Ireland is the most beautiful country, and no one who has ever visited has forgotten it. There is magic and folklore aplenty, as well as millennia of history, fascinating culture, fantastic food, friendly people, and scenery the likes of which you won’t find anywhere else. With all this in mind, it can feel a little daunting the first time you visit because there is just so much to see and do. 

However, with some forward planning and a little research, you can make your break to Ireland into something extraordinary indeed. Whether you enjoy your visit as a one-off trip or you decide to apply for Irish citizenship because you loved it so much, here are some of the most valuable things to know before going to The Emerald Isle for the first time. 

Choose The Right Month To Visit

One of the many facets that it’s helpful to understand about the beautiful country of Ireland is that the weather can be very changeable. Therefore it’s often difficult to plan for much when you’re there because it might be raining one moment and sunny the next. The temperature might be boiling hot and then freezing cold. Because of this, most of the time you’ll need to pack a lot of extra pieces of clothing because you need to cover all eventualities. 

If you pick the correct month, or months, to visit, however, you won’t need to worry quite so much as you’ll have a better idea of what you’re in for. March and April are some of the best months to visit Ireland. Although they’re not as hot as it can get in the summer, the weather does tend to be more stable – plus, you’ll have the chance to experience Ireland in March, which is when St Patrick’s Day falls (17th). 

Take A Guided Tour

There is so much to see and do in Ireland that no matter which area you decide to visit, you’re sure to have plenty to keep you occupied. Although it’s certainly possible to see many of the significant sights yourself, it’s usually better to join a guided tour. This way, you can really make the most out of your experience and learn a lot more than you would on your own. 

This is particularly useful when you’re visiting Ireland for the first time. If you choose to go back, you can try some more independent adventures, but when you’re only there for a short time, you won’t want to miss anything, and the guided experience is the best option. 

Don’t Rush

As we’ve said, there is a lot to see in Ireland, but do your best not to rush through the trip to see as much as you can. You’ll miss a lot this way, and it’s far better to pick just a few of the most interesting (to you) attractions and ensure you spend enough time enjoying those. 

If you have any time left over, you can start on your reserve list, but it would be a waste to visit Ireland and be in such a hurry to see everything that you don’t really get to see anything at all.