How to Travel to Ireland
It is one thing to have the desire to take a big trip to a beautiful destination such as Ireland. However, it is another thing to take the steps that make the trip happen. Making plans to travel to Ireland can feel overwhelming at first, but once you decide on some important details, you'll be able to split the process into manageable steps and be off on your trip before you know it.
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Instructions
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Determine what parts of Ireland you most wish to see. Will you stay in the Dublin area or use that as your main base? Would you rather spend most of your time in Belfast and Northern Ireland?
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Search for and purchase airline tickets that will put you close to your final destination. Most international flights will conveniently fly directly into Dublin, which gives you easy access to the rest of the country by plane, train or car.
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Decide if you will use a city such as Dublin as your home base or stay in each city you plan to travel to. It is simple to stay in Dublin and take day trips by train to places such as Cork, Waterford, Belfast and Limerick. This may simplify your search for accommodations.
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Select your accommodations based on what you wish to see in the country. Ireland is full of international chain hotels, as well as local hotels and bed-and-breakfast lodgings. In Dublin, you might choose to stay in the St. Stephen's Green area or near the popular Temple Bar. You might also choose a suburb of the city such as Dun Laoghaire or Dalkey.
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Make sure your passport is up to date. You will not need a tourist visa if traveling from the United States to Ireland, but you will need a valid passport that will not expire while you are there. It must also have at least one page available for the stamp you'll receive upon entering and/or exiting the country.
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Pack for mild temperatures and wet weather. It doesn't always rain in Ireland, but it is wise to take along a rain jacket and umbrella. The temps are usually mild even in August, so take along a lightweight jacket or sweater for the evenings. Take a heavier coat, hat, gloves and a scarf if traveling during the winter months.
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Organize your travel documents and reservations, get packed and enjoy your trip to Ireland!
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Tips & Warnings
Regardless of whether you stay in Dublin City, be sure to get out and see the other parts of Ireland for a sense of the country's true history and culture. If you plan to travel by train, you can buy your tickets the day before or the morning of your trip at the train station. However, if you are taking a rail tour, be sure to make reservations with a tour company before leaving for your trip.
Pay attention to your baggage weight and pack lightly. If you plan to fly any discount airlines once you are in Ireland, keep in mind that they have strict baggage weight allowances and hefty overweight fees. Also, a lighter bag will be easier to carry with you if you are traveling from city to city.
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- Photo Credit Lori Rice
