# Any tips for first time trip to Ireland? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 1, 2011, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410 "2011-05-01T21:04:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![FE3O4ENAIL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ba9def/32.png) [@FE3O4ENAIL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FE3O4ENAIL)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2011, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410/41 "2011-05-04T01:23:31Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > For the love of Mike get a GPS for that rental car! It’s worth an extra $10 per day. The signage there is not at all what you’re used to, and the maps very seldom really match. The few roads big enough to show on the map change names every few blocks, until even the locals can’t tell you what they’re called. If you have a Tom Tom you can just download the Ireland maps to an SD card - not sure if Garmin does that. > > Also, bring extra shoes. For any other trip you’d be keeping it to one or two pair to pack efficiently; but in Ireland they’ll be wet, and they’ll need time to dry out properly. You’ll want 2-3 pair of good walking shoes with you. We can borrow our kids Tom Tom, thanks for the tip. I bought two pairs of shoes tonight, dress and casual.It is new to me to have had this many shoes. I am one of those guys who discount youngsters with " I have shoes older than you" jk sorta.😃 ---
**Author:** ![FE3O4ENAIL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ba9def/32.png) [@FE3O4ENAIL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FE3O4ENAIL)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2011, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410/42 "2011-05-04T01:38:05Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > I grew up in Wisconsin (Green Bay), and still go up there frequently to visit my parents. In the past few years, they’ve installed a number of roundabouts in the GB area (it seems that American traffic engineers have suddenly fallen in love with roundabouts), and my experience has been that they continue to flummox the hell out of the local drivers. People still don’t understand that, at a roundabout, you have to stop (or yield) until there isn’t any traffic coming from your left, **no matter how long that takes**. The road from the city I work in, to where I live, which passes under the interstate, has had three roundabouts installed in the last few years. I love them when riding on my Buell, lean er over to the right, wear down the chicken strips, then lean er over to the left, never slowing down. FYI chicken strips are the unworn portion of your motorcycle tires which should have been scuffed if you had the balls to lean the bike over as far as possible in a turn. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2011, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410/43 "2011-05-04T03:48:23Z")
> [@FE3O4ENAIL](#): > > FYI chicken strips are the unworn portion of your motorcycle tires which should have been scuffed if you had the balls to lean the bike over as far as possible in a turn. I’ve learned something new today. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Brynda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e79b87/32.png) [@Brynda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brynda)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2011, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410/44 "2011-05-04T03:55:41Z")
Rick Steves recommends Dingle over Kerry. I went to Kerry and loved it, though. Stay in B&Bs. It gives you a chance to talk to the locals, who are so lovely and friendly. Every single person I met was really nice. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2011, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410/45 "2011-05-04T06:10:41Z")
> [@Brynda](#): > > Rick Steves recommends Dingle over Kerry. I went to Kerry and loved it, though. Clarification: Kerry is the county, which has two large peninsulas, Iveragh and Dingle. The route round the periphery of the Iveragh peninsula is known as The Ring of Kerry. The Dingle peninsula also has a town called Dingle. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2011, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410/46 "2011-05-04T06:32:09Z")
A few pub tips: There is no queueing system. You stand at the bar and catch the barperson’s eye and wait to be served. Irish barpeople are among the multitasking best in the world. It’s often feasible to reel off a very large order and have them merely nod in assent, and you get all your drinks served pefectly while they’re also pouring pints for other customers. When asking for beer, a pint is the default unit: you ask for “a Guinness” or whatever. If you want a half-pint you ask for “a glass”. When pouring Guinness, the pint is left to stand about 2/3 of the way through the pour. The barperson may at this point go and do something else, then return to serve it. Don’t, as an English friend of mine did his first time in Ireland, shout “oi, what about my drink?!” Sometimes if they’re not too busy, the barperson may say “I’ll drop it down to you”. Most beers are around 5% alcohol. Wine is usually sold in little bottles of ?250ml? (someone correct me). Potato chips are called crisps but in rural areas they’re often referred to by the leading brand name “Tayto”. A “toasted special” is a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato, onion and ham. Usually quite low quality. In some pubs there’s table service, so just sit down and someone will come and take your order. A “keep the change” or at least “keep the coins” tip is good form for these people. You don’t tip at the bar, though “and one for yourself” occasionally is a nice gesture. ---
**Author:** ![Lare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/53a042/32.png) [@Lare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lare)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2011, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410/47 "2011-05-04T14:05:19Z")
> [@An\_Gadai](#): > > Enquire with the rental company, they might cover it, or include it in your final bill. Otherwise you pay here [https://csc.eflow.ie/myaccount/payUTT.aspx](https://csc.eflow.ie/myaccount/payUTT.aspx) with a Credit Card after youv’e made your journey or in a petrol station that has an e-flow sign. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Gadai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2011, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410/48 "2011-05-04T14:33:42Z")
