheduled.

Travel light! 3 sets of a light fabric, quick dry clothing and doing a little sink laundry here and there, will allow you to do carry-on only! We refuse to do checked luggage, and take the chance the airlines may lose our luggage on the out bound leg! And it is much easier on the body to carry light-weight, smaller size luggage up & down stairs in most B&B's, thru airports, and to pack it into the smaller trunks of many Irish Rental cars! We like a 20" carry-on legal size roller bag.

Be prepared for one of the most awesome vacations ever! You will want to go back!

Dan

Geno · Guru

Dan:

I had never used a GPS until our last trip, but someone gave me one to use and I decided to take it. For the most part, it worked well, although it is not without cracks in the armor and you do need to have a map with you at all times. If I had continued to take the route the GPS was sending us as we left Cong, I might still be lost somewhere in County Mayo -- which would not necessarily be a bad thing! smile

Did enjoy having it on, however, and that surprised me. Like you, one of the things I appreciated the most was knowing ahead of time what part of the roundabout I was going to take. That was real helpful.

I would probably take it again for peace of mind, but it was not something I followed without "real map" backup, and that was key to us getting around just fine.

All are making wonderful comments on this post -- real helpful for those who have not been to Ireland before. I would add one more: no tipping in pubs for drinks. Many years back, I had a barkeep in Doolin follow us out the door to return some money when we left it on the bar as a tip. If you have great service, thank them and offer to buy the person a drink. That appears to be the best approach to say thanks.

Geno

-- Edited by Geno on Thursday 16th of May 2013 08:59:56 AM

Quills Woollen Market · Member

Here is my top 10 tips for Visitors.

1 . Take your Time.
So many try to do so much in a short amount of time. I know people who wanted to do the Ring of Kerry one day then The Giant's Causeway the next. Ireland is a once in a lifetime experience than many return for. Don't jam pack a 2 week itinerary into a 1 week holiday. Ireland has so much to offer, slow down and let that pint of Guiness settle.

2. Learn some Gaelic (irish language)

The irish language had been through a lot these past 1000 years. Try to learn a few words and help spread true Irish culture around the world

3. 4 Seasons in 1 day

In the Summer months you can experience 4 Seasons in one day. Today 16th May 2013 is one such day. Dress in layers and chances are your will experience rain!

4. Small Towns of Ireland

In the past few years alot of small town community groups have been excellent at organising events for tourists. For example Killorglin is the first stop on the ring of Kerry and known for 1 festival Puck Fair each year. Ireland oldesn't festival. Many don't know much about Killorglin as the tourist board focuses on promoting the whole island. Small town don't have marketing budget and take to facebook usually to promote local events. Killorglin has organied 40 artists and 20 bands this June Bank Holiday Weekend in an event called k-fest. Great event that only locals and those following the Killorglin Facebook page would know about.

5. Facebook

Facebook is free for promoting events and a great source of fresh information about places off the beaten track. Use facebook in your research before you travel

6. Made in Ireland

Local retailers such as ourselves Quills Woollen Market support local producers and crafts. Buy Irish and support local Businesses. Yes we have McDonalds etc.... why not eat some authentic homemade food from a irish business!

7. Road Safety

Remember the Irish drive on the left hand side and our roads are not of the same standards as North America nor Europe. Google Street View is great for those who want to get a sample of the roads here. In 2009 google took a picture of every road in ireland. Use Google Street view for those planning a self drive

8. GAA Football Match.

If you have the chance try to watch local Gaelic Football. Find out the local team and contact them through Facebook or find them online.

9. Leprechaun's Are not Real

Ireland is a land of great myths and Legends, even Game of Thrones the most Watched TV show online was filmed partly in Ireland. Enjoy the stories but don't ask an Irish person where you can find a real Leprechaun! Yes this happens!

10. Learn an Irish Song

The pub sing along during a trad session is more fun if you know the songs! The fields of Athenry seems to be one of the most common or Sean South is another. Start a thread in a forum what songs people sing in Pubs.

smshowalter · Member

Thank you all for your excellent tips. I'm enjoying reading them.

Great tip Michele about the power outlets! Also the other tips you provided are great. As to paying the M50 toll, we will be renting a car from Hertz and I believe I read with them the toll is just added to your credit card; we will hopefully only be on the M50 no more than twice. What a wonderful photo of that shrine! I hope we will find small surprise treasures like that.
Good call Judy on taking photos of the rental car. I am sure I would have thought to do so myself, but actually remembering to do so might have been a different story. I'll make a note to definitely do so while we are there in early October.
Thank you Tony for letting me know that you locals don't bite! wink Also great tip to know about checking for the price of soup to get an idea of the general prices in an establishment.

