Ireland Travel Tips for St. Patrick’s Day and Beyond

Although it may be tempting to see the entire island in one week, it is probably wiser to choose a couple of destinations. If you're renting a car and driving, be sure to leave in some wiggle room for taking a wrong turn or stopping for photos and exploring the countryside. It will be worth it. Ireland is full of must-see attractions, so narrowing the list down may be challenging. In case you need a starting point, here are a few popular destinations:

• Cliffs of Moher
• Dingle
• Boyne Valley
• Official tourism site for Ireland

If you need help planning a last minute vacation to Ireland, consult a travel blogger or a travel agent. They can be excellent resources. Additionally, don't forget to use social media to keep your finger on the pulse of what's happening now in Ireland.

Remember, it's a different country. You're traveling outside of the U.S., so be sure to plan accordingly.

Also read - 5 Free Things to do in Dublin: Markets, Live Music and Seaside Strolls

• In Ireland, the main language is English, but some sayings may be different, so keep that in mind.
  
  
• You may need to bring adapters for electrical outlets. Also bring a power strip so you can plug in all of your electronics without multiple adapters.
  
  
• It's probably going to rain, so pack the right clothes, including a scarf for those windy cliff sides along the Irish coast. If you stay in a bed and breakfast, there may not be an elevator. Lugging big suitcases can get old fast.
  
  
• As with any trip, be sure to check your flight and baggage requirements before you go.

• If you're renting a car, be sure to ask for an automatic if you need one. Also, remember to drive on the left side of the road. There are some good Ireland travel tips for driving on Youtube.
  
  
• Brown signs along the roads will take you to tourist sites and attractions. Following these can bring you to some interesting places, and add a little adventure without getting too lost. 

Learn more: How travel insurance works with universal healthcare

The U.S. Department of State has a thorough checklist of international travel tips to help you prepare for a safe trip. Their suggestions include informing yourself about your destination, making sure you have all the required documents for international travel and to ensure you have health insurance coverage when traveling abroad. They also suggest you “check if you have coverage for trip interruption/cancellation and loss or theft, to help pay for unexpected expenses.” A travel protection plan from a reputable company, such as Generali Global Assistance, can fulfill those travel insurance needs.