If you’ve never been to the Republic of Ireland before, you’re in for a real treat.

The Emerald Isle is full of stunning scenery, fascinating history, amazing music, art and literature and, most importantly of all, inclusive and inspirational locals.

If you’re heading to The Land of Saints and Scholars for a vacation, take these five tips for a terrific Irish trip on board.

Learn the Lingo

There’s still a strong tradition of Irish Gaelic language in Ireland, but most people speak English, albeit with some real differences from the form you’ll hear in England itself. It’s always good to know a few key phrases before you go, so learn the Irish lingo with this Vanity Fair video.

Stay in a hostel

There are plenty of hotels, guest houses, and cottages across Ireland, but staying in a hostel can be cheap and convenient. Hostelworld.com is a great place to find rated and recommended hostels in Ireland. This amazing site provides peace of mind with tips for cheap accommodation that can be more salubrious than some hotels!

Don’t miss Dublin

You can’t visit Ireland without spending some time in its amazing capital Dublin. There’s culture in every nook and cranny in this city. Take a literary walking tour of Dublin and discover the favorite haunts of writers like James Joyce, Jonathan Swift, and Bram Stoker. Alternatively, visit the Guinness Storehouse and enjoy the best pint of the black stuff in the world.

Craic in Cork City

Cork is located on the River Lee in Ireland’s south and it’s an excellent place to visit. Cork City Gaol is a favorite for fans of a slightly morbid side of history. After visiting there you’ll be thankful you’ve never been locked up within its walls! It’s also a fabulous city for foodies.

Hit the road

With a road network that for the most part is very reliable, the Republic of Ireland is a brilliant place to explore in your own vehicle. For instance, hire a car from Enjoy Travel at Shannon Airport and you can explore County Clare attractions like the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, and Ennis Friary. You can then roll out to explore the rest of Ireland.

When you’re traveling independently you can move from place to place according to your own timetable. You also get to ensure complete privacy, which provides peace of mind for many travelers nowadays.

Follow these five tips for a terrific Irish trip and you’re sure to leave a little bit of your heart behind. Send us a postcard when you get there!

So ends my list, but please share your own Irish travel tips in the comments section.

This is a guest post written by David Henderson.