Great call on the good footwear Dan. The husband and I both plan to go shoe shopping a couple of months in advance and have them broken in before departing. We are supposed to get a GPS with our rental car, but just to be on the safe side we plan to bring our own as well. We absolutely loved having it when we were stationed in Japan. We still needed written out directions though, as we couldn't read any of the signage in Japan aside from the national roads. The GPS was helpful to give us an idea as to how many kilometers we needed to go and the written directions gave us landmarks to look for. I have already started printing out google directions to our B&Bs and different sites. Hopefully that will help. If not... well I've read from a quite few that it's a good thing to get lost in Ireland. biggrin And that's where Tony's tip of talking to the locals will happen! We will try to do our best to just taking a carryon!

Thanks Geno for bringing up the tip about no tipping in bars. I had read that on a couple other blogs, as well as in Michele's book. I appreciate the reminder.

Great tips! Please feel free to share any more that you think of. I'm locking them all away in my brain! biggrin We are very excited for our trip. I know it will be a blur. And we're already thinking about our second trip before we've even left for the first, because I know there is so much that we will not be able to see on this trip.

murphy · Guru

Geno,

After reading your reply about the GPS and roundabouts, I got to thinking about it, and there is more than one advantage.... (1)which exit to take, (2)a bigger advantage is that it frees up the eyes to concentrate on merging into other traffic in the roundabout instead of trying watch both signs and traffic. I found myself spending much more time watching the oncoming traffic, and was able to almost totally forget about looking for signs. Equally important is your front seat passenger (navigation partner) and their ability to help watch for traffic, road signs, and even help determine or affirm exactly what the Map, and GPS is saying and showing. I found it helpful if they actually counted the exits aloud as we went around! Sounds like roundabouts were a major concern of mine, but in reality I love them. After you get use to them, it makes for a real smooth traffic flow.

Dan

Geno · Guru

I am the first to admit Dan, that I was surprised that I liked having the GPS. Was always one of those "half the fun is getting lost" people in Ireland, but that is still possible even with electronic assistance! smile I certainly agree that it allows you to watch the road more, and your front seat navigator does have more of an opportunity to keep an eye peeled for things as well. That is a great point.

No doubt, I will use one again there.

Geno

-- Edited by Geno on Friday 17th of May 2013 09:20:02 AM

Judy · Guru

I think from a yanks perspective the QWM tips were great. Here are my comments on their 10 tips.

1. Take you time.

As Americans we are used to a fast pace and all those advising on this forum will tell you to "take your az" when visiting Ireland.

2. Learn some Irish.

I've seen my Irish cousins and strangers light up when I use the few phrases that my mother taught me in Irish many years ago. She was not taught the Irish language in school until she was in 5^th grade in 1917. We all know why that was the case. She always said the Irish language was dead, but it is so great to see the attempts to revive it.

3. 4 Seasons in 1 Day.

Be prepared for Irish weather. Exact advise from all on this forum.

4. Small Towns in Ireland.

Never heard RS mention Puck Fair, one of the unusual experiences if you happen to be in Kerry the 2^nd week in August. Americans dont normally see a goat crowned king very often.

5. Facebook.

Facebook, or as my Irish cousin calls it "the book of faces". Hadn't thought about that,what a good idea.

6. Make in Ireland.

Yes, look at the labels. It's very disappointing to get home and find what you bought in Ireland was made in Japan.

7. Road Safety.

Great idea to use Google Street. I visit Ireland often on Google Street between actual trips to the old sod.

8. GAA Football Match.

Good idea,something different than going to Ireland to play golf.

9. Leprechauns Are Not Real.

I have to disagree with that. I've been to Ladies View and have seen them cross the road. Oh maybe that was my grandson flying across the road. My eyes aren't as good as they use to be.

10. Learn an Irish Song.

"Sean South" has been a favorite of mine for many years. My aunt used to sing that song to me when I was a little girl. I also like "The Valley of Knockanure". Those are old Irish songs that really tell a story. I'm sure RS never heard of them.

Thanks QWM for your input.

-- Edited by Judy on Friday 17th of May 2013 10:26:39 AM

tony2phones · Guru

GPS will be a lot of fun around Galway city where they are in the process of removing Roundabouts and replacing them with Traffic lights...

