Don't Do This In Ireland! Mistakes In Ireland | Travel Guide and Tips

[@slh35661]

Very true about making sure to see Northern Ireland, it’s so beautiful

[@sewcrazybaker]

My husband took me to Ireland for 15 days and we had SUCH A GREAT TIME! Joe is 1st generation Irish and most of his relatives are still in Ireland. We stayed at B&Bs except for a few nights when we stayed at a small hotel near his cousin's house. We did rent a car and had no problem. Since Joe had been to Ireland many many times, he was used to the driving. We hit most of the tourist spots and went several places with his cousins. We never spent any time in Dublin at all. Next time we go there, we want to fly into Shannon because it's closer to where our fave cousin lives. I really enjoyed this video!

[@markbeames7852]

poor ol' Joe

[@driverfound34]

I went there twice, once in 2017 and once in 2019. Rented a car both times and had no trouble with insurance. But I didn't know about the toll. Never heard from the rental people about it, might have got lucky. Also had no issues at the airport, checked into the country quickly and left without any delays. I thought it was much quicker and easier than some airports in the US. Looking forward to going back this fall.

[@katjar4881]

Agree! Was just there in Sept/Oct. we had no issues with car rental/insurance. Flying in and out of Dublin was so easy.

[@maryannmcc.8420]

Good advice about the insurance- you do need to budget for the insurance. Between driving on the left, the rocks hidden by bushes, the small roads, it has not easy to avoid accidents-or even scratches. I’ll add another thing- take a picture of the car when you pick it up. The rental cars usually have dings when you pick it up and you don’t want to be charged for someone else’s accidents.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Yes, great idea.

[@driverfound34]

The first time I went to Ireland I rented a car and they said don't mind the scratches on the passenger side, it's from the bushes. But be careful because there's a rock wall just beneath them. I laughed until I was on one of those country roads and passed a bus. In the bushes I went.

[@markbeames7852]

Did you bring TP?@@driverfound34

[@Sarcastix7]

Can't blame the car rental places for wanting proof of insurance. They've been burned by tourists lying about being insured too many times.

[@Andrew-Comi]

Thank you! These are actual useful tips!! Most travel shows tell you "captain obvious" stuff, but im writing all of these down

[@irishkiwi8337]

Guys love that you liked my hometown Belfast the most, made me homesick. We even had my sisters wedding reception at the titanic hotel

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

We loved it there. Beautiful country, beautiful people.

[@eileencostilow7801]

Take lots of pictures of the rental car in the lot in front of the company rep before you leave. Show them ALL nicks and scratches before you leave (both times raining but did a major inspection of the whole car). Then you will have proof of any previous damage when you check the car back in and not get blamed for it. Before our first trip to Ireland, I did a great deal of research and read about car rental fraud, so both times going to Ireland we bought all of the rental insurance. We flew into Dublin and stayed downtown. Love Dublin. This last visit (2019) we booked two day tours which were so worth it. The first was a long day to Northern Ireland. We did the Black Taxi tour in Belfast, road passed Dunluce Castle, then spent a while at the Giants Causeway, then went to the Carrick-a-Rede Bridge. The next day the tour went to Howth Village, then Newgrange (got to go inside of it), lunch at a tiny hotel, then the Hill of Tara. One tip is to visit the Cliffs of Mohr around 6 p.m. or later in spring/summer. The setting sun from the west shines onto the cliffs and seems to light them up. Beautiful and no crowds at all. Visit the lesser known spots like Craggaunowen, Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetary, Quinn Abbey, the Burren, see Benbulben, Dunguaire Castle, Glencar Waterfall, climb Croagh Patrick (the Holy Mountain). Don't miss taking the ferry out to one of the Aran Islands (on the way back it cruises over to the Cliffs of Mohr). Flying out of Shannon Airport was surprisingly so easy compared to Dublin. Can't wait to go back to Ireland. Thank you for this video.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks for the comments and good advice!

[@prestodc1]

As an Irish person, I can say that this video actually offers the most helpful advice for visiting Ireland. A lot of videos say 'Rent a Car!' but don't talk about the practicality of it/ the difficulty you had - so this is something a well-meaning visitor should certainly be aware of! Being from Ireland, I had no idea about this, but (again being from Ireland) it seems absurd that you would just 'take someone's word for it' when it comes to something as serious as insurance (but this is just a cultural difference, and a good example of it!). I would believe that this is not only standard practice in Ireland, but also in the UK (and most of Europe). In relation to your comment on 'fraud', I think you might have just slightly erred here. A lot of (mainly North American) tourists get into accidents on the small country roads in the west of Ireland, so I think this might be a US insurer's cause of concern rather than 'fraud' (there is certainly a lot of fraud in Ireland but, like everywhere else, it is more related to credit/debit card fraud. If there is insurance fraud, it is at a personal level - someone burning out their own car/house for the insurance, etc., again, like everywhere else...). This aside, thanks for your video, and for your nice words about my country, and I really hope your negative experiences didn't put you off the wonders of visiting Ireland! xxx

[@prestodc1]

Also, FYI - Shannon Airport in the southwest is MUCH closer to Dingle and is an international/transatlantic airport! You can also rent a car there and leave it in Dublin airport or vice-versa.

