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.

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.

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

To Pack = 2 pairs pants, 4 tops, 1 fleece (or equivalent), 1 waterproof jacket, cap/scarf, 2 shoes (walking & alternate recommended) 6 undies, sleepwear that can be worn in the day if necessary, a light little tote bag for your day stuff.

Extras: 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

Here's a group of guests to give you an idea of what to wear.

Currency € euro

Visit www.xe.com for exchange rate.

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.
Hairdryers will be available so leave the dryer at home together with the vanities.
Curling irons will definitely not work in Ireland unless they have a converter to 220v.

You'll notice that there are no power outlets in the bathrooms - that's the building safety code.

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 10%.
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. A cider here is generally alcoholic (aka hard cider).
Tea and coffee can be ordered at a bar.

Luggage - what size is best

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.

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Irish Movies you may want to check out:

Black 47
Brooklyn
Philomena
The Quiet Man (based in Cong)
The Field (based in Leenaune) John B Keane
Dancing at Lughnasa (Brian Friel - playwright)
The Wind that Shakes the Barley
Song for a Raggy Boy (tough subject)
Waking Ned Devine (comedy)
A Man of No Importance (set in Dublin, Albert Finney)
Once (set in Dublin)
Magdalene Sisters (tough subject)
Breakfast on Pluto
My Left Foot
In America (semi-autobiographical by Jim Sheridan)
Inside I'm Dancing (aka Rory O'Shea was Here)
Evelyn
Ryan's daughter (Dingle peninsula)
Far and Away (Dingle peninsula)
Fr Ted Series (comedy-reflecting the Burren/Aran Isles)-acquired taste
The Guard (2011 comedy)
Jimmy's Hall (director Ken Loach)