First Time in Ireland? A Practical Travel Guide for Americans

Ireland is easy to love and easy to underestimate. It is a small country, but the roads are narrow, the distances between the best places are bigger than they look on a map, and the weather has its own plans. Here is what American first-time visitors most often want to know, in plain terms.

1) Distances are short, journeys are not

Ireland looks tiny, but the good roads are mostly the motorways between the big cities. Once you leave them, the roads become narrower and slower. As a guide, from Dublin Airport:

• Kilkenny: 134 km, about 1 hour 30 minutes
• Galway: 213 km, about 2 hours 15 minutes
• Cork: 266 km, about 2 hours 45 minutes
• Killarney: 313 km, about 3 hours 40 minutes
• Dingle: 353 km, about 4 hours 15 minutes

Plan fewer stops with more time at each, rather than trying to see everything in a week.

2) Driving on the left

Ireland drives on the left, and many rural roads are narrow with stone walls and no hard shoulder. Jet lag makes it harder. If you are not comfortable, you do not have to drive: a private chauffeur takes the wheel, so you can look at the scenery instead of the road. Read our comparison of a private transfer, a taxi and a rental car in Ireland to decide what suits your trip.

3) Getting from the airport

Most visitors from the USA land at Dublin Airport. After an overnight flight, a pre-booked driver waiting at arrivals removes the stress of finding transport. See Dublin Airport to the city centre by private transfer for prices, or read how meet & greet works so you know what to look for.

4) Money, plugs and the small practical things

• Ireland uses the euro, not the British pound, and cards are widely accepted.
• Plugs are the three-pin UK style and the voltage is 230V, so bring a plug adapter. Check that your device charger handles 230V.
• Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, so it uses the pound and has its own entry rules. Check them before you travel if your route includes Belfast or the Giant's Causeway.

5) The weather: pack for four seasons

Rain can arrive on any day of the year, and so can sunshine. Layers and a light waterproof jacket are more useful than an umbrella, which the wind may not forgive. In autumn and winter the days are short, so plan your longer drives for the morning.

6) Where to go first

A classic first trip combines Dublin with the west and south. Popular choices include Galway and the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney and the Ring of Kerry, Dingle and Cork. If you only have a day or two from Dublin, our private day trips are a simple way to see the highlights without a rental car.

7) Travelling with family or a group

Prices are per vehicle, not per person, so a family or group of up to 6 or 7 can share a Mercedes V-Class and keep luggage close. Read our guide to family private transfers in Ireland, and tell us about child seat needs when you book.

Plan your first transfer

When you know where you land and where you are staying, use Check Price & Book to see a fixed price in a minute. If you want help building a route, send us your dates and we will suggest a sensible plan.