Ireland Travel Tips: 52 Tips for Wheelchair Users and First Time Visitors
Have you ever dreamt of visiting Ireland? On my trip there in October 2013. I had an amazing time and produced some Ireland travel tips for other people with mobility issues that are thinking about visiting the “Emerald Isle.” Here are my tips for visiting accessible Ireland.
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Ireland Travel Tips: Things to Know When Traveling to Ireland
1. Northern Ireland is Different than the Republic of Ireland
Although they are on the same beautiful island, Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom whereas the Republic of Ireland (also just referred to as Ireland) is its own country and part of the EU. Don’t just assume that they are the same. It is also still a touchy subject among residents of both places, so it’s best to only ask questions to tour guides who are prepared to give you information.
2. Currency Can Be Euros or Pounds Sterling
Since Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, they use the same currency which is pounds sterling. In the Republic of Ireland, they use the euro. Be aware of this if you plan to visit both areas.
3. Language Spoken in Ireland
The official language of Ireland is Gaelic. That being said, English is widely spoken in most areas. You shouldn’t have to worry about any language barriers unless you are visiting some of the smaller towns.
It can be helpful to familiarize yourself with a few Gaelic phrases or at least learn some of the common slang used in Ireland.
4. Be Prepared for Swearing in Ireland
Don’t be surprised if you hear a fair amount of cursing or swearing during your visit. The Irish are free in their expressions and it is not uncommon to hear such language.
5. Know the Voltage
Like most European countries, the voltage in Ireland is different from the United States. You can expect 230v and 50 hertz throughout the country. Check your devices to make sure they can handle the difference before your trip. If not, you will need to purchase a converter.
6. Outlet Types May Vary from Your Home Country
Both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland use the same style outlets, type G. This outlet is a triangle shape and has two flat horizontal pins at the top and one vertical flat pin at the bottom. Make sure you bring the appropriate adapter with you so you can charge your devices.
7. Know Your Phone Coverage Options
When visiting Ireland, you’ll want to be able to use your phone’s data to access things like Google Maps. You may also want to be able to have the freedom to make calls to hotels and tour operators or just stay in touch with family back home.
Check with your cell provider to see what international plans or options they have available and compare that cost to buying a local sim card when you arrive to Ireland. Just know that you may need a different sim card for Northern Ireland and that your phone must be unlocked for this option to work.
8. Be Prepared for Unpredictable Weather
The weather can change very quickly in Ireland. You can even experience multiple seasons within the same day. Make sure you bring the appropriate clothing and gear, so you aren’t caught unprepared. Don’t let the weather keep you from exploring and consider it part of the experience when visiting Ireland.
9. Ireland is Safe
Many people wonder whether Ireland is safe to visit, and the answer is yes. However, you should always be aware of your surroundings, and take the same precautions that you would when visiting any city or destination. Keep your money and valuables secure to deter pickpockets and don’t wear expensive and flashy items (like expensive jewelry, watches, or designer purses).
Ireland Travel Tips: Planning Your Trip
10. Start Planning Early for Your Trip
Plan at least a year in advance so you can start monitoring airfare and secure accessible accommodations. This is especially true if you plan to travel during the peak tourist season (which for Ireland is in the summer). Planning early can help you score better prices and have more choice in cars, hotels, and tours.
11. Choose the Right Time to Travel
Many people wonder when the best time to travel to Ireland is. That largely depends on what your goals are. If you want to spend less money, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of April, May, October, and November. If you want warmer temperatures, you’ll want to travel in summer.
Some people don’t have a lot of choice in choosing their vacation dates due to work or school schedules and are happy to travel whenever they can. Just be aware that if you travel to Ireland in the winter months, there may be some areas that aren’t open, or they will have limited hours due to it being the low season.
12. Know Your Airport Options
The most popular airports for arriving and departing Ireland are Dublin Airport (DUB) on the east side of the country and Shannon Airport (SNN) on the west side. However, there are additional airports that you can consider, such as Belfast (BFS), and other more regional airports located in Kerry, Cork, Waterford, and Donegal.
13. Cruises Only Offer a Glimpse of Ireland
Normally, I am a fan of cruising as it is a great and accessible way of touring. When it comes to Ireland, however, it is not the way I recommend visiting the country. You will be extremely limited to where the cruise ship docks, and you won’t have nearly enough time to explore that area.
In addition, since most cruises do not offer overnight stops in Ireland, you’d also be missing one of the best parts of the country… the music!
