- What kind of Passport and Visa do I require?
U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need a Visa to enter the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland (U.K.). To enter Ireland, you need a valid passport with an expiration date of at least 6 months after your return date.
- What currency is used?
The Euro (€) is the official currency of the Republic of Ireland. In Northern Ireland (U.K.), the British Sterling Pound (£) is the official currency. U.S. dollars are not accepted. Credit cards are accepted everywhere. ATM’s are found everywhere in Ireland including the airports. British Sterling Pound (£) is the currency throughout England, Scotland and Wales. And the Euro is the currency of France. Again, Credit / debit cards are accepted everywhere.
- Should I tip on a Joyce's Ireland tour?
If you think someone did an excellent job and you want to tip, people would accept the tip with much gratitude. In pubs, the bartender does not expect a tip. If you go into a pub you will need to order your drink at the bar. You will be expected to tip in restaurants. You will also need to tip taxi drivers.
- Is WiFi available?
WiFi is available in all of our accommodations, and at bars, coffee shops, etc.
- What will the Weather be like?
From April to October the usual forecast is sunshine and showers. Ireland’s weather is temperate and mild without extremes of temperature. It is rarely too hot for hiking, keeping a comfortable temperature suitable for the hills and valleys and coastal paths. However, sometimes the weather can be changeable and you will encounter four seasons in one day! The Irish sum up their climate this way: “If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes.” It’s bound to change!
- Do I need insurance?
First and foremost you need to insure your holiday in case you need to cancel before you even go on the tour. Your place is reserved with a non-refundable deposit and sometimes your booking is made many months before you travel. Within that period you may need to cancel and therefore it is highly recommended that you purchase insurance at the time of your initial booking. In addition it is compulsory for you to cover yourself in case of any medical issues, or if you needed to visit hospital whilst on the tour. Many people are covered for travel aboard through their health insurance, credit card or airline tickets, but if you are not, you can purchase travel insurance before you travel.
- How do we travel?
We travel from one location to the next on a comfortable mini-coach with high-backed seats (rarely filled to full capacity so there is plenty of room to spread out). The height of the vehicle allows for excellent views over hedgerows, stone walls, etc. We spend from one to three nights in each area and walk the best parts before moving on to our next stop. When we travel between locations we make plenty of allowances for “comfort” stops and coffee / tea breaks.
- Where do we stay?
We stay in a fine selection of very comfortable, quality accommodation: B & B’s, guest houses, farms, country mansions, cottages, country estates, and sometimes castles. All rooms are en suite with private bath and/or shower. We have chosen locations of outstanding natural beauty, so that you can enjoy the best of Irish rural life and scenery. You will enjoy top quality accommodation in small, family run guesthouses and hotels whilst being charmed by the hospitable and friendly hosts.
- Where do we dine?
Most meals are included in each tour. All breakfasts are taken at the accommodations. Packed lunches are usually sourced from the local delis and we enjoy these out on the hikes. Evening meals are taken either at the accommodation or in local restaurants. Many travellers with Joyce’s Ireland comment on the high quality of the meals and appreciate the fine dining experience.
- Who travels with Joyce’s Ireland?
You will join a group of like-minded travellers who are pleased to socialise along the way and make new friends from far flung corners of the world. We receive bookings from all age groups. We can also cater for your family groups and we can offer group discount for a booking of four or more participants. We receive bookings from couples, singles, sisters, brothers, mothers and daughters, etc
- Will I be fit enough?
If you are comfortable with walking five miles twice a week, then you should be fit enough for a hiking tour in Ireland. All tours have some hill climbing involved. We recommend that you venture out and walk your local park for forty minutes to an hour four to five times a week. Try to find local routes with hills, this will enhnace your fitness immensely. All our tour days offer long hikes and shorter routes, or the option of just staying at the guest house for the day and relaxing.
- What should I pack?
- Good strong waterproof hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable hiking trousers (jeans are not recommended at all as they are too hot in fine weather and too heavy if they get wet)
- Small day rucksack for lunch, drinks, coat etc. TIP: line it with a heavy duty plastic bag.
- Water Bottle
- Gloves (even in summer it can get really cool in some hilly and coastal areas)
- Warm Hat
- Personal toiletries and medication
- General warm clothing such as sweaters, track suit bottoms (sweat pants), fleece jacket, etc.
- Sun cream / sun block / after sun cream
- Spending money in Euros (due to the remote nature of our accommodations, it is sometimes difficult to get to banks and cash machines).
- Cellphone
- Camera
- Casual smart clothing for evenings
