Traveling to Ireland can be a wonderful experience, filled with stunning landscapes, rich history, and friendly locals. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:

1. Weather Preparation:
   
   
   
   • Ireland's weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy, comfortable shoes for walking. Ireland is a temperate climate so the temps don't typically get below 40 degrees or above 80 degrees. I wore tennis shoes for walking around bigger cities like Dublin but my rainboots were perfect for outside of Dublin in the smaller country towns.
   
   
   
   


2. Currency:
   
   
   
   • The currency in Ireland is the Euro (€). The currency in Northern Ireland is pound sterling (£). It's advisable to have some cash on hand for small purchases, but credit cards are widely accepted. If using a credit card, make sure your credit card does not charge any foreign transaction fees. You can find ATM's at the airport upon arrival but the fees are more expensive than just picking them up from your local bank. I recommend checking with your bank to see if they offer currency exchanges. If they do, plan to do this 2-3 weeks prior to your trip.
   
   
   
   


3. Driving:
   
   
   
   • If you plan to rent a car and drive, please keep these in mind. They drive on the left hand side of the road, the driver's seat is on the right hand side of the car, the roads are very narrow, and you will need to familiarize yourself with the road signs and rules before hitting the road. It is HIGHLY recommended that you get insurance through the car rental company.
   
   
   • If you do not feel comfortable with the idea of trying to learn to drive in Ireland you can pay for a day tour with a tour company. The tour company will arrange transportation for you and will even share lots of great history as you start your journey to the sites of your choice (this all depends on which tour you book).
   
   
   
   


4. Public Transportation:
   
   
   
   • Ireland has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and taxis. For the taxis, you can download an app called FREENOW. This is basically their version of  Uber. The app accepts credit cards so no cash is needed to use FREENOW.
   
   
   
   


5. Accommodations:
   
   
   
   • Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Ireland offers a range of options from cozy B&Bs to luxurious hotels. If you are booking a package with a tour company that specializes in group tours the accommodations are included in the price of the package.
   
   
   
   


6. Packing:
   
   
   
   • Pack a universal adapter for your electronic devices, as Ireland uses a different type of electrical outlet. If your devices are not dual voltage (ex: shavers/hair dryer) you will need a voltage converter because U.S uses a 110 volt and Ireland uses a 220 volt.
   
   
   
   


7. Local Cuisine:
   
   
   
   • Try traditional Irish dishes like Irish stew, seafood chowder, and soda bread. Don't forget to savor a pint of Guinness, but also explore the local craft beer scene at the local Pubs. Some of our favorites were Merry Ploughboy's Irish Stew, Queen of Tarts for breakfast, Boxty House's Fish and Chips, and Bambinos hot honey pizza. Dublin has so many AMAZING restaurants it was so hard to choose. I don't think you will be disappointed with anything you pick. You will notice that everything in Ireland is organic making the food even more delicious!
   
   
   
   


8. Cultural Etiquette:
   
   
   
   • Irish people are known for their friendliness. Engage in conversations, be polite, and enjoy the local culture. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations; locals are usually happy to help.
   
   
   
   


9. Explore Beyond Dublin:
   
   
   
   • While Dublin is a vibrant city with a lot to offer, don't miss the chance to explore the countryside and smaller towns. The Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, and Giant's Causeway are just a few of the breathtaking natural attractions.
   
   
   
   


10. Learn Some Local Phrases:
    
    
    
    • While English is the primary language, Irish (Gaelic) is also spoken. Locals appreciate visitors making an effort to use common phrases like 'hello' ('Dia dhuit') or 'thank you' ('Go raibh maith agat'). Please DO NOT say, 'Top of the morning' to anyone. This is not something Irish people say and it can be annoying to them.
    
    
    
    


11. Check Event Calendars:
    
    
    
    • Look for local events or festivals happening during your visit. This can add a unique and memorable dimension to your trip. So make sure to plan ahead if this is something you would love to experience. For example, St. Patrick's Day would be a fun experience while visiting Ireland. Keep in mind though that Ireland does not celebrate the way Americans do. They do not dress in green. This may shock you but they have never even heard of the the tradition of pinching anyone who is not wearing green. This is actually an American tradition...NOT Irish.
    
    
    
    


12. Travel Insurance:
    
    
    
    • Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and potential trip disruptions. You never know what may happen. During our visit, we were in a car accident. Luckily, we were in a group tour on a VERY large bus so only minor damage was done to our bus, but the other driver totaled her car. Had we rented a car and was driving ourselves, it would have been very bad. It is better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to Travel Protection.
    
    
    
    


13. Respect Nature:
    
    
    
    • Ireland is known for its stunning landscapes. Be respectful of the environment, follow designated trails, and leave no trace. Ireland takes pride in her beauty and does a great job of keeping her clean. So be respectful and do not litter.
    
    
    
    


14. Plan for Rain:
    
    
    
    • Rain is common in Ireland, so be prepared with waterproof gear and plan indoor activities just in case. There are lots of museums you can visit in Dublin. Some people bring hand held umbrellas but you won't find many locals carrying them. If you want to blend in, just wear your raincoat and enjoy the outdoors whether sunshine or rain.
    
    
    
    


15. Top Tourist Attractions

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  • Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, Trinity College-Book of Kells, EPIC Irish Emigration Museum, Dublinia Viking Museum, Brazen Head Pub, Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry drive, Sheep Dog Demonstration, Titanic Museum, Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Dark Hedges, Bunratty Castle Medieval Dinner, Merry Ploughboy Pub dinner show, and Skellig Island.
  
  
  
  

Welcome to the stunning island of Oahu, where natural beauty meets rich history and vibrant culture. Whether you're a beach lover, an adventure seeker, a history buff, or a foodie, Oahu offers a diverse range of experiences that will leave you enchanted. In this guide, I'll take you through the must-see and must-do activities, ensuring you make the most of your time on this Hawaiian gem.

 

1. Experience an Authentic Luau

2. Embrace the Gypsy and Shaka Apps

3. Indulge in Malasadas at Leonard's Bakery

4. Conquer Diamond Head

5. Relax on Lanikai Beach

6. Explore Kualoa Ranch

7. Stroll Through Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens

8. Dine at Haleiwa's Joe's Restaurant

1. Haleiwa Joe's - Haiku Gardens: This location is situated in Kaneohe, Oahu. It's known for its beautiful setting in the Haiku Gardens, which provides a tranquil backdrop for dining. This is the one my family visited and we absolutely LOVED everything about it. From the food, ambiance, and the breathtaking views as you eat. We ate right by the balcony. There are no windows, so you get a nice breeze and great views of the mountains. HIGHLY recommend!


2. Haleiwa Joe's - Haleiwa: This is the original Haleiwa Joe's location and is located in the town of Haleiwa on the North Shore of Oahu. It offers stunning views of the Anahulu Stream and Haleiwa Harbor.

9. Pay Homage at Pearl Harbor

10. Discover Waimea Valley and Falls

11. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay