13 MAJOR Ireland Travel Mistakes! 🇮🇪 (& How to Avoid Them!)

[@bronwynquinn4477]

Just wonderful and so informative! I could listen to you all day! Thanks from Oz

[@MoonWolfSotG]

Great advice regarding driving with locals. May I suggest a future video regarding driving in general? Our experience as Dutch drivers in Ireland (mostly around Dublin and Wicklow national park): - Driving on the left was fine. Even having a manual car that requires changing gears with your other hand, not a problem. Don't be too scared of it. - As you mentioned, speed limits are optimistic. Most neighbourhoods don't have a 30km/h limits as we would expect ourselves, instead they are 50km/h with ramps that would *wreck* your car if you would go over them going 50. - Similarly the country roads are often 80 km/h and you would not be able to drive 80 there. The roads are littered with "Go mall" and "Slow" signage and only locals are experienced enough to know what's behind each corner to know if they have to slow down. - For some reason a huge portion of traffic on the M50 drives 80 km/h in the middle lane! We'd done our research on car theory in Ireland so would not dare overtaking on the left, but this left us stunned. According to some online sources the Irish are rather poor mergers (not my words) and therefore prefer to just avoid the large amounts of merging on the M50 by staying in the middle lane. Also there apparently aren't that many 3 lane motorways. - Irish drivers are incredibly friendly and will just make way for you to allow you to merge. They don't have to though, it's your responsibility when merging onto a highway to find a spot. - We did also encounter people jogging on the side of the road and even a cyclist on the N11, though those are probably exceptions, but it did stun us :) - Ireland has gone mad for roundabouts. I too love them, when applied correctly. However at some point in time the "when applied correctly" was translated to "always" as they are everywhere. Tons of intersections that just had a white circle painted on them, but also - Finding out which lane to be in ahead of time is dreadful. You might split one lane into four without indication which one will go to the place you want to go. You only will see the sign (or road markings) when it's too late... - There is tons of information written on the asphalt itself. However this might wear off in time, so isn't always helpful (but the only place where the information can be found sometimes) - The concept of "hard shoulder" would be nice to have explained as we do have an "emergency lane" for broken down cars, but according to my theory book it's also allowed to be used by cyclists or to allow other traffic to overtake in some circumstances. - There are SO many traffic lights for a given intersection and you might have to learn to find which one is yours. It's possible that you have a red light next to you, but on the other side of the intersection there's a green arrow to the right that actually allows you to take a right turn there. Thanks for your videos, they are great!

[@ConorBrennan-nu7fv]

I went to Ireland a month ago and planned my trip after many of your videos. The Rusty Mackerel is definitely a place I want to go to during the winter. It was the coolest pub I went to. Thanks so much for the suggestions.

[@jansmith1341]

I’ve visited Ireland 8 times, going back next May for a nostalgic tour of the places my late husband and I visited. It’s a little scary - driving and navigating on my own, but your videos/comments will help me immensely! Thanks😊

[@Geblues10]

These pointers are brilliant. Thank you so much for your time in making these.

[@JannHofmann]

Hi Laura, nice to see a new video from you and thanks for the tips! 😊

[@michaelross9067]

Thank you for all of your advice. I am heading that way tomorrow for 14 days and we will be driving the whole Island. Your videos have helped out a lot but we have decided to do a lot but will pair it down

[@tobiojo6469]

Hi Laura, awesome video

[@hopepatterson3808]

Thank you for the phone advice. I was wondering about plans.

[@dianadunham6691]

As I've always wanted to visit Ireland, your videos only accentuate my desire. Thank you for your excellent tips.

[@donovanfoto3263]

@@dianadunham6691 : Go, you will NOT regret it. Look for "Go Irish Tours" to possibly book something. Ask for Tina. Then check out other itineraries and see if you want a tour or to go single. I do advise going to Dingle and the Dingle Peninsula as well as Galway. Also, some time in the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area) might be beneficial. Bun Ratty Castle and village are interesting.

[@MiraSiemiatkowska-n7t]

Thank you very much for all your tips. You are doing great job.

[@kaiduran528]

This answered a lot of questions I had! Thank you

[@simonfreund5394]

Hey Laura, many many thanks for your tips and insides.

[@luis7783]

The speed limit you show in this video of 100km/h is in the Dursey island that has no cars! Amazing! I thougt Irish people has a really amazing sense of humor.😅

[@MatthewFling]

Rule #1 for me after visiting Ireland. Don’t get a manual rental car when you fly into Dublin and definitely don’t if it’s your first time driving there.

[@michaelross9067]

Unfortunately I have to pick mine up in 2 days

[@MatthewFling]

@@michaelross9067 pay up for automatic and thank me later.

[@WVRider304]

@@michaelross9067google maps. Forget the gps they give you. Google maps tells you what lane to be in going into roundabouts, and tells you your exit. And its really not a data suck!

[@bushmanPMRR]

Unfortunately, like the UK and indeed most of Europe, Ireland is not big on autos which is a shame, I find it a more relaxed way to drive.

