Everything you wanted to know about touring Ireland (but were too afraid to ask)!
Planning a trip to Ireland is thrilling, but let’s face it—there are some questions you may be dying to ask, but feel too awkward or unsure to bring up. If you’re traveling with a small group of family or friends and considering a private driver experience, you’ll want to know what’s really allowed, what’s considered normal, and how to make the most of your adventure without committing any unintentional faux pas.
At Cork Luxury Travel, we specialize in private, custom tours for visitors from the U.S. who want to see Ireland’s most iconic sights—or trace their Irish ancestry—in style and comfort. In this post, we’re answering all the quirky, offbeat, and honest questions you’ve probably wondered about touring Ireland but never asked. Let’s dive in!
Is it rude to ask a driver to go off the itinerary if we spot something interesting?
Absolutely not! In fact, this is one of the best perks of booking a private tour. Your driver is not just a chauffeur—they’re your local guide, flexible travel planner, and storyteller rolled into one. If you spot a charming village, a scenic beach, or a mysterious ruin, speak up!
Many of our guests find their favourite memories in these spontaneous detours. Just remember that timing and safety are always considered—so while we’ll do our best to accommodate your curiosity, we may need to tweak the day’s schedule slightly.
Can I mix castles and pubs with ancestral research on the same day?
Yes, and we encourage it. A lot of our guests want to explore their family roots but don’t want the entire trip to feel like a research project. With a private tour, you can start your day at a local heritage center or graveyard and end it with a pint in a centuries-old pub—or even a guided tour of a nearby castle.
This mix of personal connection and classic Irish charm is what makes a trip truly unforgettable. Just let us know your goals in advance so we can build a balanced itinerary that suits your pace and interests.
Do we need to pretend to love whiskey even if we don’t?
Not at all! While Ireland is famous for its whiskeys—and there are some fantastic distillery tours around Cork and beyond—there’s no pressure to indulge if it’s not your thing. We’ve planned plenty of tours where the focus was on craft coffee, chocolate, or even non-alcoholic experiences like botanical gardens and art galleries.
Your tour is your own, and your preferences matter. And if one person in your group loves whiskey while another doesn’t, we’ll find a happy compromise.
What if we only care about sheep, stone walls, and storytelling?
Then you’re in the right country! The beauty of a private tour is that it can be designed around whatever fascinates you. Whether that’s landscapes, local folklore, photography, or even sheepdogs in action—we’ve got you covered.
Ireland’s countryside is full of quirky, visually rich scenes that never make it into the glossy brochures. Let us know what draws your eye or captures your imagination, and we’ll steer you toward the offbeat gems.
How do we avoid sounding like we’re mocking the accent when we try to pronounce Irish names?
It’s a common fear—and totally understandable. Irish names can be a minefield of beautiful but unexpected pronunciations. (Caoimhe? Siobhán? You’re not alone.)
The good news is that locals are usually delighted by visitors making an effort. It’s not mocking to ask for help or try your best. In fact, it’s often a great icebreaker. Your driver can even offer a cheat sheet of common names and phrases to get you up to speed.
Will our American enthusiasm be too much for Irish locals?
Nope! Irish people are known for their warmth and wit, and your enthusiasm will usually be met with smiles and good-natured banter. That said, Irish humour tends to be a bit more understated and self-deprecating than American humour, so don’t be surprised if the jokes are more dry than loud.
When in doubt, just be yourself. Kindness and curiosity go a long way.
Can we ask our driver about politics, religion, or the Troubles?
You can—but tread carefully. These topics are deeply rooted in Irish history and culture, and while some people are open to discussing them, others may prefer to avoid them.
If you’re genuinely curious, it’s best to approach with sensitivity and respect. Your driver will guide the conversation if they’re comfortable and will politely steer away if not. Trust the vibe.
Are leprechauns an offensive stereotype or fair game for jokes?
Good question! While leprechauns are part of Irish mythology, they’ve also been overused in tourist clichés. Most locals have a sense of humour about it, but if you’re visiting heritage sites or speaking with historians, it’s best to treat Irish folklore with a bit more reverence.
That said, snapping a fun leprechaun-themed souvenir isn’t likely to offend anyone.
Can I wear green every day without being judged?
Absolutely—though we might chuckle a bit! Tourists often love embracing their inner Irish with green clothing, flat caps, and Claddagh rings. Locals don’t dress this way day-to-day, but no one will judge you for getting into the spirit. If anything, you might be mistaken for being on your way to a themed pub crawl.
Wear what makes you feel excited about your trip. Just make sure it’s weather-appropriate!
Is it weird to bring a DNA kit on tour and swab a cousin in Kerry?
We’ve actually seen it happen—so no, it’s not that weird! If your ancestry journey is a big part of your trip, DNA kits can be a helpful tool (just make sure you’ve arranged things in advance and that your Irish cousin is on board).
We’ll help you make the most of your time in ancestral areas and connect you with local archives, churches, and even potential relatives.
What’s the best way to tip in Ireland without making it awkward?
In Irish restaurants, the typical and acceptable tip is generally around 10% of the bill when the service is good, and no service charge has been included. Tips above 15% are uncommon and usually reserved for exceptional service or larger groups. If a service charge has already been added to your bill (which is common for groups over 10), additional tipping is not necessary, though leaving some small extra cash for good service is appreciated.
For casual dining or cafes, tipping is more discretionary—often just rounding up the bill or leaving a few coins. In pubs, tipping is not expected unless you receive table service or have had a meal, in which case €1-€2 per round or a small tip for attentive service is customary.
Overall, 10% is the standard guideline, but it remains at your discretion based on the quality of service. Remember, tipping in Ireland is less ingrained culturally than in the USA, so tips are viewed as a gesture of appreciation rather than an obligation.
If you’re ever unsure, just ask your driver—they’ll give you honest, local advice.
Can we stop to pet every sheep we see?
Tempting as it is, we advise against it. Most sheep are on private farmland, and while they might look fluffy and approachable, they can be skittish—or even cause trouble if they’re guarding lambs.
But don’t worry: if you’re an animal lover, we can arrange a stop at a working sheep farm where you can meet the flock up close, watch a sheepdog demonstration, and even chat with the farmer.
How Irish is too Irish when packing clothes? Flat cap? Aran sweater? Claddagh ring?
These classic symbols are beloved and often worn for special occasions, but they’re not part of everyday attire for most locals. Still, wearing them won’t offend anyone—they just might make you look like you’re headed to a St. Patrick’s Day party.
If you want to blend in while staying comfortable, opt for layers, waterproof gear, and good walking shoes. You can still toss in a flat cap for style points!
Are we supposed to be quiet during scenic drives, or chatty?
Totally up to you. Some guests love to chat and ask questions, while others prefer to sit back and soak in the view. Your driver will take cues from your group and adjust accordingly.
That said, don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation. Our drivers are full of stories, recommendations, and local knowledge—they’re happy to share when invited.
What if we cry when we see our ancestral home — will that make things awkward?
Not at all. These are deeply emotional moments, and we’ve seen many guests become tearful when they connect with their roots. It’s part of what makes these journeys so meaningful.
Your driver understands this is a special experience, and they’ll give you space—or a supportive word—depending on what you need.
Can we bring a playlist, or does the driver pick the road trip music?
You can absolutely bring your own playlist. In fact, many guests like to curate a mix of Irish ballads, classic rock, or even their family’s favourite road trip tunes. Just let us know, and we’ll make sure the vehicle’s sound system is ready.
If you prefer to let the driver pick, you’ll likely get a mix of Irish folk, contemporary music, and maybe even a few local legends.
Still wondering what your Ireland trip could look like?
We hope this blog post has answered a few of your unspoken curiosities—and maybe even made you laugh. Touring Ireland is a journey full of beauty, surprises, and personal connection. When you travel with Cork Luxury Travel, no question is too small, too silly, or too sentimental.
If you’re dreaming of visiting Ireland with your family or friends and want a tailor-made experience that’s both flexible and unforgettable, get in touch with us today. We’re happy to answer all your questions—no matter how offbeat they may be.
