What Not To Do In Ireland: Avoid These Tourists Mistakes in Ireland

What not to do in Ireland

Last updated on January 7th, 2025 at 07:02 am

Ireland has a solid reputation as being a welcoming country and I have found it definitely lives up to the hype. A few fun facts about Ireland: it is easy to navigate, English is the predominant language, it’s a safe place to visit, and the Irish charm is ever-present. This is why Ireland is always on the list of the best places to travel solo. But I’ve seen quite a few tourists, including myself,  make mistakes when visiting Ireland that really put a damper on the trip. So let’s discuss what not to do in Ireland and what to do instead to ensure your trip is nothing but rainbows.

This is the second post in the Ireland Travel Series. Here is the complete 6 part series:

Ireland Travel Series

Ireland Itinerary: Discover the Best of Ireland with this 7 Day Ireland Itinerary without a Car

Ireland Packing Tips: The Only Ireland Packing List You Need for Any Season

Dublin Guide: The Ultimate Guide to 2 Days in Dublin

Ireland Cliff Walks: A Day Trip from Dublin: The Bray to Greystones Walk

The Wild Atlantic Way: Top 3 Day Trips from Galway Ireland

This post contains affiliate links, which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a tiny bit of income if you decide to make a purchase or booking.

 

Ireland travel resources

What Not To Do In Ireland…

Be Drunk All of the Time

Stopping into a pub for a pint or two each day during your time in Ireland is a great way to immerse yourself in Irish pub culture (and Galway city has great pubs to do so). I love popping in to a traditional music session at the end of the day for a pint and some great music. 

However, there really is no need to get drunk every night of your trip. There is more to Ireland than Guinness, like stunning sunsets and parks to cycle through, which you’ll miss if you’re nursing a hangover every day!

sunset on the Salthill Prom in Galway

Complain About the Weather

Did you really go to Ireland expecting warm conditions? I’m sorry, but that’s your bad and no one wants to hear you whine about the rain or the cold. I mean, how do you think this beautiful country got so green? Go to Ireland with the expectation of rain then be pleasantly surprised when you get a good weather day.

Make sure you pack the appropriate clothing and footwear that allows you to embrace the weather. This way you can still get outside to explore the Irish countryside or take coastal walks even in less than ideal weather conditions.

Me with an umbrella in front of Tig Coili

Take Offense at Irish Banter

One of my favorite new sayings I recently learned is “takin’ the piss”. Which basically means someone is poking fun at you in a lighthearted way. And there is no group of people better at this than the Irish. They have a great sense of humor and use of sarcasm. Don’t be afraid to dish it back to them, but keep it kind and friendly and you’ll win them over.

me on a path with rolling green hills in Northern Ireland

Bring Up the War(s)

It is a very good idea to do to familiarize yourself with Irish history and the reasons for and long term effects of the War for Independence the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland remains part of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland is its own country. 

I knew of this before my first trip to Ireland, but I’ve since started to learn more about it and just how recent this history is. I recommend reading or watching Say Nothing. It does a great job of telling the story of the Troubles and can provide a better understanding of current politics in Ireland.

However, there is no need to bring it up as a topic of discussion amongst people that you don’t know their stance on it!

Order an Irish Car Bomb

I mean, who even came up with the name for this drink. And does anyone actually like it? It’s a disgusting drink and an even more disgusting cultural insensitivity. Car bombs in Ireland were a major reality for many years and ordering one in a pub is a sure fire way to get kicked out, at the very least.

Order a Black and Tan

While we are on the subject of terrible names for drinks, let’s discuss the black and tan. You may think it’s innocent because the layer of Guinness is black over the layer of a tan-colored beer. But it’s actually a reference to the British forces fighting against the Irish in their War for Independence. So don’t order it, instead order a half and half or just get a normal freakin’ beer.

Interior of Tig Neachtain pub in Galway Ireland

Stay in Dublin

Yes, you should see Dublin. Ireland’s capital city is full of rich history and fun things to do. But honestly, one or two days in Dublin is enough. It’s a very European city which is great for diversity and the food scene, but it does not feel like you’re in Ireland when in Dublin. 