[@TheKidonthemountain]

@@prestodc1 My wife and I always use Shannon airport from the US. It is a breeze to get through. Also, if renting a car there, you won't be adapting to driving on the left while dealing with Dublin's fast, congested roads and multiple roundabouts. Dublin is worth visiting once, but if like most travelers, your focus is on the west coast of Ireland, it doesn't make sense not to use Shannon Airport.

[@kevinwhelan9574]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXuwl558fK2GmJI

[@chelseawade4105]

This was really helpful!!!! Thank you!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

You are welcome!

[@ediedarleneedgmon5301]

Excellent tips!!! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@barryshannahan5988]

When we next go (in October), we are taking the train to Galway, where we’ll pick up our rental, returning it to Dublin airport (cost an extra $100) the day before our return flight. The Chase Freedom card covers the insurance if you use that card. Be sure to call the 800 number on the back of the card prior to your trip to have them supply you with a letter of coverage.

[@donovanfoto3263]

I was there one year ago. I first went to Ireland in 1979. It is a COMPLETELY different country. I have always had a FANTASTIC time. Most places are available with public transit. I did have difficulty getting to Port Magee/Skellig Michael and the Gaeltacht in County Cork. I was in the Gaeltacht in Galway, which was really fun. I never had a problem with security, but the COVID Testing took forever. I was one of the LAST flights to get the testing. Hanna at Aer Lingus did a fantastic job, making sure I got on my plane, taking me all the way to the gate. Go raibh maith agat Hanna .

[@hellototheworld]

I got taken to secondary inspection in Dublin because I had a snow globe and didn't declare the liquid hahaah the driving thing was fine as we drive on the left in Australia

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Ah easier for you then!

[@gerryward9627]

Actually, the best car to rent is a stick shift, because the gear stick is on your left and it helps keep you focused on driving on the left.

[@sarahann530]

Just like London , New York ,Paris or most cities a car is not needed in Dublin . On a roundabout if you are in the wrong lane go around again , simple !

[@richardryan3296]

Y'all are adorable. Thanks for the info.

[@beauxmcduffie3945]

Thank you so much. We are planning Ireland in Nov. This has helped so much!!!

[@barryshannahan5988]

The driving: here’s a tip---just like in the states, the driver’s side is always closest to the center line. Hope that helps.

[@edgeofwest5741]

😂 Checking the weather in Ierland, good luck with that one 👍

[@edgeofwest5741]

If you're only going to Dublin for a day or two. Fly into Shannon see the wild Atlantic and then go to the south, north or east and then Dublin. There is also US immigration in Shannon Airport and far more relaxed than Dublin Airport

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks for the tips

[@ShIUToDd12]

Great Video! Trank you for Sharing :)

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks for watching!

[@barnes307]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@HeatherB81]

Thank you for the great advice!! I just found your channel, because I am starting to research for our trip in May of 2025… would love to see a video on what you would suggest for a 10-15 day itinerary in Ireland! ❤

[@jgog59]

Wow that’s interesting leaving from Dublin that’s never been my experience

[@Harcix]

About the car rental and your credit card insurance. The companies require written proof AND it must say, that its valid in Ireland specifically

[@kimfleming8097]

Thank you for this video! Helped e decide -- I will not rent a car during my visit. I know it's the best way to see the country, but I will pass.

[@irishphotoexplorer6803]

Driving on the left side is something you should practice before coming and using a gear stick..You can self simulate at home as it's quite daunting for foreign tourists. The roads are quite small in the country, don't take chances. Roads can be very undulating and twisty..Prepare for torrential rain and pull over. We know tourist cars by the reg and year of plate and your driving. Some will be kind and respectful while some may not via blowing the horn. Immerse yourself in the Irish language and just use tourist books as a reference. Find your own journey and experience. Don't do too much in short time.. Quality over Quantity... Keep safe

[@wandasetzer1469]

In theory, a roundabout shouldn't be hard to manage, but I've never been in one. I look forward to having a chance at some point.