If you do plan to cruise to Ireland, just know that it will have its drawbacks and you’ll only get a glimpse of what this fantastic place has to offer. It can, however, give you an idea of the areas you’d like to visit more so you know the towns to add to your itinerary when you do a land tour here.
14. Plan to Spend at Least a Week in Ireland
Another common question is how long should I spend in Ireland? At the very least, you should plan to spend a week in Ireland. Just know that you will never see everything in a week, and you should plan another visit to explore more.
I spent ten days touring the Republic of Ireland and still had more things I wanted to see. However, it was a good amount of time to experience the main highlights of the country. While it was fast paced, I was happy with my trip.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to spend any time in Northern Ireland and hope to go back to experience the area. For more information on what I did get to see and do, as well as how accessible it was, make sure to read this post.
15. How to Find Accessible Hotels in Ireland
Finding accessible lodging can be a real challenge as many hotels do not have the option to book an accessible room online. Most don’t even show pictures of the accessible rooms or facilities. In addition, many B&B’s are not wheelchair accessible.
Your best bet will be to use a hotel booking site to get an idea of which hotels claim to offer wheelchair access, then contact the hotel directly for photos and to book a specific room.
Keep in mind that there are currently no international accessibility standards and that each country may have their own rules and guidelines (if they have any at all). Therefore, having pictures of the rooms they claim to be accessible is critical in determining whether they will fit your needs.
16. Decide Whether to Rent a Vehicle vs Doing a Tour
Renting a vehicle will give you freedom to go where you want, when you want, but requires you to drive yourself. Ask yourself whether you feel comfortable driving on the left side of the road in a place that is unfamiliar. Other things to consider are that the roads can be very narrow at times with other potential hazards or roadblocks.
Where to Rent an Accessible Vehicle
There are very few options for renting a fully accessible vehicle in Ireland. One of the largest companies offering this service is Motability Ireland. I have not personally used them, but it is an option to investigate if you wish to rent a vehicle.
Group vs Private Tours
Tours, on the other hand, can take the stress out of driving. Depending on the tour you take, you may or may not have a say in where it stops, how long you have to spend there and the level of accessibility. Typically, you can choose between group or private tours.
Group Tours
If you are looking at group tours that will take care of your entire trip, your options will be limited depending on your accessibility needs. There are large group tours readily available, but they usually take place on large motor coaches that do not have wheelchair lifts. If you can manage to climb the steps, this may be an option for you.
One accessible company that I know of that offers small group tours to Ireland is Limitless Travel. While I have not personally used them yet, they have come recommended from others.
On the other hand, if you are looking at day tours, there may be more options available. This would allow you to choose your own lodgings while having the benefits of a guide to specific attractions and locations.
Accessible Day Tours in Ireland
Dublin:
From Dublin: Howth Coastal Half-Day Bus Tour with Live Guide
Game of Thrones Studio Tour with Transfer
Full-Day Tour to Cork, Cobh and Blarney Castle
Connemara and Galway Bay Day Tour
Private Tours
Private tours allow you more flexibility in where you go, how long you spend there and allow you to go at a pace that is comfortable to you. This freedom comes at a cost however, as private tours can be costly. It can also be difficult to find an accessible company that can meet your needs.
I am currently working with Altogether Travel, an accessible company, to plan a future trip to Northern Ireland. While I am still in the planning stages and have not gone on the trip yet, so far, they have been a pleasure to work with.
17. Budget for Your Trip
While traveling to Ireland is not cheap, it also doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Unfortunately, accessible travel costs more than traditional travel so you should keep that in mind when producing your budget.
How Much Does a Trip to Ireland Cost?
If you can take part in a large group tour, most of which include lodging, transportation, entrance fees and some meals, plan on spending between $2,000-$3,000 per person. A private tour will cost significantly more and will depend on the length of your visit as well as other factors. However, you can expect to spend about $5,000 – $10,000 on this option.
If you are willing to do a fully independent trip to Ireland, you’ll need to factor in costs of hotels, gas, rental car, entrance fees, and meals. Below is a chart with average costs to give you an idea of what you may spend. Costs are listed per person and are average prices.
| Expense | Cost |
| Airfare | $600-$900 |
| Hotels | $100-$300/night |
| Rental Car | $40/day |
| Gas | $4.78/gallon |
| Meals | 32 euro/day |
| Entrance Fees | 15 euro/day |
Ways to Save Money on Your Trip to Ireland
- Be flexible in your travel dates so you can take advantage of deals found on Skyscanner. Skyscanner allows you to search for flights based on the cheapest month.
