Traveling in Ireland

I received a question from a podcast listener with some questions about Christmas travel in Ireland. While her inquiry about car rental and things they could consider doing was an easy one for me to answer, it was the conversation that followed that prompted this episode… Ireland Christmas Festival - Waterford Winterval [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Winterval17-03-1024x684.jpg]Waterford Winterval This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 185. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links. I'll share Victoria's words (with her permission). When we googled Ireland at Christmas time last Spring, what we found made it sound like a great time to visit – Dublin looks so lively at Christmas, and there are Christmas markets, etc.. We assumed Christmas Day itself much would be closed but we had no idea that the day after so much would be closed and Christmas Eve as well.  We purposely booked a hotel in Dublin, rather than Airbnb for that part of our trip, so that we could have Christmas dinner in a hotel. We booked the Westin last June. When we reserved, I confirmed that they have a full-service restaurant and that they offer dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  In the fall I followed up to reserve Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals at the hotel for our family of five. At which point, I learned that the only meal option on Christmas Day is a 2:00 buffet that is €200 person so €1,000 for my family of five. I searched for other meal options outside of the Westin and found that the only places open for meals on Christmas are other hotels and that they all only serve their special Christmas Day meals to hotel guests.  In the end, we canceled our Westin booking and booked the Fleet Hotel in Temple Bar instead which looks lovely and has a Christmas Day dinner at 4:00 for €65 person – much more reasonable for our family of five. They also offer a reasonable Christmas Eve dinner, which we reserved.  We have learned a lot about planning a trip to Ireland over Christmas – especially the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meal situation, the fact that no trains or buses operate on December 26th and that most restaurants and tourist sites are also closed on December 26th.  Worth sharing with others considering going at Christmas time. WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT IRELAND FOR CHRISTMAS It's important to do your research before booking your flights. AIRPORT AVAILABILITY Dublin Airport is closed on Christmas Day. Shannon Airport has historically been the only airport in Ireland that is open on Christmas Day. In the past they have even ‘decorated' the runway as a Christmas tree. [https://b90c2e.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Shannon-Airport-Christmas-1.jpg] ACCOMMODATIONS BOOK QUICKLY Many hotels close over the Christmas holiday – especially those outside the tourist centers of Dublin, Galway, Killarney, and Cork. The hotels that are open charge a premium for their rooms so booking early is recommended. You aren't likely to find many B&Bs that cater to guests over Christmas as most owners are spending the holiday with their own families. If you plan to stay in a self-catering accommodation be sure to verify that someone will be available if you have any problems during your stay. And, if you are checking in later on Christmas Eve, ask if your host can stock food items for an extra fee. CAR RENTAL AVAILABILITY The holidays are peak season for car rentals as many expats come home to visit family, in addition to the tourists that arrive to celebrate their own holidays. Demand is high so book your vehicle well in advance for best selection and pricing. Be sure to review Everything You Need to Know About Car Rental in Ireland [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/car-rental-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/] and when booking with Irish Car Rentals use my exclusive link to save 10%. Plan your car rental pick-up carefully as on December 24, Christmas Eve, many car rental locations will close early. You won't be able to pick up a rental car on Christmas Day anywhere and many car rental locations are also closed – or operating on very limited hours – on December 26th (Boxing Day/ St Stephen's Day). AVAILABILITY OF TRAINS & BUSES Trains do not run on Christmas Day and St. Stephen's Day. Schedules could be limited on Christmas Eve usually end at 9pm. Schedules through December 30 may operate on a holiday timetable. Buses do not run on Christmas Day and offer limited schedules on Christmas Eve and December 26. TAXI WAIT TIMES A few taxi are usually available on Christmas Day in the larger cities. You can expect low availability and longer wait times if you do order a taxi or Uber, but since nothing is open where are you going to go? RESTAURANTS MAY BE CLOSED It is very difficult to find a restaurant open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, though some Asian restaurants have been known to serve customers. Hotels that are open usually only serve meals to guests who are staying on the property so be sure you have made reservations in advance. If you are staying in self-catering accommodations be sure to do your shopping in advance of Christmas Eve – and purchase enough for at least 2 days. SHOPS MAY NOT BE OPEN Most shops – of all types – will close early on Christmas Eve and will remain closed for Christmas Day. Some may open on December 26, and those that do will likely be operating on limited hours. ATTRACTIONS MAY OPERATE ON LIMITED HOURS All attractions are closed on Christmas Day and any that are open on Christmas Eve will close early. December 26 is a toss-up – most attractions that remain open year-round will be operating today, though they may have a limited schedule. Remember, though, that many smaller and rural attractions close from November through February. You want to do your research to see what will be available in the areas you plan to visit while you are in Ireland. CHRISTMAS MARKETS AT THE WEEKENDS It's important to know that Christmas markets in Ireland [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/christmas-markets-in-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/] wrap up before Christmas, though some locations may have holiday events running through the new year. If you want to visit Christmas markets plan your visit in late November and early to mid-December, focusing on weekends. PLAN YOUR PACKING If you are traveling with gifts, especially through security, wait until you arrive at your destination to wrap them. If airline staff need to open them for any reason, all your hard work will be ripped to shreds. The post Ireland for Christmas? Advice You NEED Before Booking Your Flights [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ireland-christmas-travel-advice/ireland-travel-tips/] appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com].

