Top ten mistakes tourists make in Ireland

Don't try to do too much--if you rush around trying to see all Ireland in a few days, you won't really see any of it.

rosks304 Come on now really? I went to Northern Ireland for two weeks and I'm still alive. How false is your statement! Honestly found The North friendlier than the south was. I'm on my way back for three weeks next time UP NORTH , I felt safer staying in the North than in my own country! and that's including the states!

My late Irish grandfather Jack described the place he was from in Ireland (Magheracloone) as being between Kingscourt in Co. Cavan and Carrickmacross in Co. Monaghan. That is good Irish directions.

GPS? Hey get some good old fashioned maps like the Ordnance Survey Ireland Discovery series maps for specific areas one might want to visit in Ireland. The Discovery Series maps are so detailed they have the ruins of where my Irish ancestors were born in Cos. Cavan and Monaghan. All the lanes and roads in the country are on the Discovery Series maps. Yes, most lanes and roads in the country in Ireland are not labeled with names. Local roads in Ireland might have a place noted if you are lucky. Local folk in Ireland seem not to have a clue about maps. I have gotten the best directions by local folk in Ireland given by using local land marks. Frankly Northern Ireland roads are much better marked then roads in the Republic of Ireland. Have a good sense of places in Ireland over numbers and direction (east, west)in Ireland to find where you want to go.

Rosks304: you're a fricking idiot!

Don't tip the bartender? Really? We always do, and it always seems appreciated.

Good point Eiregirl. Most Irish people have family members living and working in the UK and many have lived/worked there for a time themselves.

I might add for Americans anyway don't ask for a coffee refill unless you expect to buy another cup....refills ain't free

Also Do Not Go to Northern Ireland under any circumstances,they Murder family-pets there,ask the family of Lennox.Northern Ireland is an Evil Destination.

We still always tipped, and the staff in bars appreciated it. Also, don't try to scribble out all but the last 4 numbers on credit card reciepts like we do here, they have a fit. Never ever, dump old coffee, pop, etc on the concrete so you can toss the cup on the floor of the back seat til you find a trash can. Try to always buy your treasures at the mom and pop type shops, it's more fun, sometimes a better deal, especially if paying cash. Can't wait to go back, may not come home!:)

Two more, don't claim to think that all Irish people hate the English. It's ignorant and not funny. Don't compare what goes on in the US to happenings in Ireland. Ireland is similiar in maybe respects to Maine, a state you never hear much about. But do have fun looking for the crock of gold left behind when the Celtic Tigar ate the leprechauns.