Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
For visiting Ireland, ensure you’re up-to-date on routine vaccines like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis.
No special vaccinations are needed for most travelers. However, consider flu shots if traveling during flu season. Always check with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Ireland, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for IrelandCulture & Customs
Respect personal space—Irish people appreciate it. Punctuality isn’t strict, but a heads-up if running late is appreciated. In pubs, buy a round if it’s your turn—it’s a social norm. Tipping isn’t mandatory but 10% for good service is common. Dress casually in most situations, but smart casual is best for upscale places.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, major cities are generally friendly, but discretion is advised in rural areas. Women can travel safely, but as with anywhere, keep an eye on personal belongings and avoid isolated areas at night.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Ireland.
- Irish Stew: A hearty and traditional dish made typically with lamb, potatoes, onions, and carrots. It’s the ultimate comfort food, embodying Ireland’s rich agricultural history.
- Boxty: These are potato pancakes that highlight the love affair between the Irish and their potatoes. Often served with bacon or smoked salmon, they’re a staple in Irish breakfasts.
- Colcannon: A creamy mash of potatoes mixed with kale or cabbage. It’s a staple side dish that reminds locals of their rural roots and is often enjoyed around Halloween with little prizes hidden inside for good luck.
- Bacon and Cabbage: A simple dish of boiled bacon served with cabbage and potatoes. This is comfort food at its best, representing the resourcefulness of Irish cooking.
- Black Pudding: A type of blood sausage, often part of a full Irish breakfast. It’s a taste of the traditional, emphasizing the no-waste approach of Irish cuisine.
Tap water in Ireland is generally safe to drink and locals consume it regularly. However, travelers with sensitive stomachs might prefer bottled or filtered water just to be cautious. In some rural areas, you might want to double-check or opt for bottled water if you’re unsure.
English is widely spoken throughout Ireland, making it easy for travelers to communicate. As the primary language, English is used in everyday life, from signs and menus to conversations. In urban areas like Dublin, Cork, and Galway, you’ll find that most people are fluent, and many have a distinct Irish accent that adds to the charm of the country.
In rural regions, while English remains predominant, you might encounter some Irish (Gaeilge) speakers, particularly in Gaeltacht areas where Irish is the first language. However, even in these regions, English is commonly spoken, and locals are typically very accommodating to English-speaking visitors.
Most Irish people are friendly and eager to help travelers, so you shouldn’t face any significant language barriers. Overall, you can expect a high level of English proficiency throughout Ireland, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Ireland is EUR (€).
ATMs: Plentiful in cities and towns, but be cautious in rural areas where they can be scarce. Always have some cash handy when heading to the countryside.
Currency: Euro (€) is the currency you need. Leave your dollars at home unless you want to pay exchange fees.
Card Acceptance: Most places accept cards, but small pubs or rural accommodations might be cash-only. It’s always a good idea to ask first.
Cash: Carrying a small amount of cash is wise. €50 should cover you for a day or two if you find yourself in a cash-only spot.
Exchanging Money: Avoid airport exchange counters; they’re notorious for poor rates. Use local banks or ATMs for better rates, but check your bank’s foreign transaction fees first.
Tipping in Ireland isn’t mandatory, but leaving 10-15% in restaurants for good service is appreciated. In pubs, it’s not customary to tip for drinks, though rounding up a taxi fare or leaving a couple of euros for hotel staff is a nice gesture. Always check if a service charge is already included in your bill before tipping.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.