A little bit of local knowledge goes a long way - and with this in mind, we at IrishCentral have prepared a brief guide to vacationing in Ireland.
Although remember - if you really want to fit in with the locals, you might want to avoid expressions like "vacationing" - use "going on holiday" instead.
You might also want to include the expression, "Where are yar' lucky charms?" in as many conversations as possible - the Irish will surely love you for that. (Note the sarcasm here...)
Driving
Don't go onto the roundabout (traffic circle) the wrong way round. The rule is you enter to your left, and give way to traffic from your right. And it’s petrol, not gas.
Not going to Northern Ireland
There’s really no excuse not to go to Northern Ireland. Even if you only have a few days, it’s still worth a visit, and Belfast is only a little over two hours away from Dublin by train. Derry (also called Londonderry) is worth checking out – especially at Halloween, when the entire city dresses up in costume.
Visiting Dublin – and only drinking in Temple Bar
Temple Bar is Dublin’s cultural center just south of the River Liffey. It has plenty of museums, stores, bars and restaurants. But all this is best left for the day time – at night, it becomes considerably less attractive. If you are looking for a good night out, try any number of the bars along Camden Street. George’s Street and Wexford Street.
Not going to a hurling or Gaelic football match
Hurling is sometimes described as a cross between lacrosse and hockey, but that doesn’t really do the sport any justice because it is unlike any other sport in the world. It’s well worth going to see a game – and the same goes for Gaelic football, which looks like a cross between soccer and rugby. The best time to see these games is during the summer when the season's just getting going. It gets increasingly difficult to get tickets towards the end of the season. Dublin’s Croke Park, the main GAA stadium is Ireland, includes a museum that explains the evolution of Ireland’s native sports.
Forgetting to claim your tax back
Taxes are generally already added into the cost of most goods and services in Ireland. As a tourist, you are eligible to reclaim this tax back at the airport – just remember to keep your receipts.
Deciding you don't need a map or a GPS locator
Ireland is notoriously difficult to navigate with signposts often impossible to find. Map vital, GPS essential
Being afraid to ask for directions
Get used to it guys. In Ireland you will need to drop the shyness and the macho outlook and ask
Using a fake irish accent
Irish people hate it when Yanks or anyone for that matter try it on. Not recommended .
Expecting only warm weather
Big mistake, no matter what the forecast says, rain can happen at the drop of a, well raindrop.very unpredictable and sometimes annoying.
Originally publised in 2010.
10 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.Frosty38 | Apr 01, 2013, 09:23 AM EDT
I'm on my way back to the "ODE Sod" if i can say that. I'm second generation I have done it five different ways. Three on a CIE tour. 1 Driving (BAD IDEA) and then trains and buses (was ok except most times from Northern Ireland to the west back to Dublin to change buses and then a bus that is a local one which was interesting Then last but not lest a bus from a Bus company. From Galway to Dublin. Next week it is back with a CIE Tour and being a Travel agent i looked at my package and found that one of the companies included "THE HOP ON AND OFF BUS" will pick me up and drop me off at the airport. Saved about 40 USD to the airport. That made me very happy
pilib04 | Dec 30, 2012, 01:59 PM EST
You can go to Northern Ireland without ever entering Derry or Belfast. The Glens of Antrim, Giants Causeway and Bushmills, Armagh City, Crossmaglen, offer plenty without taking on the cities.
bobby | Dec 29, 2012, 01:33 PM EST
Spot the American tourist, Love it.
Joe Kelsall | Dec 29, 2012, 09:30 AM EST
These warnings are a load of tosh! My cousin owns a shop on Killarney High Street and another cousin owns a large hotel just outside Killarney. As far as they're concerned, you can break every rule in the book. Nobody ever won an argument with a customer! Itis the people who rely on tourism for aaliving to forgive any nationality desirinng toexplore their link toIreland; however tenuous. Trying out an Irish accent is not patronising; anything but! If they are contributing to Ireland's economy, they can dance naked around the 'Ring of Kerry' for all I care; just don't expect anybody to be shoocked! Tog go bog e!
oldboreen | Dec 29, 2012, 05:58 AM EST
The Irish love foreign accents- including American. So don't try patronize them by attempting 'oirish'! Oh and don't ask for 'corned beef and cabbage'-there's no such dish in Ireland!
angrypaddy | Dec 28, 2012, 12:26 AM EST
ENOUGH OF THIS RUBBISH ALL READY!!
bob40wil | Dec 27, 2012, 12:31 PM EST
Remember, it's not a fanny pack over there.
jimod4343 | Dec 27, 2012, 11:33 AM EST
"Where are yar' lucky charms?". I wouldn't bother saying that, unless you want to labelled as a complete eejit.
tundish45 | Dec 27, 2012, 10:56 AM EST
A good list to which I add: 11. Stay in family run B&Bs, not anouymous hotels. Bonus, Each B&B will be happy to help you get a similar room in the next town on your trip. 12. Eat at least some meals in pubs. Bonus, Be open to conversations with those nearby. If you have the courage, start the conversations. 13. Make it a point to ask directions when traveling in the country or though small towns. Do this even if you are not lost---for the sake of the interaction. Bonus, ask in pubs where there are several people. You will get five cheerful and witty, but possibly unreliable, answers from the three who respond. 14. In rainy times ignore the rain or you will never get anything done if it involves being outside. A little damp is nothing.
brianmack | Dec 27, 2012, 09:11 AM EST
Great piece for sure. Visiting Northern Ireland has always been the high point for travels to Ireland. One small deviation from the recommendations, the Irish accent thing. I come from all four sides being Irish. My favorite of these would be Kerry and then Cork. I was raised in Rockaway where the Brooklyn accent is still prevalent. It never bother me when people would visit and try to talk with the ridiculous way most of my friends and neighbors speak (I do turn it off during business meetings.) I think when people try to speak with an Irish accent it's endearing. And also, I wouldn't make it a big deal since some in various counties can't make out what others in the same country of Eire are saying....In short, get over it and make it a positive! Mack