Travel Tips

What to Wear

Wear Layers
Ireland is known for 4 seasons in one day although those seasons don’t vary as much as they do in the USA – wear layers.

There’s no need for glamour. Casually dressed, you will fit in perfectly.

Good walking shoes are necessary as the terrain is often uneven, muddy, wet, mushy, puddly - this doesn't mean that you are going to have to do lots of walking in that stuff but any getting out of the car for viewing can include yucky terrain.

The Dress Formula:
t-shirt + long sleeve top + sweater + waterproof jacket with hood, chinos/jeans, sneakers/walking shoes

In winter: undershirt + long sleeve shirt + sweater/fleece, leggings + jeans/trousers, waterproof jacket with hood, waterproof walking shoes, scarf & knitted hat.

I personally don’t use umbrellas as it is usually windy – a hooded jacket is far better paired with a knitted cap (beanie).

What to Pack

2 pairs pants, 4 tops, 1 fleece (or equivalent), 1 waterproof jacket, cap/scarf, 2 shoes (walking & alternate recommended) 6 undies, sleepwear, a light little tote bag for your day stuff.

Miscellaneous:
earplugs for a light sleeper and a mini flashlight may come in handy

perfumes/colognes/scented lotions…please use as lightly as possible in consideration of fellow travellers’ allergies and sensitivities

If you are missing something there are basic shops in the towns.

Note that the roads are sometimes narrow, bumpy and winding - so if you are sensitive to motion sickness, please come prepared.  

To give you an idea of what to wear:


what to wear-ireland unplugged tours

Luggage - How big should it be?

Ideally ONE bag about 23” x 15” x 11” or 21″ x 14″ x 9″ and a small day bag / tote.

You’ll be responsible for your own luggage which may include going up and down narrow flights of stairs.
The lighter you travel the happier you’ll be. Save some space in your luggage for the odd items picked up in Ireland.

Examples of ideal luggage for touring with us:

Currency: euro €

Use www.xe.com to convert.
Most shops/restaurants accept credit cards, but have cash on hand for those small places that only accept cash.
Know your credit card pin number as you may need it for some transactions.
Change dollars to euro at any ATM using your debit card – you get the best exchange rate this way.
Let your credit card company and bank know that you are traveling and increase your daily limit on your debit card withdrawals by notifying your bank.

Power: 220 volts

Camera battery charger and phone charger will work with an outlet adaptor plug. We’ll have some extra adaptors for you to use while here.
Hairdryers will be available so leave the dryer at home together with the vanities.
You’ll notice that there are no power outlets in the bathrooms – that’s the building safety code for Europe.
Curling irons will definitely not work in Ireland unless they have a converter to 220v.

Restaurants

Separate checks are not customary. Quite often you can go up to the bar area to pay for your meal – no waiting for the server to present the bill. It may be courteous to ask your server if you can “pay at the bar”.
Tipping recommended at minimum 15%.
No free refills on coffees, teas and sodas. Iced tea is most uncommon.

Bars

Drinks are usually paid for when ordered at the bar – tips are not expected but greatly appreciated.
Non-alcoholic drinks are Cidona (a sparkling apple juice), Lucozade, and the usual sodas. You won't be getting a glassful of ice.
A cider in Ireland is generally alcoholic (aka hard cider).
Tea and coffee can be ordered at a bar.