Introduction 

Embassy Resources 

Embajada De Mexico En Irlanda

U.S. Embassy in Ireland

Please make sure that before you leave to Ireland, that you have:   

1) Confirmed that your passport does not expire until 6 months or more after your return date from your trip to Ireland. Ireland requires this for you to leave the country.

2) Notified all of your banks, credit card companies, Landlord, Utilities companies, family and friends of your trip.

3) Utilities such as electric, water and gas, etc. shut off for the duration of your absence.

4) Confirmed and scheduled a pet care facility or friend/family member to house/provide for your pet.

5) Stocked up on anything your pets and loved ones being left behind will need for their basic care during your absence.

6) Bring an emergency fund (at least 20% of your travel budget) with you for any extra expenses that might arise during your journey.

7) Have Travel Insurance!

8) Pay bills early to avoid late fees that may occur during your absence.

9) Make sure your cell phone company has an International Plan. Tell them of your trip in advance and make any necessary modifications.

10) Pack light, and bring the appropriate items. Ireland in September can bring Sunny warm days with rain spurts, mild to strong winds, chilly temperatures as low as the 50s-60s, and the terrain is mostly Mountainous with Hills, rough/raw earth, loose gravel, and cobblestones. Removable layers of clothing with waterproof shoes good for hiking is best. The key is thick, soles with deep grip to avoid slipping in mud, rocks, etc.

11) Make sure all copies of your important documents are secured in a safe place, and accessible for you should you loose/ misplace anything. ( Passports, Identification Cards, Driver's License, Social Security Cards, Credit Cards, Bank Cards, Proof of Travel Tickets, Proof of Lodging Accommodations, Proof of ground Transportation, Proof of Travel Insurance, and any additional contracts with contact information.)

12) Keep all important emergency contacts on you. ( The Embassies, Any contractor/ business you are involved with.)

13) Take advantage of any benefits, programs, promotions, discounts, etc. that you may already be entitled to through your phone company, car insurance company, AAA, Employer, etc. To save time and money.

14) Confirm with your employer that your employment status and job position will not change due to your leave of absence. Even if it has to be in writing. We suggest using email to record conversation.

15) Use the same approach to your children's schools to ensure everything runs smoothly for the children when they return. Ask about homework assignments, tests, etc. ahead of time. The school may even give you a curriculum for the time period of absence, so your children can stay on track with their education during the trip, or they might allow work to be done early before you leave.

OR

You can write a letter granting Temporary Guardianship of your children to a trusted family member who will take care of the children and their needs while you are away. Include your full itinerary, and return date in the letter, and give copies to the school, the child's doctor, school bus driver, etc. The Guardian should keep a copy of the letter with them at all times, and the medical cards of the children with Identification in case of emergency. Take a copy of the letter with you abroad. Make sure emergency contacts are up to date and emergency funds are made.

* Double check your own lists in addition to this one, to be sure you are fully ready for your trip. ENJOY!

www.discoverireland.ie

BELOW IS A VIDEO OF THE NIGHT SKY IN THE BALLINSKELLIGS AND WATERVILLE AREAS WHERE WE STAYED, WHICH ARE INSIDE OF THE KERRY INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY RESERVE. WE HIGHLY SUGGEST YOU ENJOY THESE AREAS IN COUNTY KERRY ALONG WITH THE RICH HISTORY OF THE MONKS THERE. 

The Northern Lights

Weather

Packing

Driving in Ireland

All 3 videos have different information.

Free Admission Card Pass

As soon as you arrive in Ireland, we suggest that each person purchase their own OPW Heritage Card, or you can buy this card as a "family" card. This card gives you free admission into all State managed sites and attractions in Ireland, and helps you skip wait lines as well. The price of the card pays for itself quickly and is in our opinion worth the price, especially if you want to see more than one site/attraction while visiting the country. 

View Prices, Site Maps, Locations for Card Purchases, and other resources here: http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/info/heritagecards/

Website Homepage: http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/