[@OohWeCanEatCereal]

The insurance info is definitely helpful! Not flying into Dublin though, Shannon or Cork. Would love Donegal but it's too pricey. Nice to hear ATL though! HSV here. Lucky you two got to go before all the restrictions

[@sav7568]

These guys are right, the car rental industry in Ireland is absolute highway robbery. Unfortunately there is no way around it because the local transport is so bad. The only transport that works really well is the bus from Dublin to Cork which runs every hour and starts right inside the airport. Be sure to rent the smallest car you can fit into because those roads really are narrow and renting an SUV is justplain dumb.

[@bellkristi]

Chase credit card covers car rental in Ireland. when I went back to the US leaving Dublin, you went through customs there - not in the US which was a LOT faster than otherwise, whoch is how it is coming back from other countries I've been to.

[@Aspire-23]

I rented a car in Detroit and Budget required their insurance because I was driving into Canada. Normally just in U.S. i use my regular car insurance.

[@galoglaich3281]

You can check the weather ,but only a weather warning should put you off going to that attraction its just too unpredictable normally you have four seasons in the one day.The weather forecasts are based in dublin so they don't always account for local conditions.

[@donovanfoto3263]

I am IN Ireland now and not able to rent a car, because of BREXIT and COVID. It has hampered my plans immensely. I had planned this three years ago. The travel company advised me of the problem one week before the trip. I tried on my own as well TWICE.

[@hellototheworld]

Australia also forces you to pay the rental company insurance

[@Nature_with_Peter_Kane]

If you're a Canadian resident get the CIBC visa card and you have automatic insurance coverage for the rental car. Just ask them for a letter to certify the country you're travelling too and used the card to pay for the rental fees. And you're all set.

[@patriotsedge6730]

Thanks for the info. We're planning on going in May. Hitting up our travel agent likely next week to get everything planned.

[@adriantoye]

A few more tips... Dont say 'top of the morning' because nobody in Ireland says it. Get out of the big cities and visit the small towns and villages in Ireland. Donegal and Sligo for example are amazing places to visit. The mountains and beaches are spectacular up there. The food here is amazing, we don't just eat potatoes. Irish people are friendly so don't be afraid to ask us questions. Finally Ireland loves visitors so come on over!

[@beauxmcduffie3945]

I'm planning to be there in Nov. My 14 year old son picked Ireland for us to visit. This video has made me very excited!!!

[@adriantoye]

@@beauxmcduffie3945 i hope you have an amazing time

[@keithrichard8550]

Wat time of year did u go and in Ireland we have strict insurance rules in regards to driving in Ireland and it is extremely expensive but the more years u have with an insurance company the less u pay providing u have no claims but I do agree that if ur on holiday here and can prove it their should be an easier way

[@PoisonPenArts]

What is the castle that shows when I do a search but before I click on your video please.

[@BriCanavan]

Rock of Cashel

[@jerrybarnes6611]

Biggest mistake people make is trying to see too much in a short space of time. You can easily spend a week to 10 days in Dublin - so much to see, wonderful theatre, all kinds of music, fantastic museums and art galleries and great food. Lots off great day trips available from Dublin. The other regions all deserve at least a week each. Even small towns have great museums and other places of interest not mentioned here. And sport - Gaelic games, soccer, rugby, best hiking in the world, fantastic greenways for cycling; amazing river and canal trips, fishing and of course golf! And no mention here of visiting any of the amazing islands. And no mention made of the amazing festivals of all types in every corner of Ireland, specially in the summer - traditional music, dance, jazz, classical. Amazing literary festivals, talks, lectures and workshops. DO YOUR RESEARCH! You DO NOT have to fly into Dublin, especially if coming from other places in Europe. You can fly into Shannon from the US. You can easily start you trip from Cork, Shannon (Limerick) , Knock, Derry, Belfast all which have international connections. The delay with security in Dublin is due to the fact that flying to the US from Dublin or Shannon you first have to clear US Immigration. The advantage is that you save time on your arrival home as you return to the US as if on a domestic flight. Please educate yourself on cultural faux pas, people in Ireland do not see NI as "another country". Since this blog, laws have been passed to reduce the number of fraudulent insurance claims ( 50% reduction so far) so rates should fall eventually. Due to Brexit the laws have changed regarding taking your car from the Republic in NI. Driving in border counties the roads meander back and forth across the border and it can be difficult to know exactly which jurisdiction you are in.

[@angelicagarciasaavedra9515]

I read somewhere that you needed additional documents to go to Northern Ireland because it's a different country all together??