[@sharlynnc8018]

Thank you so much for all your wealth of information and tips! We are planning a trip to your beautiful country next year. You have provided a lot of very useful information!

[@ElCid_86]

Thanks for the tips! We are at JFK airport now headed your way!

[@michaelross9067]

I’m heading there tomorrow for the first time and I can’t wait.

[@tobiojo6469]

Hi Laura, my family went to Ireland for vacation last summer and we really enjoyed it.

[@nalinimacnab]

Agreed. The real magic lives on the West Coast. My favorite spots are in Ballyvaughan, in Clare, and Ballinskelligs, south Kerry and west of Cork.

[@mrussell3822]

Don't fear the traffic circles (roundabouts). They work. They work well. Just use your signal when you're about to exit like the locals. Oh, and the speed limits off the A and B routes make no sense. So, drive only as fast as you're comfortable.

[@ginacaseylevien7048]

Great videos thank you. Clear and informative especially about buses, cash, mobile phone services. I am really looking forward to visiting Ireland and would have been so embarrassed to say "Top of the Morning" etc that you mentioned in your previous videos as we in NZ really thought our ancestors said that ha ha. I wish to stay in an Irish Castle Bed and Breakfast at least one night and go to a church service in a quaint Catholic village church.

[@ArkhamsFinest4]

Great tips for anyone going to Ireland, amazing Laura. If I was to give a tip piggybacking on your tip on gear, I would highly recommend waterproof hiking boots for those going off the beaten path.

[@masonpugh3637]

It's great video love Ireland thanks for video

[@CascadeGriz]

Thank you for your time and information.

[@garybaitson]

Hey, just came across your channel,, very enjoyable videos. Even as an Irish person its good to watch these videos to get other's take

[@chrisbfd]

When we were in Ireland, we rented a wonderful farmhouse with 4 bedrooms to use as a home base in Shanagolden. Best decision ever! Way cheaper and more comfy than a hotel room!

[@happykt]

I just came back from Ireland after taking a 10 day bus tour by EF Go Ahead Tours (I didn't know everyone was going to be American and about 70 percent of the people were 70 plus in age) and as a result I had minimal contact with the Irish people and we visited a lot of tourist traps, English manor houses and woolen shops. I was so incredibly disappointed by my trip to Ireland. I didn't want to rent a car because of the substandard and narrow roads (which I thought were very dangerous, very narrow and widening) but I think that's the best way to see Ireland and interact with the Irish people. And Dublin was the least exciting part of my tour. The best was seeing the natural wonders of Ireland.

[@Patricu]

Realistically, your problem then was not to do your research. Substandard roads? Only because you were afraid of them, due to only using freeways all the time. Live a little! Do come back but live a little. Take risks, you can't get lost on a small island. Wherever you end up, enjoy it and meet real people. Bus tours are for retired folks, realistically. If you are healthy, get out there and enjoy the freedom of doing your own thing in a country that is 3 hours coast to coast.

[@donovanfoto3263]

@@happykt : Mass transit, on the whole, is excellent throughout the island. Bus terminals are generally located near train stations. A LEAP CARD works on all the LOCAL BUSES.

[@curtswanson184]

You have to do your research ahead of time and google every stop on the itinerary. It’s time consuming but it’s worth it. Plus compare the tours to see which one visits what you want to see. I thought everyone knew that bus tours are mostly older people but I’m 65 and find them stress free because everything is taken care of so you just get to enjoy the scenery.

[@liquidlove9999]

Thanks so much! In Colorado, we typically tip 20% for Restaurants and Bars.

[@joe-no7nz]

And America

[@outsidethegarden]

typo in the video: "assessable" is not the same as "accessible." yw! lovely video, and thank you!

[@gogovideo10]

Fully agree that people need to get out of Dublin! I’m from Dublin myself, there’s definitely a lot of great places to see in Dublin, but the West is where the Ireland the tourist’s want to see exists. Whenever people say they came to Ireland and didn’t like it, I know they only went to Dublin and probably got sucked into the tourist traps.

[@azharulislam2406]

Very nice video

[@MyraJean1951]

Thanks!

[@julialiethen]

Galway was my favorite

[@corashyanne]

Just booked a solo trip for the end of February (my first time!) and am grateful for all of the genuine tips and advice! Though, a lot of the "NOT to do's" make me laugh, because it seems like most of them boil down to just "don't be an ignorant fool, and DO be a polite, kind, decent human being," and it's sad that you have to even mention it!

[@stevecooper3510]

100 kph on that road…someone has a sense of humor :)

[@Live.Adventure.Travel]

Haha yeah that one is a joke but it's the only clip I had to describe the mad speeds 🤣

[@bushmanPMRR]

Some locals would look at that and think "challenge accepted!"

