Hello my fellow Ireland Voyagers (could you hear the accent?),
We have some tips on what to bring gleaned from many Adventures previous and some local info. As usual, more information than you want to know. I know some of you are already packing so let’s get right to it.
What to Bring …
- A softer bag that can fold down (with wheels?) is best. We don’t usually have extra space for the big hard case luggage. Of course you can always sleep with it 😉
- Clothing layers. The temperature will vary and can be chilly. Best to bring a waterproof layer – light jacket and pants or cheap rain slicks.
- Sunblock, sun glasses, hat (shades head and neck a plus).
- Your bathroom stuff. Sheets and bath towel are provided.
- Your deck shoes should be non-marking (no black soles).
- Money: for cabs to and from airport, meals ashore, food bought to bring aboard, trinkets, and your skipper’s drinks … or not.
- Get Euros from your bank or from the ATM at the airport upon arrival. There are also banks and money exchange shops, Thomas Cook’s are everywhere.
- Camera, MP3 player. There is almost always a jack on the boat radio to plug your player in.
- 12 volt car chargers if you want to charge something onboard. Ashore, electricity is 220v (not US 110v). Almost all chargers nowadays can operate at 220v with a simple adapter. Read the label.
- Your drinking cup for water, juice or beverage of choice. Glasses onboard can be small and we get water in the bigger containers.
- Meds: Customs often prefers you have them in their original container with pharmacy sticker.
- Call credit card companies to warn them you will be charging in other countries.
From Ireland.com …
“A weather-friendly wardrobe. You’ll need to be adaptable so go for layers that you can put on or take off as the temperature changes. Bring a sweater, even in summer; waterproofs to accompany outdoor activities; sunglasses; comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella. Don’t be fooled into thinking you won’t need sunscreen in the summer months. Short-term forecasts are viewable at Met Éireann. Okay, it does rain in Ireland, but long bouts of rain are pretty rare. So, you can either put on suitable clothes, or duck into a nice cosy pub to wait out the shower. You can imagine which one is our favourite strategy.”
More from LeBoat …
- Leather or gardening gloves are useful when holding the ropes in the locks.
- Binoculars for bird and wildlife watching
- A torch for walking along towpaths at night
- Clothes to suit all weather conditions
What’s already on board?
- Linen, duvets, pillows, towels and tea towels (not beach towels)
- 12 volt cigarette lighter (the same as a car) which can be used to plug in your adapter lead for a mobile phone or any other low power equipment
- Fridge and gas oven
- Kitchen utensils and cutlery
- Cushions and curtains
- Security, mooring and saftey equipment, including life jackets.
- Power supply, radio and cd player
- Crusing maps and documentation
I was just reading on LonelyPlanet.com. Tipping 10% is fine in Ireland. Their sales tax is 21% for non-essentials. You can reclaim most of that for anything you are taking back out of the country. You have 3 months.
My cel phone is T-Mobile which gives me free data and texts and cheap calls in Ireland. I have another travel (gsm) phone that I will probably get a local sim card for. I’ll get you all that info when I have it.