Don't refer to Irish (language) as Gaelic (this could make the natives bite especially west of Ventry)

Leprechauns are real, but people spend so much time searching for the Green (Walt Disney) ones that they miss the real Irish ones in their little red suits. Faeries are though mischievous little blighter's and best avoided.

I sing (or used too) the fields of Athenry at the end of the New Years party in the Windmill in Southport in England (helps clear everyone out at 3am)...You are as likely to hear it in an Irish, Irish bar as you are to hear Danny Boy or the Black Velvet Band..Only in Tourist pubs, Hear any one of these or similar as you walk through the door of a bar, turn round and find somewhere else.

Sorry QWM but as an Irish connection you shouldn't be doing a Rick Steves and filling our visitors with dodgy information.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

In addition to what's been mentioned:

I prefer BAR soap (It's a personal quirk) and my wife is fond of those 'Scrunchy' bath sponges. We bring small, 'Travel-sized' ones along. I also pack a WIDE assortment of 'ZIP SEAL' bags as they are terrifically handy for transporting the above-mentioned items, as well as dirty shoes, etc...

I also use the 'Snack' size to hold my Euros and another, for my US dollars, in a front pocket of my carry on. That way, I don't have to deal with a pocket full of change, when passing through security -- either going, or coming back.

When I plan out my daily route, I make a list of towns that I will pass along the way. Many signs along the way will use names of INTERIM destinations, rather than the town that is your actual destination. It helps to know those names when entering a roundabout.

You can NEVER 'See It All' -- though, Lord knows -- We ALL try! I've been to Ireland 16 times, spent in excess of 200 days and driven WELL over 20,00 Kilometers and STILL haven't seen everything that I want to.

Plan as if for TWO trips -- One, in which EVERY day will be filled with blue sky and sunshine and One, that expects day-after-day of unrelenting, LASHING rain. YOUR trip will be NEITHER -- but, it is good to have a daily plan for BOTH eventualities.

Be FLEXIBLE -- If you only plan on spending two days in Killarney and want to drive the Ring of Kerry on one and use the other to Tour the Gap of Dunloe (which is weather-dependent ) let the weather guide you. If the first day promises sunshine -- Go for the Gap, THEN. Don't wait for the next day.

Do ALL your obsessing BEFORE you leave. Once you are IN Ireland, it is time to Relax, Enjoy, Experience and EMBRACE the Irish rhythm of life. That is, after all, what drew you, in the first place!

Bob

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

As per GPS --

I've brought a GPS to Ireland for the last 4 or 5 years. Generally speaking, their value are only as good as the date of their maps. As Tony said -- Things (particularly ROADS) change rapidly, in Ireland -- so a warning to, "Take the Second exit at the Roundabout" is only helpful, if they haven't added an additional exit since the map was made! As a rule, mapping software is usually about six months 'out-of-date' by the time that the data is collated, compiled and released.

What GPS is REALLY great for, is this: When you first arrive at your accommodation, have the GPS 'remember' the location, as a POI (Point of Interest). Then, if you should need to return, at night and in the dark, you will have Turn By Turn directions. This is extra handy if you are staying, 'Out of Town, in a 'Country' setting. The landmarks, turns and intersections all look a LOT different in the Dark.

I also like to play with the GPS settings -- 'Shortest / Fastest / Avoid Highway' route options to allow the GPS to 'Let Me Get Lost', without REALLY being lost. I've 'discovered' some really scenic byways by doing that.

While GPS CAN help, nothing beats having a GOOD map, AND a Rough Idea of what towns lay along your chosen path.

Bob

Geno · Guru

Agree Bob -- always have a map. The GPS was not without its moments this spring for sure. The human touch was needed more than once!

tony2phones · Guru

Crossing the Road....Look Right before and after looking Left ..Looking Left and stepping out causes pour local drivers like myself this afternoon to swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid getting an INY hood ornament disbelief White plimsolls and all

Pic · Veteran Member

I'm enjoying reading these tips and find myself nodding at most of them - and taking notes of others for my next journey to Ireland. One that came to mind is not to panic if you get lost - and you probably will. Find a native and ask for help. They are all so friendly and willing to help. It might lead to a great conversation, a fun adventure you had not planned, and eventually the place you were seeking.

