Things To Know Before Visiting Ireland

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Ireland isn't the type of place you want to travel blind , although we're sure there's some enjoyment to be had that way too.
It’s easy to see why Ireland is on many people’s bucket lists. The country is home to some of the most stunning natural scenery on the planet, the people are friendly, the towns and villages are charming … what’s not to love about Ireland?
Check out these 6 things to know before visiting Ireland.

Stores Can Be Opened
If you’re planning to do some shopping during your trip to Ireland, keep in mind that some stores won’t be opened when you plan to visit them. Ireland has strong Catholic traditions, and while many locals are exploring other religions and beliefs, those Catholic values tend to stick in some ways. The Bible outlines Sunday as a day of rest, so some towns become very sleepy then. Normally, you won’t have a problem in more touristy areas. But if you are visiting smaller towns, it’s best to get your shopping and errands done by Saturday.

Have One Pub Meal
You can find just about any kind of cuisine in Dublin. Now a multicultural city home to immigrants from all over the world, there are endless dining options serving up authentic foreign dishes. It’s a foodie’s dream! But we still think it’s a good idea to have at least one pub meal while you’re in town.
Ireland is known for its pub culture. Although meals aren’t served at all hours in pubs, you will still have the opportunity to try a hearty dish of Irish stew or some tasty colcannon.

Tipping Is Not Compulsory
When every country has its own standard of tipping, it’s easy to get confused as a traveler! Ireland is one nation where you won’t get in trouble for failing to leave a tip. In most establishments, there is a service tax which is added onto the bill. It is normally around 10 percent. Because of this, you don’t need to tip.
If you receive exceptional service and you do want to leave a tip, of course you are still allowed to. In most cases, you’ll probably make whoever you’re tipping very happy.

Irish Really Friendly
If there’s one stereotype that is generally true, it’s that Irish people are friendly and welcoming of foreigners. Especially if you travel to rural towns where there are fewer tourists and crowds, you’ll definitely get to experience that kind Irish hospitality.
Don’t be surprised if strangers make conversation with you at public places such as pubs. Who knows? You might even end up meeting some really good friends in Ireland! By chatting about light-hearted topics and avoiding playing into stereotypes or making insensitive jokes, you can’t really go wrong.

Bring Your Rain Gear
You can probably tell from the abundance of greenery carpeting the country, but it rains a lot in Ireland. Yes, even in summer. The weather can be unpredictable, so you don’t want to be caught without your rain gear.
Of course, you can always buy seasonal items once you’re in Ireland. But there is so much to see and do in this beautiful country that you don’t want to waste time shopping for mundane items like umbrellas. And if you need an umbrella in a hurry, you’re more likely to overspend on one.

Ireland And Northern Ireland
The most important thing to know before visiting Ireland is your geography. Although Irish people are friendly and welcoming, you won’t leave a good impression if you are completely ignorant about their country. It can be confusing for foreigners who haven’t researched the history of Ireland to know, but it’s a good idea to learn the difference between Ireland and Northern Ireland.The Republic of Ireland, commonly referred to as just Ireland, is its own country. It’s part of Europe, so you’ll need Euros there. Northern Ireland, on the other hand, is a separate country that is part of the United Kingdom.