So enjoy the city for a day. See the famous Temple Bar, have your first pint at the Guinness Storehouse, or visit the Book of Kells, then get out into the rest of the country. Small towns is where you’ll get to really see Irish culture and maybe even hear the Irish language. If you’re short on time for your trip to Ireland, then base yourself in Dublin and take day trips to Howth, Bray, or Wicklow.

Pretty Dublin Street

Look Left and then Right

If you’re coming from the states or somewhere that you drive on the right side of the road, get used to looking in the opposite direction when crossing the streets. In Ireland, they drive on the left side of the road. Thank God Dublin has this painted on the sidewalks and signs posted everywhere so tourists don’t make a fatal mistake! Remember to look right then left!

If you’re renting a car in Ireland, this will take a bit to get used to, but you’ll get the hang of it!

Only Visit Ireland During the Summer Months

Fun fact, I’ve visited Ireland 8 times, not once during peak tourist season which is the summer months from June to August. In fact, my favorite time of the year to visit Ireland is in October. Many tourists have gone home which means most of the great places to visit, like the Cliffs of Moher, which are typically packed, are way less crowded.

The weather this time of the year is also really nice and you get to see the fall colors in the countryside!

Horse and Buggy in Killarney National Park, Ireland

Don’t Complain about Irish Food

I just got back from a trip to Ireland where I had some of the best meals in a while! I had a delicious dinner in a Japanese restaurant in Sligo, Galway has some of my favorite brunch spots, and Dublin is filled with international cuisines.

That being said, there is nothing like a Sunday roast in a local pub or a hearty stew after a rainy day of exploring Ireland. Lean in to all of the cuisines you’ll find in Ireland and you’ll be eating well!

Skip Out on Buying a Round of drinks

So you’ve made some new friends in Ireland – that’s great! You may think they’re extra awesome because they keep buying everyone rounds of drinks. This is just the custom and the next round is on you!

Don’t Assume Every Irish Person Drinks

While we are on the topic of drinking, just because pub culture is alive and well in Ireland, that certainly does not mean that every Irish person you encounter drinks. Avoid making assumptions or pressuring anyone to join you for a pint.

Glasses of Guinness in a bar

Use Stereotypical “Irish Sayings”

No one says “top o’ the mornin’ to ya”. No one. Don’t be that guy. Just be a normal human being and say good morning. Faking an Irish accent and trying to use an antiquated saying is no way to impress or make friends with the Irish. 

Look Confused When Someone Says “craic”

I’ll make one exception for Irish sayings and this is one of them. Craic, which sounds like crack, is the Irish word for a good time. So you’ll often hear reference to craic after a night out, to a good music session, or a generally fun day. You’ll hear this mostly on the west side of Ireland, especially after a night in one of Galway’s best pubs, which is always “good craic”.

Don’t Treat Irish as a Dead Language

All that being said, Irish (Gaelic) is a living language, and many signs are bilingual. I’ve noticed it’s actually having a resurgence with younger Irish people incorporating it into their daily lives. Appreciating its presence and asking how to pronounce words shows respect for Ireland’s culture and heritage.

Busker on the streets of Galway

Stress About Timing

The Irish are notoriously late. So if you’re planning to meet up with new Irish friends, they will show up – they just might be a few minutes late. It’s not a slight to you, it’s just how it is. That being said, if you’re trying to catch a bus or any sort of transportation, be on time, because those tend to run on schedule.

Me on the Howth cliff walk

Avoid Locals

The Irish are amazing storytellers, jokesters, and good at making you feel welcome. I can’t tell you how many times I walked into a pub in Galway solo and was welcomed into a conversation with a group of locals that made me feel as if I’d known them forever. They’ll probably even try to convince you to move to Ireland….which if you can figure out how as someone who doesn’t qualify for most of the visas – let me know!

horse on the Aran Islands

Tip

Coming from a tipping culture this took a while to get used to and I even cringe writing a suggestion to not tip. Tips are not required when dining out in Ireland like they are in the states. But if you feel the urge to tip, 10% is sufficient.

Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge in Northern Ireland

Overschedule Yourself

My first time in Ireland I booked a day tour or made sightseeing plans every day which meant I missed out on the spontaneous moments with new friends. I was so focused on seeing all of the beautiful places in Ireland that I didn’t take the chance to just soak it all in. I had amazing Airbnb hosts in Galway who I missed out getting to know better and even left towns I loved for towns I didn’t mesh with that well just to stick to my schedule. 

You won’t be able to see the whole country in one week! This trip is yours, leave space to adjust the itinerary and seek out experiences that will fill you up. Let the rest go, you will likely want to come back to Ireland anyway.

Me in a cafe in Galway looking out of a window

Pay ATM Fees or Have Your AMEX Declined

Once again, that first trip to Ireland I was such a newbie solo traveler I had no idea what I was doing. Thankfully, I was smart enough to travel with travek credit cards (Capital One and Chase Sapphire) that didn’t charge any foreign transaction fees, but I did receive plenty of fees at the ATMs.

I traveled with my Chase ATM card so not only did I get a fee for using a non-Chase ATM, but I also got hit with foreign transaction fees. Paying my money to access my money is not fun.

Now I travel with Charles Schwab ATM card and they reimburse all of the fees I accrue when using ATMs.

In recent years I’ve noticed that many places in Ireland have tap to pay so you don’t really need that much cash on hand. 

Also, American Express is not widely accepted, so it’s best to travel with Visa or Mastercard.

Orange bus with a sign for tea and coffee

Visit Belfast as a Day Trip from Dublin

This goes back to overscheduling yourself. Don’t try to jam an entire city and it’s stunning countryside into a day trip. Northern Ireland is beautiful and deserves more than a day of exploring!

It takes two hours to get to Belfast from Dublin, which means you’ll be spending four hours on a bus in one day. And you’ll likely want to explore Belfast a bit and then head to the Giants Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. 

Save yourself some time on the bus and take the rush out of your trip by spending the night in Belfast. Use the first day to explore Belfast, the second day to visit the Giant’s Causeway and then return to Dublin or continue on your road trip to County Donegal.

The Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland

Skip the Islands

Visiting one of the many Irish islands is one of the best things you can do while in Ireland.  Perhaps the two most famous are the Skellig Islands and the Aran Islands. I personally haven’t made it to the Skellig Islands yet, only heard that they’re amazing, firmly planting them on my Ireland bucket list for the next trip. I have however been to two of the three Aran Islands and can’t sing their praises enough. It’s like stepping back in time, the scenery is dramatic, and of course, the people are fantastic.

​​Don’t Forget to Respect the Landscape

Whether you’re exploring the Cliffs of Moher or hiking in Connemara, remember to leave no trace. Protecting Ireland’s natural beauty ensures it remains pristine for future generations.

Inisheer Island - the Smallest of the Aran Islands

Absolutely Rent a Car

Road tripping around Ireland is still on my bucket list. I keep telling myself I’ll rent a car on the next trip, but then the next trip comes and I chicken out. So I’ve traveled around Ireland on each of my three previous trips using public transportation. I’ve never felt slighted or like my experience in Ireland was lacking because I didn’t have a car. I’ve been able to see all of the hot spots as well as a few off hidden gems without a car! 

Driving in Ireland means navigating narrow roads and remembering to drive on the left. Familiarize yourself with local laws, and if you’re not confident, know that you can see a lot of Ireland without rental cars.

If you do plan to do an Irish road trip, book your rental car here.

Rely on Uber

Uber does exist in Ireland, but not in the same way as the United States. Uber drivers are not allowed to operate private cars, which means that when you “call an Uber” a taxi will show up as your ride. As such the Uber app is not the preferred method of transportation. Instead, download the app called Free Now (formerly My Taxi). This app will connect you with a taxi and you pay via the app. This app is what locals told me they use and hostels recommended I use over Uber.

Ride a bike instead?

There you have it, the common mistakes tourists make when visiting Ireland. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll not only have a smoother trip but also show respect for the country and its culture. Embrace the slower pace, cherish the moments, and immerse yourself in the unique charm of the Emerald Isle. With these tips in mind, your Irish adventure is sure to be unforgettable.

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25 Big Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Ireland
25 Big Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to Ireland
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