Planning a trip to Ireland? You’re in for a treat!
With its lush green landscapes, historic castles, and friendly locals, there’s so much to enjoy.
But before you pack your bags and plan your itinerary, there are a few things you should know about what not to do when you get there.
These tips will help you blend in with the locals, avoid wasting time at tourist traps, and make your Irish adventure even more memorable.
So, let’s dive into what you should definitely skip while exploring the Emerald Isle!
What Not To Do in Ireland: Mistakes To Avoid
1. Don’t Squeeze Too Much Into One Trip
Ireland may look small on the map, but there’s a lot to explore.
If you’re only there for 7-10 days, you won’t be able to see everything and cover all the regions, cities, and cute little villages.
Instead of trying to see everything you “think” you should see, choose a few must visits and make those your priority. Or travel with a theme, focusing on scenery, national parks, small villages, or castles.
For example, with 7-10 days, you could cover Dublin and Southern Ireland. Alternatively, you could do Dublin and the Galway/Connemara regions.
But it’s tough to do both in a tight time frame without giving short shrift to some places. This way, you also won’t have to change bases every night or feel like you spend all your time driving.
2. Don’t Be Afraid To Rent A Car
And speaking of cars, don’t be afraid to rent a car. In Ireland, they drive on the left side of the road and that can be intimidating for sure.
Just proceed slowly and have a good navigator so 100% of your attention can be focused on driving safely.
You can always pull over and let people pass you. And you’ll get used to driving on the left quickly enough.
Having a car will also give you so much more freedom. You won’t be stuck doing day trips from Dublin or other cities.
With a car, you can stop on a whim anywhere or anytime you like. You may discover some secret hidden gems or beautiful spots that are off the beaten path.
But! If it’s possible I do recommend renting a small to medium sized car.
Many of the roads in Ireland are quite narrow, particular some of the mountain passes like the Gap of Dunloe or Conor Pass.
If you find yourself on one of those winding skinny roads, pull over to the side and let the other car pass. You may have to pull in your side mirrors as well.
The good thing is that everyone is incredibly nice in Ireland and there is no rudeness or road rage. Everyone knows that they have to work together to get places.
Be aware that cyclists, walkers, and sheep may also be on the roads. So give them plenty of space and slow down and stop for them to cross the road.
Oh, and be sure to get full insurance coverage including for your tires. You’ll inevitably hit a curb at some point. This, way you are protected from all mishaps.
3. Don’t Spend Too Much Time In Dublin
Dublin is a lively city and I enjoyed it very much. I’ve seen recommendations to skip it and I don’t agree with them.
In Dublin, you can learn about the country’s history at some of their museums, particularly at Kilmainham Gaol.
You can check out all the historic pubs or go on a pub tour. I took this perfect pint tour with Bobby and loved it. We visited four pubs in north Dublin filled with locals.
But Dublin is an expensive city and it’s pretty busy. Prices seem to have soared with the arrival of Apple and Amazon.
If you are longing for rolling hills and stunning scenery, spend 2 days there and then leave, picking up your rental car when you head out of the city.
4. Don’t Forget To Check Out The Bed & Breakfasts
If there is one thing Ireland is know for, it’s the country’s welcoming bed and breakfasts.
Many of them are family owned and the owners will have some good intel about the local goings on.
On my last trip, I stayed at an amazing bed and breakfast in Country Kerry, Barrow House for 8 days. We rented the whole house out for a family reunion.
The breakfasts were to die for. And our host, Daragh, was a gem of a person who gave us excellent tips on what to see and do.
5. Don’t Go Near Cliff Edges
You will no doubt have some cliffs on your Ireland itinerary. They are some of the most beautiful places in Ireland!
I know it’s tempting to want to go right to the edge of the cliffs to take an epic selfie. But don’t do it!
Many of the cliffs have fenced off paths. But not all do.
Some of the ground is soft, squishy, and eroded. So you could easily slip and fall.
For example, between 1993 and 2019, 68 people slipped and fell to their death at the Cliffs of Moher. You can still get great photos from a safe distance.
6. Don’t Do Too Many Castles
Ireland has millions of castles, each with its own unique story and architectural style.
But spending too much time hopping from one castle to another can be time consuming, become repetitive, and limit your experience of other aspects of the country.
Pick one or two castles and call it a day.
Blarney Castle is by far the most touristy, though it’s an authentic old ruin and the gardens are delightful.
But if kissing the Blarney Stone is on your bucket list, then prepare for a long line.
Bunratty is one of the best preserved castles in Ireland. It has a folk park and hosts medieval banquets to boot.
Honestly, one of my favorite castles was Dunluce Castle in Northern Ireland. The Rock of Cashel was also imposing and loaded with history. But Dublin Castle is eminently skippable.
7. Don’t Forget To Pack Comfy Walking Shoes
Many of the best things to do in Ireland — ancient ruins, castles, scenic vistas — require a bit of a hike. So you will definitely want to pack some high quality walking shoes.
You may want to purchase and pack some waterproof shoes. I bought the Vetti weekender shoes for my last visit.
If you don’t have waterproof shoes, you can spray your shoes with waterproof spray or pack two pairs of shoes so that one can dry out if you get rained on. And it’s inevitable that you will get rained on.