[@CristineBaloaloa]

Nice conversation of couple sister, newfriend here, done everything for you

[@1artistvocalist]

Thank you! I am going alone in October and after hearing your video I decided not to even get a rental car. I am going to look for some sort of rail or bus tour all inclusive. I want to stay for 2 weeks. I heard a lot of tourists have accidents driving those tiny roads and that is scary!

[@keithrichard8550]

U will find things are cheaper the further away from Dublin ya go

[@galoglaich3281]

i noticed you mentioned galway as being a disappointment.The thing is our cities are not very interesting with ,galway to me is a staging post for connemara to the west ,aran islands and the cliffs of moher to the south.It has a good arts and theatre scene,but apart from that and the nightlife its not great.

[@maikfalke3570]

Music is too loud ☺️

[@keithrichard8550]

Our government are money mad I do think that if ur an out of state visitor their should be alot more leeway in regards to toll fees and things like that

[@keithrichard8550]

I agree with u in regards to our customs would u prefer no one was checked or everyone checked me personally everyone should be checked and then we all know we are safe yall have saying for us in America to be sure to be sure 🤣

[@marti2474]

So sorry everything wasn't perfect for you in Ireland. I have a friend at the met office and I'll see if he can do something about the weather if you come here again. Feel free to drive on the right, but your hire car insurance probably won't cover that, unfortunately for you, we've been driving on the left forever and we can't make an exception. We'll try to make our road signs larger so you'll know where the tolls are. Sat nav will alert you but obviously not loud enough. Rounabouts are very simple to understand just needing a little logic, just like exiting a freeway, be in the right lane. The airport security adheres to international rule/laws to make your journey safe and if you're advised to allow more Tim you should heed it. Sometime it's quiet at the airport and sometimes it's busy.

[@MrStoneyburke]

It's obvious these 2 are not used to travelling outside USA because any normal person would have had their Homework done in advance.

[@barbb]

The background music is annoying. Good points otherwise.

[@troyhayder6986]

Leave the house not that your allowed to anyway... Your not even allowed into the kitchen... Don't bother breathing either...

[@ivanlynch2504]

I live in ireland and I NEVER heard of this insurance requirement regarding car hire and it would be illegal for a car hire company to "force" you to buy their insurance. What you're saying is outrageous and untrue. I rent cars frequently here and insurance is always included in the initial price, however you might be talking about the "excess" or gap wherein you would have to pay for the first few hundred Euros of damage in the case of an accident. If you wish to avoid this you can pay extra for "collision damage waver" cover but this is NOT obligatory. I stopped watching your video after this glaring lie as you obviously cannot be trusted and don't know what you're talking about. Shame on you to spreading false information.

[@cahilla54]

The reason the airport security is so strict is more than likely due to the troubles and problem of the threat of sectarianism and terrorism. An aftermath of the bombings situation no more than 30-50 years ago

[@BriCanavan]

I fly out of Dublin airport 6 times a month. When i get to security i have my liquids and electronics out, belt off, put everything through and never get stopped. Usually from arrival at airport to waiting at the gate is 30mins. It's very quick compared to most airports

[@jgog59]

It’s not due to the troubles it’s normal security for god sakes Dubliners know faster or quicker than NYC.

[@ivanlynch2504]

That's crap. It's to do with Muslim terrorism and their attempts to blow up aeroplanes.

[@adityakusumayanti4999]

Tidak mengerti ....yang jelas semua keluarga saya di pleset pleset untuk di cari cari kesalahan .........hp keluarga saya .di intip tukang pitnah ........

[@mexicanbeautyqueen7988]

And the French take tourism for granted

[@keithrichard8550]

Over driving!?🤣 u are from America ur housing estates are nearly the size of our country haha

[@Mynameismurph]

The airport is like that because of the threat of the IRA. A lot different from other airports in the world. So the security makes sense

[@Mynameismurph]

@@zuppymac subscribe to my page for more ! Thanks for the support!

[@ivanlynch2504]

No its not. The IRA don't exist anymore, or maybe you didn't know that? . Security at Irish airports is the same you'd find in any international airport. I've travelled extensively and some airports are even more strict, but Dublin is about average.

[@Mynameismurph]

Thanks for the follow! You won’t be disappointed!

[@Mynameismurph]

@@zuppymac I appreciate the subscribe. I’ll be putting out more content starting next week! Where are you from? I have followers all over! Much appreciated!

[@RoyCousins]

I've heard that the delays at Dublin Airport for US bound passengers are for mandatory "US Preclearance" by the US Customs and Border Agency. This means that on arrival in the US, passengers will be treated the same as for domestic arrivals, avoiding immigration checks.