My wife Cyndie and I recently returned from a trip to Ireland (both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland).  It was twelve days of wondrous discovery and eye-gripping scenery.  Aside from all the wonder, there were a few observations I feel worth sharing.  Here they are in no particular order:

• I found no car window scrubber at any filling station to clean the car windows.
• Bathrooms = Toilets.  At filling stations they are typically located outside; around back or along the side of the building.
• A large coffee is equivalent to a small in the USA.

  

• I would recommend bringing a travel mug or small thermos for coffee.  You never know when you will run into the next filling station or coffee shop.  A “large” coffee doesn’t go far.
• Coffee in Ireland is fantastic – at filling stations too.  Coffee at the B&B’s is phenomenal.  You may want to fill that mug/thermos at the B&B before you leave.
• Water – we stopped at the first filling station we saw and bought a case of water.  Repeat as needed.   There are many sites where you will likely need to hike.  Always have water on hand.
• Most filling stations sell alcohol.  Pick up some hard cider for an evening cocktail back at the B&B.
• If you rent an automatic diesel car, when you apply the brake and stop, the engine will turn off.  Do not be alarmed, when you take your foot off the brake, the engine will start again.
• I highly recommend renting a GPS navigation device.
• Look for a flag when entering an address on the GPS device to indicate which county you wish to navigate in – Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.

  

• A portable WiFi device can be very useful.  Be aware, though, that if rent it in the Republic of Ireland, it will not work in Northern Ireland.  I would imagine the inverse would be true as well.  WiFi access is nice when traveling from town to town to locate sites you wish to visit or what restaurants are available.  Be sure to read the reviews.
  
• Round-a-bouts (GPS refers to them as rotary) are not that hard to navigate; the key is to enter them in the correct lane and signal appropriately to exit.  Learn this quickly as you will encounter many of them.
  
• If someone recommends visiting the chemists, they are referring to the drug store/pharmacy.
• When dinning out, ask for your check as they do not automatically drop it by your table.  In most instances you do not pay your waiter/waitress; you pay at the bar/bartender.
• When stopping at a filling station, presumably in smaller towns, always check to make sure their credit card machine is operational (or carry adequate cash).
• Recognize the difference between the color of pump handle that corresponds to the correct fuel for your car.  Green handle is diesel in USA, but in Ireland it is petrol (Unleaded).  Black is typically diesel in Ireland.

  

• Attractions and some ferries are cash only.
• Make sure your credit and debit cards are chip.  If you need a PIN for your credit card be sure to request it well in advance of your trip (typically 10 days to get).  No PIN needed for purchases – just for cash.
• The B&B network is extensive and a great way to travel.  I would recommend making reservations for the latest possible arrival time as each B&B allows.  That gives you some wiggle room as you travel from town to town.
• We didn’t not purchase a phone to use while in Ireland.  We kept our iPhones in “Airplane Mode” the entire time and connected to WiFi (both portable or at location where we stayed/ate).  This was only an issue once when we were running behind schedule getting to our B&B.  I sent them an email earlier in the day requesting a later arrival time, but they didn’t see it.  There are pay phone in most town centers, but not at every filling station.
• If you are going for an extended amount of time and wish to minimize luggage, use a laundry service.  Be advised that you typically need to drop off in the a.m. and pick up the following a.m. so plan accordingly.
• POWER – we purchased a BESTEK 200W Travel Voltage Converter with 6A 4 USB Charging Ports.  The USB ports were handy for charging our iPhones and portable WiFi device.  The 110 outlets worked great for charging camera batteries and laptop.  This is only for electronics.
• We also purchased Ceptics Grounded Universal Plug Adapter for UK (Type G) – 3 Pack for my CPAP machine and Cyndie’s curling iron.   If your curling iron dies, go see the chemists for a new one.  Approx 30 Euro.
• Take full advantage of the traditional Irish breakfast.  It is typically large and very tasty.  It usually starts with cold cereal/yogurt & granola,  juice, bread and fruit; then the hot stuff – eggs, bacon, sausage, tomato, black/white pudding, toast and coffee.  This will carry you through the day well.  Have a snack in the afternoon and a pint and you are set until dinner.

  

• Fresh seafood and fish is available on every coast.  We didn’t find a bad Fish & Chips anywhere.  A good variety of fish to – Sea Bass, Hake, Cod, Monk Fish, Haddock, etc.

  

• I was surprised that I only found Bangers & Mash and Corn Beef & Cabbage at one restaurant each.  Perhaps these dishes are more readily available in pubs.  Not all pubs serve food though.  If you are looking to eat specific things you may want to research what is available where you will be traveling.  If you are interested in eating lamb you are in luck.  That was served in some form everywhere we stayed.
• If you desire Almonds while on your trip, pack them, as they were not readily available anywhere.  Dry roasted peanuts were however plentiful and a satisfactory substitute.
• The travel neck pillow you purchased at the airport makes and excellent cradle for you DSLR camera while driving around the Irish countrysides.  You’ll likely be stopping often and packing it away each time in your camera bag just isn’t practical.
  
• I don’t believe tipping is customary in Ireland, but it is greatly appreciated.  I’ve never been waiting on more quickly and cheerfully every place we had a pint and/or had dinner.
• And finally, enjoy plenty of Guinness & Bulmers on your travels.  No where will it taste fresher than from the motherland itself.
  

See more of Republic of Ireland 

See more of Northern Ireland

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