The Good Trip guide · For U.S. travelers
IrelandA little local knowledge.
Wander rolling green hills, ancient castles, and lively pubs filled with music and warm conversation.
Tap water is safe to drink.
Ambulance: 999
Euro
Exercise Normal Precautions
Essential Etiquette in Ireland
Key dos and don'ts every American traveler should know before arriving.
Rounds are the social contract
In Irish pub culture, drinks are bought in 'rounds' — each person in the group takes turns buying a full round for everyone. Accepting drinks from a round and not buying your own when your turn comes is considered very poor form.
Don't call Ireland part of Britain
Ireland (the Republic) is an independent nation, entirely separate from the United Kingdom. Referring to Ireland as 'British' or conflating it with the UK is a significant faux pas. Northern Ireland is a different jurisdiction (part of the UK).
Order at the bar
In Irish pubs, you order at the bar and pay immediately — there is generally no table service unless at a formal restaurant. Catch the barman's eye and wait patiently; being pushy at the bar is frowned upon.
Never order an 'Irish Car Bomb'
The 'Irish Car Bomb' cocktail is popular in American bars but is deeply offensive in Ireland. The name references a violent period in Ireland's history that affected many communities. Many Irish bartenders will refuse to serve it or ask you to leave. Don't order it by name under any circumstances.
Water & pharmacies
Tap water is drinkable
Tap water: SAFE THROUGHOUT. EU Drinking Water Directive standards. Exception: very remote rural private wells (check with hosts).
Local Pharmacy Rules
Good. Boots, LloydsPharmacy widely available. Pharmacist consultations available for minor ailments. Pharmacies are a useful first stop before seeking a GP for non-emergency issues.
Apps to Download Before Flying to Ireland
Useful apps for transit, navigation, and food delivery in Ireland.
TFI Live
TFI Live is the official Transport for Ireland app — the single app covering real-time departures and journey planning across all Irish public transport: Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, DART, Luas tram, and Irish Rail. Also manage your Leap Card top-ups and balances. Essential for navigating public transport in Dublin and across Ireland.
FREE NOW
FREE NOW is the dominant taxi booking app in Ireland — by far the most reliable way to book licensed taxis in Dublin, Cork, Galway, and other Irish cities. Upfront pricing, real-time tracking, and cashless payment. Uber operates in Ireland but with limited coverage — FREE NOW is the preferred local choice.
Bolt
Bolt is a fast-growing taxi app in Ireland and a legitimate alternative to FREE NOW, particularly in Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick. In Ireland Bolt dispatches licensed SPSV taxi drivers (same pool as FREE NOW), but fares are often lower — especially off-peak. Worth installing alongside FREE NOW to price-check before booking, especially on busy Friday and Saturday nights when FREE NOW demand spikes.
Emergency Contacts & U.S. Embassy
If you lose your passport, need urgent medical evacuation, or encounter legal trouble, keep this info accessible offline.
U.S. Embassy Dublin
42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland
This preview comes from the Good Trip country guide. Conditions and travel advisories can change. Check the latest U.S. State Department advice before departure.
Carry Ireland in your pocket. Offline.
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