Behind the Brochure
What the tourist boards won't tell you. The honest, practical information you actually need to know before visiting Ireland.
Do You Need a Visa for Ireland? Entry Requirements for Visitors
If you're planning a trip to Ireland, one of the first things you'll want to sort out is whether...
7 min read
Tipping in Ireland: How to avoid mistakes
This question is one I get asked by US and Canada visitors almost more than any on my Facebook...
6 min read
Best Time to Visit Ireland: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)
Look, I write about Ireland for a living, so OF COURSE I'm going to say that there's no wrong...
7 min read
Essential Ireland Packing List: What You Really Need for Your Trip
I'll be honest with you: packing for Ireland trips up more visitors than it should. It's not that the...
8 min read
Essential Irish Phrases for Travellers: Complete Guide with Pronunciation
I was brought up learning some basic Irish at primary and secondary school and I've learnt that even using...
6 min read
Is Dublin Safe to Visit? A Local's Honest Guide (2026)
One man's perspective, having lived in Dublin for 10 years and worked at night at venues across the city....
7 min read
Credit Cards in Ireland: What Visitors Really Need to Know (2026)
One of the most common questions I get from visitors planning their first trip is about money. Can I...
7 min read
Do You Need an ETA Visa to enter Northern Ireland in 2026?
If you're visiting the island of Ireland, there's a good chance you want to explore both the Republic of...
5 min read
Why is Ireland Called the Emerald Isle?
The Origin of the Term 'Emerald Isle' The term Emerald Isle is widely attributed to William Drennan, a prominent...
5 min read
15 Best Places to Visit in Ireland
Ireland is a small country with a huge variety of places to visit. In the East, Dublin and Belfast...
12 min read
10+ Reasons You Should Visit Ireland
If you're mapping out your Irish holiday, consider adding Ireland to your maybe list. You might know that Ireland...
7 min read