When planning a trip to Ireland, accommodation details matter—and one common source of confusion is hotel room descriptions that don't actually match the bed size. While the terms may sound familiar, what you get can be very different from what you're expecting. [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/359842634_10159100207596244_7484398148848285487_n-598x1024.jpg]based on the IKEA Ireland mattress guide Learn more about accommodations in Ireland- from bed & breakfasts to luxury castles. [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ireland-vacation-bandb-rentals/ireland-travel-tips/] In North America, we know our twin, full, queen, and king beds. But in Ireland, those labels change a bit: a single equals a twin, a double matches a full, a king is often closer to a queen, and a super king- well, in the US we might call that a ‘California King'. WHY A DOUBLE ROOM DOESN'T ALWAYS = A DOUBLE BED The real trouble starts when hotels use the word “double.” In Ireland, “double room” might describe a room for two people, not necessarily a room with a double bed. You might find yourself with anything from a full-sized mattress to a king, or even two twins pushed together. A few examples from real hotels: * Castle Hotel Dublin [https://booking.stay22.com/hei/sSDOHaUQVm]: Their “double” room includes a double bed (full size), which is what you may expect, based on the room name. * Butler House Kilkenny [https://booking.stay22.com/hei/DACcpppK1E]: “Double” here can mean a king or queen bed, so reading the full room description is key. * Morgan Hotel Dublin [https://expedia.stay22.com/hei/2eMRvOu6sv]: Rooms are named things like “Signature” and “Deluxe,” so you’ll need to dig into the details to see if you’re getting a king, two twins, or a mix. Moral of the story? Always check the room description and photos before you book. And when in doubt, don’t hesitate to email the hotel directly to confirm bed size. Room at The Morgan Hotel Dublin [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Morgan-Hotel-1024px-1024x768.jpg]Queen bed at The Morgan Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 275 The post What a “Double Room” Really Means in Ireland (and How to Book the Right Bed) [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/bed-sizes-in-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/] appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com].