[@robertdoyle8135]

I hope to travel to Ireland next year. I have some mobility issues so I would appreciate advice on how to see and experience as much as I can, what would you recommend? And I am curious about my Irish heritage. My great grandfather was born in Ireland. I don't know where he was born but it would be a great experience to maybe see where he might have been in Ireland before coming to the States. My family name is Doyle, yes, quite common, but one can hope for a chance to see places he might have seen. Thank you, Robert Doyle.

[@PaolaEnergya]

8:58 "It's always wet" cue - a shot of Athlone! It may not always rain in Ireland, but it certainly does in Athlone! 😅

[@barryshannahan5988]

Will be there two weeks from tomorrow!

[@claudiakarl7888]

German here. My wife and I have been in Ireland several times. We’re those who need to stop in a lay by or appropriate place now and then to let others pass. We call it dissolving our collection. Could you do - for those of us who want to learn more about the Irish language - give some helpful tips in one of your videos please?

[@x7heDeviLx]

Here in the US 3:58 it isn’t a legality to tip 4:30 definitely preferred because of the way our cruel economic system for paying service workers so terribly. Mom was a server for her whole life so I tip far more than the 15% but that is the expected amount. Also Nora I love your content and your Name it reminds me of my Little niece who of course is named Nora lol

[@kevinandrews33]

Is there a way to check out the west coast in an uber or do you have to drive yourself?

[@abishop6368]

Can someone tell me exactly what to do to order a meal in an Irish pub? Do I order at the bar, then wait there? Do I sit down and they bring the food to me? What do I do with the plate when I'm done, etc.? I really want to visit one but I don't want to look like an idiot and not know the customs, thanks for any advice!

[@donovanfoto3263]

I went to the bar to order, however, I think you can flag someone (waitperson) down. I waited but they will bring the food to the table.

[@abishop6368]

@@donovanfoto3263 Thank you!

[@cdrago462]

Do whatever you're comfortable with doing. Theres no place or person in Ireland that will get upset with you for doing either. At most, if you go to the bar the staff will just say "no problem, just take a seat and we'll send someone down to you". We're very relaxed with most things, including food and service.

[@abishop6368]

@@cdrago462 Thank you, I appreciate your kindness!

[@billo6938]

At about 3:04 the video shows a street with a number of 'squiggly' lines. What are those and how do you maneuver them? Thanks

[@WVRider304]

Those are pedestrian crossings. Stay in your general lane and be aware of walkers!

[@billo6938]

@@WVRider304 Odd but I'll take your word for it. Thanks

[@toddboothbee1361]

Tipping in the US is crazy. I think it's because the employers don't pay their serving staff, or pay very little.

[@donovanfoto3263]

WEST COAST??? What about Cork??? County Cork has many beautiful sites including Castle Donovan, (Actually , the Blarney Castle and Gardens. Castle Donovan is merely an interesting ruin and VERY expensive bird house), REAL MOZZARELLA CHEESE, the English Market and some beautiful beaches and even more BEAUTIFUL LADIES. Of course, I believe you can purchase the cheese throughout Ireland and the ladies are beautiful in every city.

[@WVRider304]

My daughter and I stayed in Blarney for 2 nights (highly recommend Muskerry Arms BnB!), and it was a great central location in County Cork. Close to the city if thats your thing, with bus service, but still out away from the madness.

[@raquelraccoon4681]

I tried to join the Facebook Group and was denied. I'm not sure what I'd done wrong? Meanwhile, on my second trip over from the US, I rented a car in Dublin to drive to nearby Skerries, where I'd stayed before and loved. It was getting near Christmas and 5PM on a Friday. I've driven in England and Wales, but I was in over my head in Ireland. And then...some odd hidden switch was off that meant I had no headlights as it got dark. I pulled into a service area and found people to solve the mystery. Driving can be intense--and I'm used to country roads and New York City!

[@Live.Adventure.Travel]

Hey Raquel, sorry about the Facebook group, try put in a request again. Facebook has a big problem with spam so if you have no profile picture or didn't answer the security questions properly I have it set to automatically decline.

[@JudyGerhart]

We are visiting Ireland in May of 2025. Can you recommend any ladies waterproof shoes?

[@kwame19]

we want video from outside

[@williamdacosta9026]

I think all women from ireland or the most beautiful women in the world

[@SATANUTRAVELBD]

You are making amazing video content. I just watched the video and your video quality is appreciable. I am so impressed by your content. I was analyzing your channel and noticed that you are struggling with video views and videos ranking. May I share some tips on how you can achieve your goals #Satanuramsinha

[@Astronomad]

Ok miss beautiful eyes!

[@RealityTrailers]

What counties accept crypto currency, like XRP, which is also licensed in Ireland.

[@GaryG1974]

I seriously hate this comparison between Ireland and USA. I am of the age 50+ but I do not feel any commonality with the USA. Maybe the younger Irish generation are USA "wannabes", but I really do detest that! If you are Irish, then be proud to be Irish! None of this USA nonsense. If anyone from any country wants to visit Ireland, then no matter who you are, do your research and learn how to behave in our country.

[@ninairish763]

As an American I’m very proud of my Irish heritage

[@brettlemoine1002]

Thanks!