> [@jjimm](#): > > A “toasted special” is a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato, onion and ham. Usually quite low quality. That’s a new one on me, usually a cheese [plus other ingredients] toastie, or a toasted [ingredients] sandwich anywhere I’ve ordered. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![SlowMindThinking](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@SlowMindThinking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlowMindThinking)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2011, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410/49 "2011-05-04T18:51:33Z")
I have little to offer in this thread; I just wanted to thank all the Irish who posted here. One of my kids has been studying at Trinity this semester, and my wife, my daughter’s twin and I will visit her in a few weeks. While we’ve booked our nights in Dublin, we’ve left most of the rest flexible so we can be a bit spontaneous about how much time we spend where, and the touring tips are very useful. It does sound like I should take a fair amount of cash, though. How much should I take for four people for 10 days, taking 2-3 trips multi-day trips out of Dublin? ---
**Author:** ![irishgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/8edcca/32.png) [@irishgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/irishgirl)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2011, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410/50 "2011-05-04T19:28:46Z")
How long is a piece of string? Lunch: If you buy a loaf of bread and packets of ham and cheese you can feed 4 people lunch for under 10euros. Ready-made sandwiches from a supermarket or petrol station are around 3euros. If you want soup and a roll or stew probably 5euros each, soup and a sandwich 7-9. A Burger King meal with fries is about 7euros. Hope that helps give a frame of reference you can compare with food prices at home. You will be able to pay by credit card (Visa or Mastercard- AmEx is problematic) in most places if you don’t wish to carry large amounts of cash. I second **jjimm’s** love for Irish barstaff- they can work multiple orders simultaneously, and are just amazing. Do be prepared that regulars and pretty girls might get served before you, even if you have been waiting longer! There are plenty of things to do that won’t cost a lot- the national museums and galleries are free, the scenery is free and many of the things that are a little bit off the typical tourist track aren’t too pricey. [www.discoverireland.com](http://www.discoverireland.com) is the offical Irish tourism site if you want more ideas. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2011, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410/51 "2011-05-04T20:47:02Z")
Another great point about the B&Bs is that they give you such a hearty breakfast you’ll not eat again until dinner. (Which is Supper there, dinner=lunch.) I’ve always picked up a mushroom pastie at a petrol station (think small 7/11) around 2:00pm to tide me over, and I’ve never had a bad one. If someone offers you something, (esp. a cup of tea) and you say “No, thank you.” don’t expect to be taken at your word. The same will be offered at least three times, and pushed as if their lives depeneded upon your partaking. It’s really fine, just keep saying “No” and “Thanks for your hospitality, really, but No.” until the tea is poured and then sit a while. Whatever plans you had can wait. But do say “no” at least three times or you’ll be taken for a greediguts. Ice. It cost an extra 5p and that gets you two cubes ceremoniously dropped in with a silver pair of tongs. Water. Pick up a six pack of bottled water and carry it in your car, as you’ll be thirsty most of the time. Irish sodas are tiny, and the water glasses are even smaller. The only thing big is the teacup, and that will make you even thirstier. ::sigh:: Now I’m homesick. I think I’ll toddle off to Google Maps and take a walk to Uncle Eddie’s field. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Gadai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2011, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410/52 "2011-05-04T20:54:10Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > Ice. It cost an extra 5p and that gets you two cubes ceremoniously dropped in with a silver pair of tongs. This just isn’t true. Maybe it was in the past? If a place has ice to give you, you can get as much as you like and it doesn’t cost extra. I regularly drink Bulmer’s cider and get a pint glass full of ice that they don’t charge extra for. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2011, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410/53 "2011-05-04T21:04:33Z")
:smack: Well, it was true at several places in/around Dublin and Newry in 2004. But I certainly don’t claim to speak for the whole country. It might be because I was largely at small clubs or pubs, not the chains or big restaurants. ---
**Author:** ![SlowMindThinking](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@SlowMindThinking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlowMindThinking)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2011, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410/54 "2011-05-04T21:05:35Z")
> [@irishgirl](#): > > How long is a piece of string? > > Lunch: > > If you buy a loaf of bread and packets of ham and cheese you can feed 4 people lunch for under 10euros. > > Ready-made sandwiches from a supermarket or petrol station are around 3euros. > > If you want soup and a roll or stew probably 5euros each, soup and a sandwich 7-9. > > A Burger King meal with fries is about 7euros. > > Hope that helps give a frame of reference you can compare with food prices at home. > > You will be able to pay by credit card (Visa or Mastercard- AmEx is problematic) in most places if you don’t wish to carry large amounts of cash. > > I second **jjimm’s** love for Irish barstaff- they can work multiple orders simultaneously, and are just amazing. Do be prepared that regulars and pretty girls might get served before you, even if you have been waiting longer! > > There are plenty of things to do that won’t cost a lot- the national museums and galleries are free, the scenery is free and many of the things that are a little bit off the typical tourist track aren’t too pricey. > > [www.discoverireland.com](http://www.discoverireland.com) is the offical Irish tourism site if you want more ideas. Well, my girls are 21, and I think quite pretty, so I maybe I’ll able to get beer in short order. And if they’re unwilling, I don’t mind watching pretty girls get served, when it comes right down to it. Thanks for the prices. When it comes to victuals that aren’t beer, my tastes are cheap. The three woman along are another matter… ---
