My kids are headed to Ireland on the 23rd
May 14, 2022, 10:45 am
#16
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: AUS
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Posts: 6,970
While the public transport network is not as comprehensive as it once was it's still vastly better than in the US. They should not attempt to self-drive ("wrong" side of the road, many roads very narrow, insurance very expensive). Between trains and local buses you can get most places around the island easily. They should invest in Visitor LEAP cards when the arrive in Dublin. It will cover the bus from/to the airport as well as transport in and around Dublin. Generally a good value.
Strongly recommend a day trip by bus to Glendalough. Wonderful hiking. Probably best to avoid weekends. Also, trains to Howth and Bray/Greystones for beautiful coastal walks. Both are short train rides out of Dublin.
You'll never convince a 23 year old but the Guinness tour is a waste.
Make sure the credit card supports tapping to pay. That will be helpful in some places. I second the advice to never pay in US $, but you have to be constantly on the alert for it.
Strongly recommend a day trip by bus to Glendalough. Wonderful hiking. Probably best to avoid weekends. Also, trains to Howth and Bray/Greystones for beautiful coastal walks. Both are short train rides out of Dublin.
You'll never convince a 23 year old but the Guinness tour is a waste.
Make sure the credit card supports tapping to pay. That will be helpful in some places. I second the advice to never pay in US $, but you have to be constantly on the alert for it.
May 14, 2022, 11:06 am
#17
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 246
When I was 21, I packed my best clothes in a suitcase and moved from Dublin to Seattle permanently (legally). I'm sure your 23 year olds can handle a trip to Ireland :-) Ireland is easy to navigate, friendly and pretty safe.
Some tips :
They should get out of Dublin absolutely. Driving is best but dangerous for Americans because of the combination of driving on the left, narrow roads and mostly stick shifts. They are unlikely to find anyone who will rent to 23 year olds however. There are all kind of coach tours they can do on or have them take the train to Killarney, the tourist capital of Ireland, and explore from there.
Credit cards are accepted everywhere : Visa and Mastercard are best. Get one with no foreign transaction fees and as others have mentioned, always have the card charged in Euros.
They absolutely will have plenty of opportunities to spend the cash. Everywhere will still accept cash, especially, pubs, convenience stores, transport like local buses etc.
Golf is expensive in Ireland. Dublin is a big city - the courses are all on the outskirts - if he's really a golf connoisseur check out Royal Portnarnock. Green fees are likely to be 200 Euros and up.
Have a great time. Send them off, stop worrying! You'll be less scattered that way :-)
Oh and tell the credit card companies that you are going to Ireland prior to travel.
Some tips :
They should get out of Dublin absolutely. Driving is best but dangerous for Americans because of the combination of driving on the left, narrow roads and mostly stick shifts. They are unlikely to find anyone who will rent to 23 year olds however. There are all kind of coach tours they can do on or have them take the train to Killarney, the tourist capital of Ireland, and explore from there.
Credit cards are accepted everywhere : Visa and Mastercard are best. Get one with no foreign transaction fees and as others have mentioned, always have the card charged in Euros.
They absolutely will have plenty of opportunities to spend the cash. Everywhere will still accept cash, especially, pubs, convenience stores, transport like local buses etc.
Golf is expensive in Ireland. Dublin is a big city - the courses are all on the outskirts - if he's really a golf connoisseur check out Royal Portnarnock. Green fees are likely to be 200 Euros and up.
Have a great time. Send them off, stop worrying! You'll be less scattered that way :-)
Oh and tell the credit card companies that you are going to Ireland prior to travel.
May 14, 2022, 11:47 am
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 641
May 14, 2022, 12:00 pm
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 641
My daughter has been watching tik tock videos. 😃
Last edited by whitewave; May 29, 2022 at 9:14 am