- Travel in the shoulder seasons (April, May, October, and November). Both flights and hotels tend to cost less during this season.
- When using your credit card, tell the restaurant or shop that you want it charged in the local currency. This allows your company to get the best conversion rates.
- Consider purchasing a city card, which includes admission to multiple attractions and can save you money.
- The tap water in Ireland is drinkable, so there’s no need to spend money on bottled water.
18. Know Whether You Need a VISA
If you are a citizen of the United States, Canada, or are from a country within the European Union, a visa is not required. If you are traveling from another country not mentioned above, you should check to see the specific requirements based on the country which you reside. More information on the countries that require a visa to enter Ireland can be found here.
19. Choose Between Planning Your Own Trip or Using a Travel Agent
If the idea of planning your own trip to Ireland gives you a headache just thinking about trying to coordinate everything, consider using an accessible travel agent to help you. Accessible travel agents and agencies are experienced in knowing what people with mobility problems need and can understand your concerns. Many will have knowledge on the best places to stay, how to get around Ireland and what activities would work best based on your abilities.
I mentioned a few options earlier, such as Altogether Travel. Disabled Accessible Travel may also be a valuable resource.
If you do decide to take on the task of planning your trip to Ireland, make sure to sign up for my free newsletter to get your trip planning template! This will help you keep organized and take you through the steps needed to make sure you have a fantastic trip.
Ireland Travel Tips: Making Your Itinerary
20. Research Your Genealogy for a Personal Experience
If you want to retrace the steps of your ancestors, consider doing some research to see where in Ireland your family is from. This way you can add those towns or villages to your itinerary and make your trip special and unique. If you aren’t sure whether your Irish, you can also take a DNA test to see if you have any Irish blood in you.
21. Choose to Visit either Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland
Depending on how much time you have for your trip, you most likely won’t have time to see both parts of Ireland. Choosing either Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland will help you to focus your efforts on one area. It’s also a great excuse to come back to Ireland again!
The Republic of Ireland is where many tour groups focus on. Highlights of this area include Dublin, the Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, and Newgrange. Northern Ireland also has plenty to see, and its significant areas include Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, the Coast of Antrim, Donegal, Connemara, and much more.
22. Consider Starting and Ending in Separate Locations
To make the most out of your time in Ireland, you can start and end in separate locations. This will prevent you having to backtrack to get to the place you started from. For example, many people may start on the East Coast in Dublin and end their trip on the West Coast.
23. Add Day Trips to Your Itinerary
If you don’t want to be constantly moving during your trip, then my Ireland travel tip is to add day trips to your itinerary. You may spend more time driving or in a vehicle to get to your desired destinations, but it will prevent you from having to move to a new hotel each night of your trip. Factor in driving time vs the hassle of moving to decide if it’s worth it for you.
24. Make Sure to Add Some Cultural Sites to Your Itinerary
It would be a shame to visit Ireland and not experience some of its significant cultural sites. Visiting these places is a great way to really experience the country. Make sure to add incredible places like Newgrange, Tara Hill, a black taxi tour in Belfast, Crummlin Gaol, The Irish Emigration Museum, and the Irish Famine Exhibition to your list of places to see.
25. Research Accessibility
If you are not going to Ireland as part of a group or private tour using an accessible travel company, make sure to do your research how accessible the sites are that you wish to visit. Many will have limitations on what wheelchair users can do there, so get an idea of what restrictions there will be, so you know what to expect. I explain the challenges I encountered in the Republic of Ireland in this post.
26. Don’t Rush to “See it All”
One of the best things about visiting Ireland is a slower pace where you can immerse yourself in new surroundings and experiences. Slow down and allow yourself to take everything in. Rushing to see everything doesn’t allow yourself to truly experience it.
It’s also going to be impossible to see all of Ireland in one trip, so don’t try to. Just use it as a reason to come back again.
Ireland Travel Tips for First Time Visitors
27. Be Friendly!
The people in Ireland are very friendly and it is common for them to give you a casual greeting as you pass on the street etc. Be prepared to smile, say hello, and follow their lead in greeting people. Depending on where you are from, this may or may not seem natural for you to do, however, it can be seen as rude if you do not reply with a smile or a “hello” when greeted.
28. Remember Your Manners
The Irish are also very polite people, and you should remember your manners when visiting. Make sure to say “please” and “thank you” as well as all the other manners you were taught.
29. Credit Cards are Widely Used
It is possible to visit Ireland with very little local currency as credit cards are widely accepted. The most common cards accepted are Visa and Mastercard. American Express is not accepted, so don’t rely on that card when visiting.