It’s no surprise that most travelers to Ireland have the Rock of Cashel [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/visit-rock-of-cashel-ireland/attractions/] on their list. It's dramatic, iconic, and completely captivating as it rises unexpectedly from the landscape. But if that’s the only stop you make in County Tipperary, you're missing so much. Photographer and tour guide John Cash knows the county inside and out—and he’s quick to share that while Cashel is impressive, it’s only the beginning. Rock_of_Cashel_Ireland_photo_credit_Jody_Halsted_IrelandFamilyVacations.com [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Rock-of-Cashel-1024x771.jpg]The Rock of Cashel This article is based on podcast episode 274 featuring John Cash, professional photographer, historian, and tour guide. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE ROCK OF CASHEL Yes, it's breathtaking from the road – but the true magic happens when you dig into the history. Cormac’s Chapel, with its centuries-old frescoes, is now limited to small groups to preserve the delicate interior. Time your visit right and you may be among the few allowed inside. Don’t skip the Vicar’s Choral, either – it’s been beautifully refurbished and adds even more dimension to your visit. For those who prefer a self-guided option, QR codes around the site make it easy to learn on your own. And if you have time, explore Cashel town itself. You’ll find charming shops, great places to eat, and remnants of medieval walls that make it worth a wander. The Rock of Cashel & many other locations mentioned in this episode are OPW Heritage sites. Learn how the OPW Heritage Card can help you save money in Ireland! [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/opw-pass-ireland-attractions/attractions/] If you're looking for a stay you won't soon forget, consider Cashel Palace. The Palladian Manor sits directly below the Rock of Cashel (it even has its own private gated walkway to the majestic site) and features luxurious rooms, an amazing spa, and two delicious restaurants. EXPLORING TIPPERARY BEYOND ‘THE ROCK' Once you’ve explored Cashel, it’s time to widen the lens. County Tipperary is rich with castles, sacred landscapes, family-friendly adventures, and that slower pace that makes Ireland unforgettable. Whether you’re into history, scenery, or simply discovering places most travelers rush past, Tipperary rewards the curious. Cahir_Castle_Tipperary_Ireland_photo_Credit_Jody_Halsted_IrelandFamilyVacations.com [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Cahir-Castle-1024x771.jpg]Cahir Castle CAHIR CASTLE: UNDERRATED AND ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT Just ten miles down the road, Cahir Castle [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/cahir-castle-tipperary-favorite-castle-ireland/attractions/] sits gracefully along the River Suir. While it has Hollywood connections – filming took place here for Excalibur, The Last Duel, and The Green Knight – it's the hands-on experience that makes it shine. You can climb towers, dip into dungeons, and walk the same grounds the Butler family once ruled. Don’t miss the path to the Swiss Cottage, a storybook lodge built as a riverside retreat. Wildflowers, ducks, dragonflies… this riverside walk offers nature, history, and kid-friendly charm. And, if the day is fine, grab a sandwich from the River House Café and picnic in the castle park. You’ll feel like you’ve discovered something extraordinary – because you have. WHAT MAKES TIPPERARY A SMART BASE Tipperary’s location in the heart of Ireland makes it an ideal base if you want flexibility. Within two hours you can reach the Cliffs of Moher, Kinsale, or even the shores of the Shannon. But the county itself offers enough variety that you might not want to go anywhere else. Bridge_Athassel_Priory_Tipperary_Ireland_photo_credit_Jody_Halsted_IrelandFamilyVacations.com [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Bridge-to-Athassel-Priory-Tipperary-1024x703.jpg]Athassel Priory A DAY (OR TWO) IN TIPPERARY Planning to stay overnight? You’ll want to prioritize: * The Glen of Aherlow [https://www.aherlow.com/]: Nestled between mountain ranges, it offers lush views, sacred wells, and stories that stretch from pagan times to early Christianity. * Mitchelstown Caves [https://mitchelstowncave.com/]: Right on the Cork border and spectacular. They even host concerts in the cavern's natural amphitheater. * Horse Country [https://horsecountry.ie/]: Home to three racecourses, Tipperary’s equine heritage runs deep. Pony trekking in the Glen is a unique way to experience the landscape. * Get the FREE Horse Country Itinerary! [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/product/horse-country-itinerary/] * The Vee: [https://www.knockmealdownactive.com/see-do/the-vee/] A glacial valley drive that rewards you with unforgettable views, particularly at sunset. (Fun fact: this is where I had my one and only car accident in Ireland. Narrow road + large truck coming down the hill= me in the wall. Luckily no one was injured and the car had coverage.) county road in County Clare, Ireland [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20141029_153918-edit-1024px.jpg]https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ireland-car-rental-driving-guide/ COMPLETE GUIDE [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ireland-car-rental-driving-guide/] to renting a car & driving in Ireland [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ireland-car-rental-driving-guide/] CONNECT WITH JOHN John Cash is not only a knowledgeable guide and talented photographer, he’s also incredibly generous with his insights. Whether you’re looking for a guided tour in Tipperary or just need a few pointers for your trip, he’s happy to help. 