Ireland’s road conditions, weather, and pub culture all have their own unique rhythms. Getting these things clear before you go saves a lot of trouble compared to looking things up on the fly. While Ireland isn’t a large country, many aspects—from visas to driving direction—are different from mainland Europe. A little extra preparation before your trip will go a long way once you’re on the road. The following ten tips are organized in the order of your trip, covering everything from visas to emergencies.

1. Check Your Visa Type: Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so you’ll need a separate visa. Holders of a valid UK short-stay visa may enter Ireland first under the BIVS system, then travel to Ireland.
2. Pack Rain Gear: The weather can change rapidly. Bring a waterproof jacket and a foldable umbrella. A raincoat is often more practical than an umbrella, and temperatures in the mountains are about 5°C lower than in cities.
3. Drive on the Left: If you’re renting a car, familiarize yourself in advance with driving on the left and the rules for yielding at roundabouts. Automatic cars are less common, so book early.
4. Understand Pub Etiquette: In pubs, you order at the bar and collect your drinks yourself. Buying a round (taking turns to buy drinks for the group) is a common social custom, and it’s polite to accept if invited.
5. Tap Water Is Safe to Drink: Tap water in Ireland is safe for drinking, and restaurants usually provide it free of charge.
6. Book Early for St. Patrick’s Day: Hotel prices in Dublin surge around March 17th. Be sure to book your accommodation well in advance.
7. Watch the Currency When Crossing Borders: Northern Ireland is part of the UK and uses the British pound. If you’re visiting the Giant’s Causeway or Belfast, check your visa requirements and currency. Road signs will switch to miles when crossing the border.
8. Language and Road Signs: English is the main language spoken, but Irish is used in the Gaeltacht regions of the west. Most road signs are bilingual.
9. Tipping and Bills: Restaurant and pub bills often include a service charge. You can leave an additional 5–10% if you wish to show appreciation.
10. Emergency Numbers: Dial 112 or 999 for police, medical, or fire emergencies. Operators generally speak English.

Three final tips: First, mobile phone signals may be weak in island and cliff areas, so download offline maps in advance. Second, summer sunsets are very late—you can still hike around 8 or 9 pm—but fog can roll in quickly in the mountains, so be sure to head back before sunset. Third, during traditional music nights, stay quiet and avoid loud conversations. Musicians often signal when to change tunes with eye contact—that’s part of the essence of Irish music. For budgeting, expect to pay around 20–30 euros for a meal and a pint of black beer in a pub. Plan your daily expenses accordingly. You can handle tax refund procedures at Dublin Airport—just remember to keep your shopping receipts.