Ireland travel checklist: what to do before you go

Ireland's summer is short and the good beds and rental cars go first. If you are travelling between June and August, or over a bank holiday weekend, lock in the big items now: flights, the first and last night's accommodation, and a car if you plan to drive the west or the south-west.

Decide the shape of the trip before you book anything else. The country page recommends 2–3 nights in Dublin, then either Galway and Connemara or Killarney and Kerry for 3–4 nights. Trying to loop the whole island in a week means most of it is spent in the car.

Fill the gaps in the middle of the trip. Popular bases such as Dingle, Killarney, Galway and Doolin sell out for summer weekends, and a rental car booked late can cost far more or be unavailable in the size you want.

Sort money and health now. Ireland uses the euro, Northern Ireland uses pound sterling, and cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry a little cash for small pubs and rural shops. Check your routine vaccinations are current and look at what is recommended for Ireland.

Re-check opening hours and bookings. Some rural attractions and heritage sites run shorter hours outside summer, and a few close seasonally. Confirm anything you have booked and have the confirmations offline on your phone.

Pack for four seasons in one day. Irish weather changes fast: bring a waterproof shell, layers, and shoes you can walk in on wet ground. Type G plugs and 230 V mean most US and continental European devices need an adapter.

Have your passport, boarding pass and any visa or permission documents reachable without unpacking. If you are picking up a car, bring the licence, a credit card in the driver's name and your booking reference.

On arrival, get a SIM or eSIM sorted, and note the emergency number: 112 or 999 covers police (Gardaí), ambulance, fire, coast guard and mountain rescue. Driving is on the left; speed limits are in km/h in the Republic and mph in Northern Ireland.

Passport rules depend on your nationality. EEA and UK passports are straightforward; non-EEA travellers should check validity requirements and whether a visa is needed before booking. Some nationalities enter visa-free for short stays, others must apply in advance.

If you are staying longer or working remotely, the rules are different from a tourist visit. Check the visa and entry requirements page and, if relevant, the digital nomad visa page before you commit to flights.

Ireland uses the euro. Northern Ireland, if you cross the border, uses pound sterling, so carry a small amount of each if your route crosses over. Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere, including rural pubs and shops, but a little cash helps for small purchases.

Tipping is 10–15% in restaurants with table service and not expected in pubs. Budget for the trip using the cost pages before you book, and check whether your card charges foreign transaction fees.

No special vaccinations are required for Ireland for most travellers, but routine vaccinations should be up to date. Check the health and vaccines page for what is recommended and for any current advice.

Bring enough of any prescription medicine for the whole trip, in original packaging, with a copy of the prescription. Pharmacies are common in towns, but rural areas can be a drive from the nearest one. Emergency care is accessed through 112 or 999.

Pack for rain and wind first, warmth second, sun third. A waterproof shell, a warm mid-layer and comfortable waterproof shoes cover most days, even in summer. If you are walking or hiking, bring proper footwear and a dry bag for electronics.

Plugs are Type G at 230 V, so most visitors need an adapter. See the packing list page for a full, season-by-season version.