📧 Email: johncashgip@gmail.com 📘 Facebook: Love Tipperary [https://www.facebook.com/luvtipperary] 📸 Instagram: @johncashgip [https://www.instagram.com/johncashgip] Drop him a message, follow his work, and let him know you heard about him here. Vee_Gap_Tipperary_Waterford_Ireland_photo_credit_Jody_Halsted_IrelandFamilyVacations.com [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Vee-Pass-between-Tipperary-and-Waterford-1024x546.jpg]The Vee Gap between Tipperary and Waterford A PHOTOGRAPHER’S FAVORITE SPOTS IN TIPPERARY John shared a few of his go-to places when he wants that jaw-dropping photo or just a quiet moment: * The Clare Glens [https://visitballyhoura.com/explore/nature-loop-walk-clare-glens-murroe]: Peaceful waterfalls, deep pools, and hidden trails. * Baurnadomeeny Wedge Tomb [https://monumentalireland.ie/baurnadomeeny-wedge-tomb-diarmuid-grainnes-bed/], near Rearcross: Ancient burial sites, stone-age structures, and the legends of Diarmuid and Gráinne. * Garykennedy [https://discoverloughderg.ie/project/garrykennedy/]: A lakeside village where ancient family names like Kennedy and Larkin still echo through pub signs and stories. If you're someone who chases that “feeling” of Ireland – mist over hills, history layered in stone, and the kind of beauty that doesn’t need a filter – you’ll find it here. THE MAGIC’S IN THE WANDERING Ireland's beauty is more than a checklist of big-name stops. It's found in the smaller places where stories still matter, names still mean something, and the people still take time for a chat. Take your time in Tipperary and you’ll come home with more than just pictures. The post County Tipperary Beyond the Rock: Make It More Than a Pit Stop [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/exploring-county-tipperary/regions-and-counties/south-east-ireland/tipperary/] appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com].

If Newgrange and Kilmainham Gaol are on your Ireland itinerary, you’ll need more than interest to visit – you’ll need a timed ticket. These two OPW-managed sites are incredibly popular, and both strongly recommend advance booking. The good news? Even if you don’t have your OPW Heritage Card yet, you can still reserve your spot. Not sure what an OPW Heritage Card is or why you should have it? Learn why the OPW Heritage Card is the Best Deal in Irish History [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/opw-pass-ireland-attractions/attractions/] Here’s what to know: * Newgrange (Brú na Bóinne) opens booking 30 days in advance at midnight Irish time. Set a reminder to snag your spot—especially during summer. * Kilmainham Gaol opens 28 days ahead at midnight Irish time, and tickets vanish almost immediately. Whether you're using your OPW Heritage Card or paying per site, the process is nearly identical. Just visit HeritageIreland.ie [https://heritageireland.ie], find your site, click “Book Online,” and follow the prompts. Choose “Heritage Card holder” if you plan to have one, and you’ll bypass payment. Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 273 The post Booking Newgrange and Kilmainham Gaol with (or without) an OPW Card [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/book-newgrange-kilmainahm-opw-heritage/attractions/] appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com].

When it comes to packing for your Ireland vacation it is easy to pack way more than you will need. The old adage of ‘lay out everything you think you need then leave half of it at home' stands true. Not only does it lighten your load but realizing you've been lugging around a bunch of unnecessary items when you're trying to find space to pack souvenirs is frustrating. rental car and too much luggage [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/too-much-luggage.jpg]The face you make when the luggage doesn't fit in your rental car This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 272. