Travel Tips.

Language

The language in Northern Ireland is English.

In the Republic of Ireland you will find that Gaeilge is spoken as well as English.

Currency

In Northern Ireland, pound sterling is the official currency. Please note that if you are travelling to the republic of Ireland the currency is Euros.

Cash

I would always advise on carrying some local currency when travelling but Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout Northern Ireland. American Express is accepted in some places but not all. Northern Ireland uses a “chip and pin” system for debit and credit card transactions. Retailers may still accept swipe cards, but please note this is not always guaranteed. In my own experience you can pay 99% of the time with card and contactless payment is mostly used everywhere. Even at small coffee stalls in the countryside, you can pay with contactless card payment.

Tipping

Tipping in Northern Ireland, for the most part (there are exceptions – see below!) is entirely at your discretion – don’t be fooled into believing that you need to tip for everything and anything.

Water

The quality of water from the public mains is usually quite high, with, for example, 98.9% of public water supplies complying with the standards for E. I never buy bottled water!

Weather

The climate of Northern Ireland can be summed up as unpredictable and changeable. Northern Ireland experiences a temperate maritime climate, which means that the weather can vary greatly from day to day. It is not uncommon to experience all four seasons in one day😂

The region is known for its frequent rainfall, with showers occurring throughout the year. It is advisable to pack a waterproof jacket or umbrella to be prepared for the rain.

The summer months (June to August) tend to be the warmest, with average temperatures ranging from 15-20°C (59-68°F). However, even in summer, it is wise to bring layers as temperatures can drop in the evenings.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are mild, with temperatures ranging from 8-15°C (46-59°F). These seasons can be quite changeable, with sunny spells and showers.

Winter (December to February) is the coldest season, with average temperatures ranging from 2-8°C (36-46°F). It can be damp and windy during this time, and there is a possibility of snowfall in higher elevations.

Overall, it is best to be prepared for a range of weather conditions when visiting Northern Ireland, and to pack layers that can be easily added or removed as needed.

Please note the wind in Northern Ireland can get really rough. I would recommend you the app windy.app to check for wind forecasts. This becomes especially important if you are planning to fly the drone. Always make sure you are checking wind direction and also checking the movement of the clouds.

Electricity

For Northern Ireland the associated plug type is G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Northern Ireland operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Type G. - I recommend you to have an international travel adapter with several USB outlets to charge all your devices.

Wifi / Mobile Data

Northern Ireland's internet infrastructure is generally reliable and offers good connectivity. The country has a well-developed broadband network, where the average internet speed in Northern Ireland is comparable to other parts of the UK.

Most hotels, cafes, and public places offer free Wi-Fi, making it convenient for you to stay connected.

However, in more remote or rural areas, internet speeds may be slower and less reliable compared to urban areas. It is always a good idea to check with your accommodation or service provider regarding the availability and quality of internet access before your trip. I advise downloading offline maps to help with these blank spots.

If you cannot use European Data Roaming because you are visiting from overseas , I recommend you download an E SIM.