**Author:** ![Laudenum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Laudenum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laudenum)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2011, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410/55 "2011-05-05T00:02:27Z")
> [@SlowMindThinking](#): > > I have little to offer in this thread; I just wanted to thank all the Irish who posted here. One of my kids has been studying at Trinity this semester, and my wife, my daughter’s twin and I will visit her in a few weeks. While we’ve booked our nights in Dublin, we’ve left most of the rest flexible so we can be a bit spontaneous about how much time we spend where, and the touring tips are very useful. > > It does sound like I should take a fair amount of cash, though. How much should I take for four people for 10 days, taking 2-3 trips multi-day trips out of Dublin? Obviously I sure the Irish dopers would be happy to meet you as well 😛 I imagine your child would have copped this by now, but pubs differ markedly on price in Dublin - in the Temple Bar (a dirty tourist trap) a pint can be €7 (:eek:), but Dicey’s does €2 Tuesdays - make sure you look around. Also, there are loads of places doing food deals at the moment, so you should be able to get a nice Early Bird for a relatively small outlay. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2011, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410/56 "2011-05-05T06:56:40Z")
> [@An\_Gadai](#): > > That’s a new one on me, usually a cheese [plus other ingredients] toastie, or a toasted [ingredients] sandwich anywhere I’ve ordered. 🙂 Never heard of a [toasted special](http://eatlikeagirl.com/2010/10/04/ode-to-the-toasted-special/)?! You, sir, are no true Irishman. Or too much of a Jackeen. Off the top of my head, try The Hut in Phibsboro for your nearest Dublin example. > [@TruCelt](#): > > Water. Pick up a six pack of bottled water and carry it in your car, as you’ll be thirsty most of the time. Or buy one and refill it. Tap water is perfectly good to drink (unless there’s another cryptosporidium outbreak in Galway). Re. the ice thing, **TruCelt** in a decade of living in the Emerald Isle I never encountered the situation you describe. True, we use a lot less ice over this side of the pond, but if you make your desire known for half a ton of frozen water to dilute whatever nice drink you are imbibing, you will generally have your desires met. > [@SlowMindThinking](#): > > It does sound like I should take a fair amount of cash, though. How much should I take for four people for 10 days, taking 2-3 trips multi-day trips out of Dublin? Don’t bother taking cash - it leaves you vulnerable to loss or theft, and there isn’t really much of a point; just use ATMs as required. That’s what we Euros tend to do when travelling these days. You don’t even need to get cash before you leave: there’s an ATM at baggage reclaim in Dublin Airport, and plenty more ATMs in the departure hall upstairs. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Gadai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2011, 10:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410/57 "2011-05-05T10:03:23Z")
> [@jjimm](#): > > Never heard of a [toasted special](http://eatlikeagirl.com/2010/10/04/ode-to-the-toasted-special/)?! You, sir, are no true Irishman. Or too much of a Jackeen. Off the top of my head, try The Hut in Phibsboro for your nearest Dublin example. Meh, anytime I get a toastie there I just ask for a toastie, that’s what the real regulars call it. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![bucketybuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/898d66/32.png) [@bucketybuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bucketybuck)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2011, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410/58 "2011-05-05T10:24:05Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > Ice. It cost an extra 5p and that gets you two cubes ceremoniously dropped in with a silver pair of tongs. Echoing the others to say, wut? They must have seen you coming. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2011, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410/59 "2011-05-05T14:49:07Z")
Re: Ice - it may just be the difference in expectations. Although truly, the silver tongs thing happened quite often. . . We are accustomed to a 32oz. cup, filled to heaping with ice, and then the soda or tea poured over that. ---
**Author:** ![SlowMindThinking](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@SlowMindThinking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlowMindThinking)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2011, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410/60 "2011-05-05T18:43:04Z")
> [@jjimm](#): > > …Don’t bother taking cash - it leaves you vulnerable to loss or theft, and there isn’t really much of a point; just use ATMs as required. That’s what we Euros tend to do when travelling these days. You don’t even need to get cash before you leave: there’s an ATM at baggage reclaim in Dublin Airport, and plenty more ATMs in the departure hall upstairs. I don’t usually carry much cash, but I was thinking of the toll roads, and the quick lunch. I don’t believe I saw a single ATM last year in Edinburgh, but then, I wasn’t looking for one. I can be pretty oblivious, especially when the streets are full of girls with pretty green eyes. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-tips-for-first-time-trip-to-ireland/580410.md?page=4)