IRELAND
When people think of Ireland, the first thing that comes to mind is green. This is because it is a country known for its emerald countryside - specifically its rolling hills, babbling brooks, coastal mountains, and seaside roads. Castles and pubs also separate Ireland from other European nations. It is estimated there are upwards of 20,000 castles on the island and while there are not that many pubs, I can promise you will not be hard-pressed to find yourself a Guinness or Irish whiskey!
Updated COVID-19 Travel Information:
Currency:
The official currency of Ireland is the Euro (EUR) (€)
$1 USD = €0.85
Pricing for Leisure Travelers:
Average Hotel Expenses = €71-€84/Night ($85-$100 USD/Night)
Average Food/Drink Expenses = €21-€34/Day ($25-$40 USD/Day)
Pricing for Backpackers:
Average Hostel Expenses = €16-€24/Night ($19-$29 USD/Night)
Average Food/Drink Expenses = €13-€21/Day ($15-$25 USD/Day)
Communication:
The main language spoken in Ireland is English although it is not the only language. In small pockets of the countryside, Irish (oftentimes confused with Gaelic) is spoken by locals.
As stated above, Gaelic and Irish are not the same language. Gaelic, or Scottish Gaelic, is a language spoken today by less than 100,000 Scots and is, unfortunately, trending to become extinct by the 22nd Century. Irish, on the other hand, is spoken today by 1-2 million people and is taught in most schools.
Transportation:
Bus: For travel throughout Ireland, purchase tickets online through their national bus service, Bus Éireann. For international journeys, book through National Express.
Train: Traveling across Ireland and Europe by train is simple. For domestic journeys within Ireland, book tickets through the country’s national railway, Irish Rail (also known as Iarnród Éireann). For travel to the UK and other parts of Europe, book through National Rail. Other options include purchasing a 3-ride Eurail Ireland pass for €130 or a Eurail Global Pass (unlimited travel across 33 European countries).
Car: Renting a car is a popular way to explore Ireland. This allows travelers great flexibility to see what the lovely Irish countryside has to offer. Charming towns such as Carlingford, Kenmare, Kilkenny, Killarney, and Westport are popular stops as well as the famous “Ring of Kerry”, a scenic 110-mile road in southwestern Ireland. Enterprise Rent-A-Car offers manual, economy cars starting at €70/day (with excess protection, damage waiver, and roadside protection included). Should you choose to pass on those additional fees, cars can start for as low as €15/day.
Airplane: Ireland is best reached by plane. Flights come in and out of Dublin daily from most anywhere - especially on Aer Lingus or Ryanair. It is uncommon to travel between cities by plane in Ireland (but it is possible).
Taxi/Uber: Uber is only available in Dublin but taxis are plentiful across the country. If you are thinking of traveling from city to city by taxi, I would recommend traveling by bus or train instead as they are much less expensive.
Miscellaneous:
The word most often used to describe Irish cuisine is hearty. Potatoes, vegetables, smoked fish, and stewed meats are all staples. And, of course, you can’t leave without trying Ireland’s famous soda bread (as well as Guinness and Jameson)!