30. Have Some Cash on Hand for Small Purchases
Even though credit cards are used almost everywhere, it is still a good idea to have some small bills and coins available for small purchases and tipping tour guides. You can easily obtain cash at ATM’s, banks and sometimes post offices.
31. Restaurants Close Earlier Than the Rest of Europe
If you’ve traveled to Europe before, you may be used to eating a late dinner. In Ireland, this is not the practice and restaurants close at 9 pm. Cafes can close earlier and typically stop serving food around 5 pm. Be prepared and plan your meals accordingly.
32. Get Travel Insurance
There are two types of insurance I want to talk about here. First, is trip insurance. Travel plans can easily change, and you want to make sure you don’t lose money if something happens, or you need to cancel your trip or return home early. Getting trip insurance will help cover these costs.
Second, is medical insurance. Many insurance companies won’t cover international travel, so make sure that you get insurance for your trip as medical costs can add up quickly. Some trip insurance companies will also provide medical coverage in case of emergencies.
Always read your insurance policies to know what is and isn’t covered. For example, some insurance companies won’t cover pre-existing conditions, and some will.
33. Don’t Just Stay in Dublin
Even if you have just a few short days in Ireland, don’t just stay in Dublin. While the city is nice and has plenty to do, you will miss out on the other things that Ireland has to offer. Take a day trip to the Wicklow Mountains, Newgrange, the Rock of Cashel, Belfast, or longer day trips to the western side of Ireland (like the Cliffs of Moher).
Ireland Travel Tips: Driving in Ireland
34. Be Prepared to Drive on the Left Side of the Road
In both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, drivers drive on the left side of the road. If this is not how you drive at home, it may take some getting used to. Be conscious of this throughout your trip so you don’t mistakenly drive on the wrong side.
This also means when you are crossing a street, make sure you are looking in the correct direction.
35. Know the Speed Limit
There are two different types of measurements for speed used depending on where in Ireland you are. Northern Ireland uses miles per hour as their way of measuring speed whereas the Republic of Ireland uses kilometers. Keep this in mind when driving.
36. Be Familiar with Roundabouts
Roundabouts are widely used in Ireland, so it’s important to know how to use them during your trip. It is important to already know which lane you want to be in before entering the roundabout. Signs should help you navigate.
If you are not comfortable using roundabouts, you may want to consider whether you’ll be comfortable driving in Ireland.
37. Road Signs are in Two Languages
When driving in Ireland, you’ll quickly notice that the road signs are in two languages, Gaelic, and English. Therefore, you shouldn’t have any problems reading the signs and navigating.
38. Driving Can Take Longer than Anticipated
Ireland’s roads can be narrow and winding. As a result, driving times can often take longer than anticipated. Make sure to leave yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. If you are not comfortable going the posted speed limit, slow down and take your time.
39. Parking Isn’t Always Free
Many times, you will need to pay to park either in a city, such as Dublin or when visiting an attraction. Be prepared for this cost and factor it into your budget. You can usually find out the costs by visiting the website of the attraction you want to visit.
40. Gas is Expensive
Like most of Europe, gas isn’t cheap. In addition, the prices you see at the stations will be per liter, not per gallon. Keep this in mind so you don’t get sticker shock when you see the final bill. I’ve listed average prices for gas in Ireland in the budgeting section of this post.
Ireland Travel Tips: Renting a Car in Ireland
41. Check to See if an International Driver’s License is Required
Sometimes you will need an international driver’s license to rent and drive a car in Ireland and sometimes you will not. If you are from the United States, Canada or the European Union, an international license is not required for either country in Ireland.
However, there can be age limits in place by the rental company for those wanting to rent a car. Generally, you should be 24 years and older. Some companies also have a maximum age limit, typically 79 years old. If you are near this age, they may require additional documentation.
Always check your rental car companies’ policies before you arrive to Ireland.
42. Automatic Cars Cost More
If you are unable to drive a standard car, or just prefer an automatic vehicle, prepare to pay more for your rental. Automatic cars are not widely available in Ireland, so you will pay for the privilege of driving one. Weigh the pros and cons and decide if the extra cost is worth it for you.
43. There May Be Additional Fees to Drive to Northern Ireland
If you are planning to take your rental car from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland, check with your rental company to see if there are any restrictions or additional fees involved. Not all companies charge a fee, but make sure you check the policy for your car rental.
44. Be Prepared for Toll Roads
Some roads in Ireland charge tolls to drive on them. Typically, there are no toll booths, and you will have to pay the toll online by the following day. To pay your toll, go to www.eflow.ie. Signs will indicate toll roads.