8. Don’t Bring A Tiny Rain Jacket
I brought a light rain North Face rain jacket, a longer rain jacket that covered my bum, and emergency rain ponchos. I used all three of them.
Ideally, you will have a waterproof trench. Otherwise, if you get the dreaded sideways rain, which I did on occasion, every inch of your clothing will get drenched.
I found an umbrella useful for a light misty rain, like you might get in a city. And I was glad I carried one with me.
But if you are on the coast, or anywhere really, you could get the sideways rain. An umbrella is no match for that, trust me. Don’t even bother with it.
9. Don’t Get A Pint In The Temple Bar Area
The Temple Bar area is colorful to be sure, but very very touristy.
You won’t get the authentic Irish vibe that you may get at other low key pubs.
Plus, the pints are expensive and you’ll be cheek to jowl with others.
Instead, go to the Brazen Head or The Cobblestone. Better yet, head to north Dublin and check out the Gravediggers.
10. Don’t Drive The Ring of Kerry
I know this may be an unpopular view, but I don’t recommend driving the entire Ring of Kerry.
It’s a very famous drive. But, oddly, after you leave Killarney National Park, there’s not all that much by way of scenery and you will be driving mostly inland, not on the coast.
The ring is also packed with endless caravans of tour buses. So, it’s not that much fun to drive there either.
Instead, I recommend Slea Head Drive in the Dingle Peninsula or the Ring of Beara. The Slea Head Drive was my #1 favorite thing I did in Ireland.
11. Don’t Call Ireland Part of the UK
This is a significant cultural and political distinction.
The Republic of Ireland is an independent country, while only Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.
Referring to Ireland as part of the UK will seen as disrespectful or offensive to Irish people. After all, they suffered under the imperialists for centuries!
12. Don’t Avoid Talking to Locals
The Irish are known for their friendliness and love of conversation. They all seem to have the “gift of gab.”
Don’t be shy about striking up a chat in a pub, cafe, or shop. Locals are often happy to share recommendations, stories, and a bit of local history.
On this trip, I found that they were also terribly interested in the current situation in American politics. I was grilled by every Irish person I spoke to, including my guides.
But don’t make potato jokes or ask about leprechauns
13. The Guinness Storehouse Is Not A Must Do
This is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Dublin, and you’ll definitely need to pre-book a ticket to get in.
But it’s very touristy and not worth doing if you don’t like the taste of Guinness.
Not everyone does. I find after one half pint, I don’t care for the taste any more.
What you’ll find inside is one of the world’s largest, self-contained marketing extravaganzas.
By the time you reach the Gravity Bar on the 7th floor, you’ll have been exposed to more Guinness labels than there are stars in the sky.
The Guinness store is also huge, with a vast range of pricey memorabilia. You can bring home your own Guinness underwear if you fancy.
14. Don’t Spend Much Time In Cork
Cork is Ireland’s second largest city. You might find it too busy or crowded, especially compared to smaller, more relaxed towns and rural areas.
If you’ve done Dublin and are seeking a more tranquil, countryside experience, you might find Cork’s city vibe less appealing.
There’s not nearly as much to see in Cork as in Dublin. One hyped attraction, the English Market, is really no different or better than markets in the US.
Cork does have a good restaurant and pub scene, and the pedestrianized St. Patrick’s Street is well worth a stroll. But I don’t think it merits more than one day on your itinerary.
Instead, you may want to visit Kinsale, just 15 miles from Cork. The town’s narrow, winding streets are full of brightly painted buildings, making it a delight to stroll around and photograph.
Kinsale is also referred to as the “Gourmet Capital of Ireland.” It boasts a wide range of excellent restaurants, cafes, and pubs serving fresh seafood and local produce.
15. Don’t Only Visit In Summer
June through August are the most popular times to visit Ireland.
But Ireland’s weather is temperate. So there really isn’t a singular “best time” for traveling there.
If you can swing it, it’s better to visit during shoulder season when the crowds and costs are lower.
In any season, moreover, you can expect the weather to have a mind of its own. I was warned repeatedly that you can experience all 4 seasons in a single day.
16. Don’t Pack Anything Formal
Generally, Ireland is quite informal. I wore nothing but jeans and slacks, even at Michelin restaurants.
17. Don’t Only Stay In The Republic of Ireland
Ireland is not just the current republic. It’s an island that includes the separate country of Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK.
If you have time, I would definitely include it on your itinerary. Belfast is a cool city and the forests and coastlines are beyond dramatic. Giant’s Causeway is a stunning UNESCO site.
For some reason, many people think there is an invisible line between the two countries, perhaps because of the decades of religious strife called the “Troubles.”
Don’t let that dissuade you. It’s peaceful now. Though you may want to stay off the topic of religion when you’re visiting.
If you don’t have wheels, you can book a guided day tour from Dublin.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to what NOT to do in Ireland. You may find these other Ireland and UK guides useful:
- beautiful places to visit in Ireland
- 1 day in Belfast itinerary
- guide to St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- 3 days in London itinerary
- 5 days in London itinerary
- Best day trips from London
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