You may have already heard about the amazing castles, breathtaking landscapes and views, and of course, the pubs all over Ireland. But in case you have missed of the travel tip goodness, we have here practical tips to make your vacation and stay in this wonderful country more enjoyable and hassle-free. Here are three Ireland travel tips that no one tells you about.
Pub Food vs. Restaurant Food
Most pubs, if not all, serve good quality food, and most offer authentic Irish recipes. They offer the same food as you find in restaurants, but cheaper. You might want to consider pub food for lunch and dinner. If you’re heading to a restaurant, you might want to look around and check if it’s attached to a pub. With pubs, you get to pick a table and sit away from the bar, should you want some privacy.
For the restaurants, well, they have gone surprisingly expensive over the years. On the plus side, their ambiance range from old-world hotels dining rooms, country mansions, castles, etc., this is something that may interest first time visitors.
Use Skype or Get a Cheap Phone
If you wish to get in touch with your family back at home during your stay in Ireland, then you should definitely use Skype or various Social Media platforms, for they are way cheaper, or even free, as all you need to do is find a good WiFi. Almost all hotels, hostels, and B&Bs offer WiFi nowadays. Overseas phone calls from Ireland can be expensive.
Should you wish to rent a car, you can ask your car rental company to include a MiFi for your vehicle. It’s a type of personal WiFi hotspot that lets you stay connected wherever you go with your car. It typically costs $10 a day, but it can be really convenient, especially if you need constant communication with everyone you have to get in touch with.
If you need to call tourism offices, B&Bs, etc., and you’ll be staying for a few weeks or a month or so, the you might want to invest in a cheap phone and get a local sim card. It will only cost around $50 and you can just pay as you go. This is the more convenient way of communication inside Ireland.
Get Euros from the ATM
Exchange rates throughout the country vary largely, and if you’re thinking of getting Euros before you arrive in Ireland – DON’T. It will cost you more to use those exchange stations. The best way to get the most out of your money is through “Cash Point.” This machines have the lowest exchange rates, and you need not to worry about carrying loads of cash with you when roaming around the country. When you’re at the airport, ask around where is the nearest ‘cash point’ machine. This machine accepts your VISA or VISA Debit Card and lets you withdraw how much money (Euro) you want. However, only take as much as you need for a few days. Don’t worry, these machines are all over the city. Of course, make sure you check with your local bank before you leave to see if they have additional fee for such withdrawal transactions.