45. Google Maps Will Help You Navigate
Many people in Ireland prefer using Google Maps over a GPS as they find it more reliable. If you have cell data available to use during your trip, you can skip renting a GPS and use Google Maps instead for driving directions.
Ireland Travel Tips for Wheelchair Users
46. Consider Doing a Small Group or Private Tour vs Driving on Your Own
A tour means less stress. Typically, a tour (especially if it’s with a company that specializes in accessible travel) will book the appropriate accommodations for your needs, have accessible transportation, and know all the accessible routes to the sites you visit. If any problems arise during the trip, they can also help to find appropriate solutions.
On a tour, you will also be able to spend more time taking in the sites than worrying about driving. All of Ireland is beautiful, even if you are driving from one town to another. Besides, you never know what you’ll encounter on Irish roads! A good driver/guide can also give you the unique history of the area and share local folklore.
47. Have Realistic Expectations
While 60% of the major sites in Ireland have some sort of accessibility, remember that many of them are ancient and therefore designated as historic sites. Being historic means there are limitations on how accessible they can be made to preserve their original integrity.
For example, expecting an old castle to be fully or sometimes even partially accessible just isn’t realistic. That being said, Ireland has tons of beauty everywhere you look, so even if you are only able to see the exterior of something, it can still be well worth the visit.
48. Make Sure to Enjoy Some Nightlife!
I am far from being a “party person” but it would be an absolute crime if you didn’t go out to a pub at night at least once during your trip. While I’m not a big drinker (I rarely indulge) the pubs are where the music is. Local music i,. in my opinion, part of the heart of Ireland. The pubs that I went to were very low-key, sometimes with the band playing out of one of the booths vs on a stage.
The best places to go are where the locals go. My favorite experience was when I was on the west coast of Ireland, and we walked into the pub and were greeted by a roaring fire in a fireplace that was almost as big as me (I’m 5’2). The locals were quick to welcome us, and the bartender made amazing drinks.
The band was seated in a booth in front of us and let the music that they played speak to what was in their souls. All the traditional Irish instruments were played, the spoons, fiddle, violin etc. So, if you’re ever in the town of Doolin, make sure to stop by Gus O’Connor’s pub!
49. Get to Know the People and Culture
The people in Ireland are fantastic! They are so friendly and helpful. Make sure, if you get the chance, to speak to the locals and learn about their lives.
I loved meeting the locals, even if it was just in passing. They are very proud of their country and happy to share it with you. From folklore to music, they are happy to engage with you about it all.
I knew my trip to Ireland would be fantastic as soon as I got off the plane and an older man in a golf cart offered to take us from our terminal to the baggage claim (which was quite a distance) and during the ride he serenaded us with a local Irish tune. Sometimes it’s the small things that help to make a trip memorable.
50. Dress in Layers.
We went in October and the days were chilly. There was even one night in Doolin where there were gale force winds. My friends had to help me walk into our B&B as the wind was literally blowing me away! No matter what time of year you go though, the weather can be unpredictable.
It’s always a good idea to bring clothes you can layer so you’re comfortable. And of course, be prepared for rain! Why do you think Ireland is so green???
It gets about 28-29 inches of rain each year and the west coast can sometimes get twice as much rain. The sunniest months are May and June, however even in the peak of temperatures average in the mid to upper 60’s.
51. Bring Your Handicap Parking Tag with You
If you plan to drive during your trip or even if you are in a private tour, make sure to bring your handicap parking tag with you to be able to access parking for the disabled. Even if you are from a different company, there is a universal handicap sign that will let authorities know you require accessible parking.
52. Have fun!
Ireland is a beautiful country, from the scenery to the people and everything in-between. Soak it all up, enjoy it and take it all in. Don’t be so focused on seeing everything or getting from point A to point B that you aren’t fully living in the moment.
Take time to relax and absorb all that this amazing country has to offer. While there will most likely be challenges if you have mobility issues, this trip is worth it. Don’t let the challenges you may face prevent you from experiencing something great.
Ireland Travel Tips: What to Pack
As I mentioned before, the weather can vary throughout your trip. Here are the common items I recommend you pack for your trip to Ireland.
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Raincoat
- Umbrella
- Travel adapter
- Camera
- Layers
- Scotch guard for your shoes
Ireland Travel Tips: Final Thoughts
I hope that this post has prepared you for your trip to Ireland. I know I had a fantastic time, and you will too when you follow my Ireland travel tips. So, go ahead and start planning your trip!
