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1 Dress in layers and bring a warm hat even in summer; 11–16°C (52–61°F) and wind are normal 23 visitors2 Reserve an automatic early. Manuals dominate rental fleets and the automatics run out 22 visitors3 Book dinner ahead in Galway, Dingle, Westport and Kilkenny, as busy places turn walk-ins away 20 visitors4 Add 30–50% to Google's drive times on rural and coastal roads 16 visitors5 Use fewer bases and stay two or three nights each; moving every night was exhausting 15 visitors6 Get an eSIM or local SIM (Three, Vodafone, about €20, ~$22 a month), as coverage is patchy in the west 14 visitors7 Check event calendars and bank holidays: races, rallies, festivals and matches fill towns and jam roads 14 visitors8 Pick two or three regions and go slowly. A week can't cover the whole country 13 visitors9 Go in shoulder season (April–June, September–October) for fewer crowds and lower prices 13 visitors10 Book Irish Rail and intercity coaches online ahead for cheaper fares and a guaranteed seat 13 visitors11 Book Kilmainham Gaol the moment tickets release, 28 days ahead; they sell out in minutes 13 visitors12 Download offline maps and carry a paper road atlas. Signal and signposting both fail 12 visitors13 Check opening days before you go, as sites close for renovation, holidays and often Mondays or Tuesdays 12 visitors14 Rent the smallest car that fits your luggage; the roads are narrow and walled 12 visitors15 Drive slowly round blind bends. Sheep, tractors, cyclists and tour buses appear without warning 12 visitors