Pic

Michele Erdvig · Host

I like Tony's advice about being extra careful when crossing the street. I always look both ways a couple of times just to make sure. I've saved my husband from being flattened by a lorry several times!

smshowalter · Member

Oh a "I NY" hood ornament would have been a very bad thing indeed Tony! I will take extra care crossing the streets! Michele, I have a feeling I'll be saving my husband a few times as well.... or he may even save me, since I may find myself more distracted by Ireland's beauty than him.

Great tip Pic on not to panic if we get lost! I'm sure there may be a time or two that we may intentionally get lost, but hopefully not too lost! As long as we can find our B&B to rest our heads at night I'm sure we will survive.

CowboyCraic · Guru

Never fear getting lost! Those are the very best of times! If it makes you feel better...use my term "faery-led" instead of lost. Those Faery-led moments have led to some of the best encounters, photos, stories.

When you stop to ask directions, never expect just directions...you will get a story...some suggestions on where you "oughta be" going....introduced to the family dog/cat...all of the kids if they are there... eventually you will get directions...

If they offer ya a cuppa...unless you are really pressed for time...you mightn't want to turn it down...manners ya know wink

Avoid trying to start a conversation by stating "Well according to Rick Steves....." that usually gets you an eye roll and a gruff reply I cannot print here... "Saint Rick" is not said complimentary... aww

Research traditional songs for the area you are going to be in...nothing worse than being at a seissun and being asked if ya have a song you would like to hear...and all that comes out of your mouth is "Danny Boy"... written by an englishman by the way...set to an Irish tune...but still written by an englishman

Speaking of seissuns...expect to hear all sorts of music...not just trad...beatles...garth brooks...bob dylan....sons of the pioneers...

Geno · Guru

Bit:

I saw a musician get thrown out of Ma Murphy's Pub in Bantry once for singing Danny Boy, so I'm sure you are correct in your assumption! biggrin

murphy · Guru

Most of the really good Seissuns that we have found, featured mostly instrumental music....flutes, tin whistle, guitar,pipes, bodhran,fiddle. Once in a while a soloist will get up and sing acapella, with the musicians sometimes chiming in with back up accomp. We have rarely heard very much singing, and if we did it was more of the "touristy" stuff like Danny Boy etc. Nothing like a good seissun with 4-14 musicians all going at it like they had rehearsed together for years!

Recently, we have found, in the shoulder season anyway... just 1 or 2 musicians with guitars...and it was ok, but usually not what we prefer. A sign of the economic times...I guess. They are usually mostly unpaid, and may be there for a complimentary beverage or 2. In Galway, we were told that there will be one paid musician at some pubs, and they are hired to lead the seissun.

If you can find the pub in Cork City where a dozen or so acapella male vocalists hang out on a regular basis, you will be in for a real treat! We happened to be in Dungarvin when they all strolled in for a pint or 6, after an all day golf outing back in 2006. What an awesome evening of music that we have never been able to replicate in 3 more trips to Ireland. I have many times kicked myself for not asking which pub they frequented in Cork City!

Dan

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

My favorite session memory actually occurred in Pensacola, Florida, at an Irish Pub. Entertainment for the night were two guys from County Clare who were mid-way through a tour of the 'Chitlin' Circuit' of the South.

After their first set, they played "Danny Boy" to the tune of "Free Bird" -- Or, MAYBE, it was the other way around ---

In ANY case, as soon as they finished THAT, one of them said, "Now that we've gotten THAT over and done with --- Do ye have any requests?"

Bob

bdokeefe · Veteran Member

If in Dublin, sign up for the free 'City of a thousand welcomes' tour, a great chance to chat with a local....our host was retired from the tourist industry and very knowledgeable. When in doubt, order the seafood chowder. Grab apicnic lunch from a supermarket to enjoy in the country. Be catiuos in Cork, there is much road construction, and signs may be obscured. Take a deep breath when on narrow roads....Bmw's and horse trailers have the right of way, apparently. Sent from the comfort of a turf fire and pint, a pub in Oughterard.

Michele Erdvig · Host

A turf fire and a pint. Now that sounds cozy. Is it raining?

bdokeefe · Veteran Member

Michele, yes, we hit rain after a beatiful strecth of weather. We were fotunate to find a great trad session last night, so groggy but happy. We had been just missing them by a day here and there. In Bantry we were told they don't have scheduled sets until June, only some spontaneous affairs, like at Ma Murphy's. One other tip, a rental cottage or apartment is a money saver and can let you get to know a place. Being able to leave in the am when you want, and not waiting for breakfast worked well for Mizen head and Ring of Berra days.