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links. IRELAND VACATION PACKING TIPS Deciding what is necessary and what can be left at home can be difficult. Once you've determined what clothes you need for an Ireland vacation [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ireland-vacation-clothing-tips/ireland-travel-tips/#IrelandPackingList], the next step is to determine what you use daily, what you can't be without, and how to make it all fit in your luggage (and maybe in your rental car). TOILETRIES Large bottles of hair products, cleansers, and creams take up lots of space in your luggage (and they are heavy!). When possible, downsize your products into refillable bottles [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/product/tsa-approved-travel-bottles/] or purchase travel size items. [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/61VCFSNgBL._SL1500_-1024x1024.jpg]https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/product/tsa-approved-travel-bottles/TSA Approved refillable bottles If you are checking a suitcase pack only the necessities into your carry-on bag, remembering that all liquids must fit into a single quart size clear bag. Packing items in your checked luggage? Put anything that could cause a mess into a sealed plastic bag or leak-proof toiletry case in case the change in air pressure causes a spill. MEDICATIONS Essential medications should never be put into checked baggage. If a medication is prescribed by your doctor keep it in the original packaging with both the doctor's and traveler's names on the label. Bring enough medicine to last your entire stay in Ireland. You may wish to bring a letter or prescription from your doctor in case you need to consult a pharmacist during your trip. If you take over-the-counter medications daily you may wish to bring these with you, though many can be found in Ireland under a different name. Most towns and villages have a pharmacy with helpful staff who can offer advice or help you choose the correct product. Sleep apnea (CPAP) machines may be carried on and do not count as an additional item. Be sure to check with your airline to confirm your machine is allowed to fly. MAKEUP I recommend simplifying your makeup routine for your trip. Tinted moisturizer, mascara and a lip color will get you through most days. If you need to bring more try to pare it down to just the essentials – there's no need to bring your full makeup kit. JEWELRY Bring simple pieces that can be worn with both casual and dressy clothing. Do not bring large, flashy, expensive jewelry. Never put jewelry in your checked bag. ELECTRONICS Before you pack all your gadgets think about what you will really use – and what will just weigh you down. Then consider the electricity in Ireland. ELECTRICAL ADAPTERS VS CONVERTERS FOR IRELAND TRAVEL Quick overview: an adapter changes the outlet configuration so your power plugs fit the wall socket in the country you are visiting (in this case, Ireland). A converter changes the electricity so you can use your non-dual voltage electronics in a foreign country. Ireland plugs are type G (the same as the UK) with a standard voltage of 230V. Any dual voltage electronics you bring to Ireland will require an adapter. I recommend an adapter with multiple outlets [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/product/us-to-ireland-travel-adapter/], including standard, USB, and USBC, for charging. [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/PXL_20241008_162312218.MP_-scaled.jpg] If your electronics are not dual voltage you will need to invest in a converter [https://www.amazon.com/Voltage-Converter-Key-Power-International/dp/B09BDVQYZP?crid=153FX7HVWUYVH&keywords=travel+converter+Ireland&qid=1670614701&sprefix=travel+converter+ireland%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-13&linkCode=ll1&tag=trustedvacationitems-20&linkId=53384db27b4dc1a0c9cb080cab370ea0&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl]. Converters are bulkier than adapters and usually have multiple pieces. Do not confuse an adapter with a converter – you will melt your electronics. If you opt to purchase a converter be sure it is equipped for the country you are traveling to and is compatible with the electronic you plan to use it with. COMPUTERS Evaluate how much you need your computer. Unless you are working remotely can you get by without it for the duration of your vacation? If you do bring your computer don't forget your charging cord. Consider cloud storage instead of bringing an external drive or purchase a small thumb drive. This one has 1T of storage and has both USB and USBC compatibility. [https://www.amazon.com/External-Storage-Compatible-Android-Computer/dp/B0BBZXM47V?crid=3I18XXP9CJKLZ&keywords=external+computer+drive&qid=1670612808&sprefix=external+computer+drive%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExTTJWOEYzOUlMWFJRJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTU3Njk2MzVITkZRUVhDWFlJSCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjcxOTgzMzFEVFlGOUNKSFc3TiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU%3D&linkCode=ll1&tag=trustedvacationitems-20&linkId=235e9a862c9ae114f810bfbb5cdaf88f&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl] CAMERAS If you enjoy taking photos with more than the camera on your phone, don't bring every lens in your kit. I find that a couple of lenses can handle most photos. I find that