16 Things We Learned While Traveling in Ireland
Our recent article, Roadtrip to Ireland, gave an overview of our travel to this beautiful country. Based on our experiences, here are some interesting fun facts about Ireland and tips that will help you when planning your trip to the Emerald Isle.
1. Rent the smallest car that will handle you, your travel companion(s), and luggage
The roads are narrow, really, really narrow. And while there are larger cars on the roads, you don’t want to be the one who loses a mirror or ends up in the ivy-covered 300-year-old stone wall while driving on the “wrong side” of the road. Smaller is better in this case. Trust us on this.
2. Due to the narrow roads and other driving conditions, travelers to Ireland will need to buy car insurance — and it is handled differently than in other countries
Maybe it’s the narrow roads, lack of experience driving on the left-hand side of the road, or copious amounts of beer and whiskey consumed in pubs, but insuring a rental car in Ireland is expensive. Some credit card companies offer coverage if you use their card to rent the car, but very few credit card companies cover Ireland. You’ll need to check with your specific company to see if they offer a coverage plan that includes Ireland. We saved hundreds of dollars on car insurance by applying for a credit card that does cover Ireland. Be aware that you must request a coverage letter from the credit card company and present it to the car rental company when picking up the car. You will still need to purchase liability insurance from the rental company, but you can save on collision coverage by getting a card that will cover the cost in Ireland.
3. Pay the highway tolls online and don’t forget to do it
There are eleven toll roads in Ireland and the only way to pay the toll is to get online at eflow.ie and declare how many tolls you owe and pay by the next evening or risk a fine. You will pass under toll notices that advise you to declare and pay, but it’s easy to miss them when you are driving on unfamiliar roads with friends talking in the car. When paying the toll online, you’ll be asked for the Vehicle Registration Number. This is the license plate number, or sometimes called tag number, of the car. Above is the list of toll roads in Ireland.
4. There are a lot of tour buses on the roads and in popular tourist areas, but driving yourself is the best way to see the country
Many people are nervous about driving on the left-hand side of the road and have anxiety with gigantic tour buses speeding toward them on the other side of the road, but there’s no better way to see and truly experience the country than by driving. Skip the bus tour and drive yourself if possible. Pictured above is a backup due to a cattle crossing.
5. There are far more sheep than people in Ireland, and you will encounter them in unexpected places, like blind spots on winding roads
I don’t know if it’s a fact, but it sure seems like there are twice as many sheep as people in Ireland. It used to be that an animal killed on the road was the driver’s fault, but recent changes in the law have put the onus on the farmer. Regardless, you don’t want to spend your vacation dealing with roadkill and car damage, so be careful driving, and if you can’t see around a corner, slow down.
6. The Irish say they experience four seasons in one day — and it’s true
You probably know to pack layers when traveling to where the weather can be unpredictable, but this is especially true in Ireland. It rains almost every day (hence, the really lush green landscape and countryside and rainbows). But it may rain for just 10 minutes, a few hours, or all day, and you won’t know from the weather forecast, so be prepared. In the fall, the temperatures were quite moderate (mostly 50s and 60s) ,and there was only one day that we needed a light puffer coat, hat, and warmer clothes, but we came prepared for what Mother Nature threw at us. Could there be a pot o’ gold at the end of that rainbow?
7. Weatherproof is not waterproof
A breathable waterproof shell is a must. You will get wet, oftentimes when you least expect it. Carry that rain slicker and invest in waterproof boots. These were worn every day while we were there. Also keep in mind that plastic is waterproof, but it doesn’t breathe, and a plastic slicker will be very uncomfortable for extended wear.
8. The Irish have a saying and a rhyme for everything
The Irish are good at translating situations, events, people and places into cute, short sayings that often rhyme, especially when it comes to architecture and statues. The photo above shows a newer modern building (on the left) in Dublin. Dubliners have aptly named it the “Tube in the Cube.” Other sayings in Dublin include: “Hags with the Bags” (a statue of two ladies who have been shopping); “The Stiletto in the Ghetto” (an architectural spire that is over 120 meters high and also known as “The Erection at the Intersection”); and “The Tart with the Cart” (a statue of the infamous Molly Malone).
9. Guinness tastes better in Ireland
I never cared much for Guinness in the States, but in Ireland it has a very different taste and mouthfeel. We’ve tried Guinness at several places since we’ve been back and it just isn’t the same. In Ireland, it’s fresher, smoother, creamier, and far more flavorful with the chocolate notes more pronounced. To travel across “the pond” (the Atlantic Ocean), the stout is shipped in kegs and bottles and it loses some of its character in the long journey.
10. Brown bread is addictive and so is the Irish butter
Brown bread with seeds and nuts is served everywhere. This hearty bread is so different than what we find in many restaurants while traveling, which is usually versions of French, Italian, or crusty artisan-style breads. Brown bread is delicious and the best excuse to eat the rich creamery butter of Ireland.
11. A little information about condiments
The Irish really like mayonnaise. And if you’re an American, you’ll find it’s served with some of the most unusual pairings, such as fries and lobster. Butter comes standard on sandwiches and ketchup and mustard have a different flavor. In one pub, the ketchup was closer in taste to a BBQ sauce. So, if you don’t want butter and mayonnaise on your sandwich, you need to make that clear when ordering and taste the other condiments before slathering them all over your sandwich or fries.
12. The Irish love potatoes and lots of them
There are many varieties that are widely grown, such as Rooster, Kerr’s, Golden Wonder, and Cultra, to name a few. While we didn’t know which ones we consumed in our travels, they were starchier than what we’re used to and quite good. They are a staple in traditional Irish food, so be prepared to eat potatoes morning, noon, and night.
13. Most fries and chips are cooked in lard or beef drippings
If you are a vegetarian or a health conscious eater, you will want to know this. Not every restaurant or pub uses lard, but many do, so ask. If you don’t care about the animal fat, then dig in, this is why their fries (or chips) are so tasty and crisp. And the batter-fried fish… yes, lard. Look at the size of that piece of fish!
14. Ireland has “TidyTowns”
Back in 1958, the Irish Tourist Board (now Fáilte Ireland) as part of the ‘Tostal’, a nationwide festival celebrating all things Irish, began this local environmental initiative where each year a town is selected for their, uhh…tidiness. This may explain why their towns, especially the smaller ones, are so clean. Many of the towns we traveled through looked pristine and proudly displayed their “Tidy Town” award. This is the River Nore in Kilkenny. This town won the TidyTown Award in 2014.
15. While English is the primary language in Ireland, some Irish people still speak and write in Gaelic
The road signs and other information (even at the airport) are shown in both languages. While we were not aware of this until we arrived, it’s great to see the traditional language being taught in schools and preserved. Éirinn go Brách!
16. Every Irishman thinks their town has the best “Craic”
Craic, pronounced ‘crack’, means fun or enjoyable conversation. For example, “He’s great craic when he has a few pints on him.” If you’re in Northern Ireland, they say they have the most fun. If you’re in the southern part of Ireland, they’ll tell you they have the best craic. You’ll have to travel to Ireland and decide for yourself, but regardless of where you go, all of the Irish enjoy their craic!
For more information on Ireland:
Chef Gareth Mullins – The Marker Hotel Dublin & His Recipe for Rack of Lamb
Ballynahinch Castle – Fly-fishing and a visit to Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland
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