Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Covered in Tour Cost (excluding airfare and in-Ireland travel insurance):

  • 10 overnight stays at quality B&Bs/Guest Houses with traditional Irish hospitality
  • Professional in-Ireland bus service throughout the tour
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Experienced managers
  • All breakfasts, one lunch at Brigit’s Garden, three ample bagged lunches, two festive evening meals
  • A special Music Night planned by Irish Byways with talented local musicians
  • Intimate meetings with local artists, musicians, storytellers/historians
  • A boat trip to an island of historical significance
  • All entry fees to special sites

Not covered in Tour Cost:

  • Airfare and in-Ireland travel insurance (described below)
  • Personal choice expenses (taxis and other activities)

NOTE: Irishbyways reserves the right to substitute any activity depending on availability or weather conditions

Brief Review of some travel matters: Packing and Baggage. 

  • Pack light in one mid-large size suitcase, plus a regular carry-on, purse and/or fanny pack.
  • No over-sized large suitcases which become burdensome and complicate travel
  • Bring rainproof hiking boots and an extra pair of indoor shoes
  • Bring a long rainproof coat with hood or hat.
  • Except for summer months, often needed are long underwear, wool socks, wool sweater and neck scarf for protection from wind and rain.

Plan for casual attire throughout the tour.

  • Bring a collapsible bag to hold newly purchased items
  • Bring a reusable water bottle
  • Bring a small amount of hand laundry soap.  There are no washing machines at B&Bs.
  • B&B’s provide alarm clocks and hair dryers

Pack as your needs require and consider wearing your bulkiest clothing on the flight. Bring your own song, poetry, story to share on Music Night if you wish.

IMPORTANT: Contact your airline in advance for limits on luggage weight, fees for luggage and size for carry-on luggage.  Be informed about any restrictions on what is acceptable to pack: liquids, lotions, metals, sharp objects, etc.

Travel Documents:

  • No visas are required for US citizens. Bring valid passport and a photo copy backup.
  • Credit and Debit Cards are preferred.  Travelers checks are not.  Remember to notify your bank and credit card company of your intentions to travel abroad.
  • When you arrive at the airport you may withdraw Euro cash with your debit card.  Cash machines are easily found on the streets.  Be sure to have an additional way to access your cash in case your debit card becomes inactive while in Ireland!

Phones and internet use are mostly not available at B&Bs. If you wish to call home, you may purchase an international calling card in Ireland for use with pay phones.
Meals:  Plan for a high estimate of 30-40 Euro for one day’s meals (lunch and dinner).

Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance (coverage during tour) Travelers are required to carry in-Ireland travel insurance to provide the level of protection needed if a medical emergency of any nature should arise. Such insurance is required for protection against unforeseen circumstances which may also cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip.  The insurance must cover the possibility for airlift, medical care and hospitalization in Ireland. It also must cover the possibility of an emergency flight for care at home.  For your FREE Travel Protection Insurance quote, contact Travel Leaders/Suntime Travel, LLC at or by phone at 715 425 8200.  A copy of your travel insurance will be requested by Irish Byways, LLC one month before departure. 

Recommended Irish Shops (for everything Irish you seek):

MINNESOTA
St. Paul, MN Visit Irish On Grand http://www.irishongrand.com
Visit Irish Indeed http://www.irishindeed.com

WISCONSIN
Appleton, WI Visit Mystic Ireland http://www.mysticirelandusa.com

Recommended Reading:

  • Mythic Ireland, Michael Dames, Thames and Hudson Limited (London, 1992).
  • Celtic Heritage, Alwyn Rees and Brinley Rees, Thames and Hudson (London, 1961, reprinted 1995).
  • The Traveller’s Guide to Sacred Ireland: A Guide to the Sacred Places of Ireland, Her Legends, Folklore and People, Cary Meehan, Gothic Image Publications (2002).
  • A Guide to Connemara’s Early Christian Sites, Anthony Previte, Oldchapel Press (Oughterard, Ireland, 2008).
  • Myth, Legend & Romance: An Encyclopedia of the Irish Folk Tradition, Dr Daithi O Hogain, Pinnacle (1991).
  • Lady Gregory’s Complete Irish Mythology, Lady Isabella Augusta Gregory, Bounty Books, (reprinted 2005).
  • The Power of Myth, Joseph Campbell, Doubleday Books (1988).
  • Over Nine Waves: A Book of Irish Legends, Marie Heaney, Faber & Faber (1995).
  • Celtic Wonder Tales, Ella Young, Dover Publications.

Ancient Texts Is an excellent website that has a long list of stories and primary texts including:

  • The Book of Invasions of Ireland (Lebor Gabala Errin)
  • The Second Battle of Moytirra
  • The Debility of the Ulstermen
  • The Metrical Dindsenchas
  • Sinend: The Shannon River

Some Helpfull Links

Weather in Ireland

Ireland County Map

Our Music