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Self Catering Cottages in Ireland at Croan Cottages, Kilkenny
You are here: Croan Cottage Blog » Travelling to Ireland from the UK

Travelling to Ireland from the UK

The Currency used in Ireland is the Euro

Getting to Ireland from the UK

There are a variety of Airlines operating between the UK and Ireland, including:

  • Aer Lingus
  • Ryanair
  • Aer Arann
  • British Airways
  • BMI

Croan Cottages are centrally located in the sunny Southeast of Ireland and are a short drive from  most of Ireland’s International airports:

  • Dublin (100km from Croan)
  • Shannon (140km from Croan)
  • Cork (140 km from Croan)
  • Belfast (280km from Croan)

Regional airports:

  • Waterford (40km from Croan)
  • Knock (220km from Croan)
  • Kerry (210km from Croan)
  • Galway (170km from Croan)
  • Sligo (230 km from Croan)
  • Donegal (300km from Croan)

Travelling by Ferryto Ireland has always been a popular option for visitors. There are a number of Ferry Services between the UK and Ireland:

  • Irish Ferries
  • Stena Lines
  • P&O
  • Fastnet Lines
  • Isle of Man Packet Ferry Company

Again, Croan Cottages are not far from all of the east coast Ferry ports:

  • Dublin (100 km from Croan)
  • Dun Laoghaire (115km from Croan)
  • Rosslare (100km from Croan)
  • Cork (150km from Croan)

The UK/Ireland Common Travel Area:

The Common Travel Area directive means that there are no passport controls for UK and Irish citizens travelling between the two countries. However, you must bring with you a valid form of photo identification (passport or driver’s licence, national identification card….).

Smoking Ban:

Please note that smoking is forbidden in all closed public spaces, including bars, restaurants and Croan Cottages

Driving in Ireland:

Croan Cottages are centrally located for visiting many of Ireland’s top visitor attractions.

Just like in the UK, we drive on the left and signs are similar to those used on UK roads. A good map is recommended (or up to date Sat. Nav.) as directional signs can be few and far between in rural areas. Both speed limits and distance signs are listed in km/hr.

Be sure to update your Sat. Nav. before travelling to Ireland as in recent years there have been a lot of new motorways opened.

Public transport:

Though we recommend bringing or hiring a car, there are some public transport options available for guests at Croan Cottages. For Local/National bus services, see www.buseireann.ie, or www.jjkavanagh.ie (closest pickup/drop off point is Ballyhale). For rail services, see www.irishrail.ie (closest station is Thomastown).

Eating and Drinking:

At Croan Cottages, you’re free to prepare as many of your meals as you’d like, when you like. For those who’d like a little help with the cooking, we can deliver meals ready to heat at your convenience, or ready to serve at a time that suits you. Please see our Cuisine page for further details.

Eating out in Ireland can be comparatively expensive, though many restaurants offer ‘early bird’ menus at a reduced rate prior to 7 pm Monday-Thursday. Tipping is expected in return for good service, rather than as mandatory.

Many pubs also offer good quality and value food. Be aware that the legal limit for driving is 50mg alcohol and random breath testing by police is permitted.

Self Catering Holidays with Pets:

Your pets are welcome at Croan Cottages. After all, they’re part of the family too! We do ask that they’re kept on a lead when outside (as we keep free range chickens and peacocks). Pets are allowed indoors, but are not to be left unattended. We can provide space for your pets to run off the lead and can recommend trails and parks for exercise. For regulations regarding bringing animals into Ireland, please see

European Health Insurance Card

Visitors to Ireland from the EU can apply for a European Health Insurance Card which entitles the bearer to access Public Health services during their stay. Please see www.hse.ie for further information.

Tracing your Irish Ancestry:

Many of our visitors from the UK come in search of their Irish Ancestors. A little research prior to your arrival can pay dividends. Contact the National Library of Ireland Genealogy Service for tips and resources, www.nli.ie/family-history-introduction.aspx

Public Holidays in Ireland

  • New Year’s Day (January 1st)
  • St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th)
  • Easter Monday
  • First Monday in May
  • First Monday in June
  • First Monday in August
  • Last Monday in October
  • Christmas Day (December 25th)
  • St. Stephen’s Day (December 26th)

Public (or Bank) Holiday weekends are a very popular time for visitors to book our self catering cottages. These periods usually fill up quickly and are charged at high season rates. If your travelling dates are flexible, avoiding Public Holiday weekends and the School holiday periods (July and August, Christmas and Easter) can keep the cost of your trip down.