one lens that is good for portraits with a bit of zoom and one landscape lens work well for me. If you have a GoPro it does come in handy as a dash cam – but only if you have the space for it. Unless you are a professional photographer, I recommend leaving your drone at home. They are bulky, are restricted in many places, and can be easily lost or damaged if you fly them at the coast (those winds can be strong!). Drone laws in Ireland [https://drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-ireland/] Don't forget charging cords, batteries, and SD cards for your cameras and recording equipment. Reminder: spare lithium batteries must be packed in your carry-on bag. They are not allowed in checked luggage. HAIR STYLING TOOLS Trust me – you won't style your hair as often as you think you will. If you bring a curling or straightening iron be sure it is a dual voltage appliance. Look for a tag that shows 110/120v to 220/240v or states ‘dual voltage'. Do not pack a hair dryer for your Ireland vacation. They take a lot of space and most accommodations will have them available for your use. BOOKS I love to read, but books are heavy! Ireland travel books on my shelf [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Ireland-Travel-Books.jpg]https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/product-category/maps-books/ Instead of taking every guidebook snap a photo of the information you want and put it into a digital folder for reference. Or purchase the digital copy. If you're a voracious reader like me use a Kindle [https://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Paperwhite-16-GB-adjustable/dp/B09TMN58KL?crid=1NQGV0YW3JIR3&keywords=kindle&qid=1670617418&sprefix=kindle%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=trustedvacationitems-20&linkId=c6bacc177f603d28f1e6fa32baac19ae&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl] or the Kindle app on your smartphone or tablet (and don't forget a charger). MONEY I don't know why you would, but if you travel to Ireland with €10,000 or more in cash you must declare it on arrival. Never put cash in your checked bag. Related: How & When Should I Get Euros? [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ireland-trvel-tip-euros/ireland-travel-tips/] HOW TO PACK FOR YOUR TRIP TO IRELAND No matter if you travel carry-on or check a bag, organization is key when packing your suitcase. I like to pack outfits together- especially when packing for children- so I know I have everything I need. LUGGAGE When choosing luggage for your Ireland vacation I advise planning to travel carry-on only. If you can't make that work (I totally understand) and are checking a bag, I recommend packing at least one outfit, an extra pair of shoes, and any toiletries you might need, into your carry-on. Just in case your bag doesn't arrive at the airport when you do. If you are traveling with family pack a few outfits for each person in each checked bag. Then, if one gets lost, there will still be clothes for everyone. And make sure everyone has their own carry-on (see above). I do recommend taking as few bags as possible. Our family of 4 usually packs one personal bag and one carry-on per person plus one large, checked bag that we all use. (We will use two large, checked bags if I stay in Ireland longer to lead a tour.) The type of luggage you buy is very much personal preference. I like hard sided luggage to check and soft sided for carry-on. Any luggage locks [https://www.amazon.com/TSA-Luggage-Locks-Pack-Combination/dp/B01FUGQWX2?asc_contentid=amzn1.osa.200a6c22-65d8-416f-9cbd-7f5d7e52fad0.ATVPDKIKX0DER.en_US&asc_contenttype=article&ascsubtag=amzn1.osa.200a6c22-65d8-416f-9cbd-7f5d7e52fad0.ATVPDKIKX0DER.en_US&content-id=amzn1.sym.01243ef6-1f4d-40e2-ad34-d02b1375dcf1%3Aamzn1.sym.01243ef6-1f4d-40e2-ad34-d02b1375dcf1&crid=35W4ETKHYC8AO&cv_ct_cx=tsa%2Blocks&cv_ct_id=amzn1.osa.200a6c22-65d8-416f-9cbd-7f5d7e52fad0.ATVPDKIKX0DER.en_US&cv_ct_pg=search&cv_ct_we=asin&cv_ct_wn=osp-single-source-pecos-desktop&keywords=tsa%2Blocks&pd_rd_i=B01FUGQWX2&pd_rd_r=ed29c758-bef0-4b80-a1a1-e9a6ed43918a&pd_rd_w=Z2lvO&pd_rd_wg=qeqVY&pf_rd_p=01243ef6-1f4d-40e2-ad34-d02b1375dcf1&pf_rd_r=TPCBQX3Y14NBKFNC3SCT&qid=1670618395&sprefix=tsa%2Blocks%2Caps%2C158&sr=1-1-c26ac7f6-b43f-4741-a772-17cad7536576&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=trustedvacationitems-20&linkId=fc94fddf48430b11407f69bee6ec844a&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl], built in or attached, need to be TSA approved. If the TSA can not access your luggage they will cut the lock or hold your luggage until you can open it for them. Related: Carry-On Necessities for Your Flight to Ireland [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/carry-necessities-flight-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/] The post Ireland Vacation Packing Tips: What to Take & What to Leave Home [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ireland-vacation-packing-tips/ireland-travel-tips/] appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com].