Table of Contents

US to Ireland Power Adapter: What Plug Do I Need? (2024)

old castle in ireland
By
Updated on

Ireland is regarded as a favorite European destination for travelers all over the world. From bustling cities with rich history to the stunning Cliffs of Moher, you’ll never be lacking for fantastic things to do and see in this incredible country.

Depending on where you’re visiting from, you’ll likely need a power adapter to plug in your electronics while in Ireland. Read on to find out what type of adapter you’ll need, in-depth information on plugging in your devices in Ireland, and packing list necessities!

*Note: Ireland and Northern Ireland both use the same voltage and electrical plugs, so this page is valid for both regions.

See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

Which power outlets do they use in Ireland?

Irish power outlet
Here is an actual photo of an
Irish power outlet

Ireland uses a large Type G power outlet with three square prongs. Ireland’s standard voltage is 230V and 50Hz frequency. This is different from the voltage in the US, which uses 120 volts, so you’ll need to use an adapter to plug in your electronics while in Ireland.

The good news is that Ireland and the UK use the same voltage and sockets, which is perfect if you plan to do some traveling.

What kind of power adapter do I need for Ireland?

Ireland power adapter
Recommended Ireland power adapter available on Amazon.com ➜

If this is your first visit to the land of leprechauns and Guinness, you’ll probably be asking, “What plug do I need for Ireland?” As we mentioned before, you’ll need a power adapter if you’re traveling from North America.

A Universal Adapter is your best bet and will allow you to plug in all your American electronics in Irish power outlets. We also recommend using this particular adapter because it works in over 100 other countries around the world, so you’ll be able to use it for future travels, too. It also comes with built-in fuse protection to defend against power surges, as well as a lifetime warranty guarantee!

View on Amazon.com ➜

Other Ireland Packing List Items

In addition to your US-to-Ireland power adapter, these items will help you pack with intention and expand the possibilities of your getaway. Also, check out our Ireland packing list for more inspiration and ideas.

  • 1. Neck Wallet / Passport Holder

    Especially in areas that are particularly crowded or touristy, like Dublin, for example, it pays to have a neck wallet. The perfect size to hold your smartphone, cash, credit cards, keys, and passports safely tucked under your shirt. This neck wallet will keep your valuables organized, secure, and out of reach of pickpockets. It also has RFID-blocking material so no one can scan your credit cards from afar.

    neck wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    This handy portable charger is a must-bring for any trip to Ireland! Small enough to toss in your daypack or pocket, you’ll always have a backup power source to use if your phone or camera runs out of battery while you’re on-the-go. Charge it at your accommodation before you head out for the day, and you’ll be all set when you’re out and about. You never know when an emergency could occur.

    Lipstick-Sized Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    Using a VPN is essential when connecting to Wi-Fi in public places any time you travel. We know from experience that hackers are waiting for you to go online in cafes, airports, hotels, and Airbnbs so that they can try to steal your sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers. I learned this when my credit card number was stolen at an Airbnb in Europe.

    Simply turn on your VPN when you connect to Wi-Fi and keep your personal information safe! It will also give you access to nearly every server in the world, which means you’ll have unlimited access to the internet without regional censorship or website bans on popular sites. We like NordVPN because it has unlimited bandwidth, which means the fastest streaming in the game!

    how a vpn works

    View options at NordVPN.com ➜

  • 4. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    Ireland is not the driest place and you’ll need an absorbent microfiber towel! This one dries 10x faster than cotton and is way easier to tote around than a big, fluffy hotel one. Not to mention, you never know if your hotel will provide a towel or if it will be clean enough. So bringing your own will serve many purposes (drying off, cleaning your hands, covering a wet seat, cushioning something in your suitcase, and more).

    Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    Ireland is known for its rainy weather, so you won’t want to leave without packing a sturdy windproof travel umbrella! This one is perfect for the elements that will confront you in Ireland, as it’s made to shield you from both the wind and the rain, plus it can fit two people underneath. It weighs only one-pound and works perfectly for adventures abroad.

    travel umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Travel Insurance for Ireland

    Emergencies happen when you least expect it and you cannot rely on your domestic provider since coverage typically ceases once you leave your at-home borders. Since you are not covered when traveling, protect yourself with travel insurance. It covers you for common issues like theft, baggage loss, flight delays, cancellations, evacuations, medical transfers, and expensive hospital bills. Ireland does not cover tourists in medical emergencies and paying out-of-pocket would cost a fortune here!

    We never travel without first finding a plan with Faye. They offer comprehensive coverage that is affordable and gives us peace of mind throughout our entire trip. As the first 100% digital provider with reimbursements handled through their app, they also have practical add-ons like “cancel for any reason,” vacation rental, and pet care coverage.

    Faye Travel Insurance

    Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

  • 7. Jet Lag Relief

    Particularly if you’re traveling from North America, you’ll want to be prepared to face the unpleasant effects of jet lag. These homeopathic jet lag relief pills act as both a prevention and a cure, and will have you feeling great by the time you arrive in Ireland. We’re obsessed with these and they’ll prevent you from feeling sluggish or losing the first day of your trip!

    jet lag relief

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Luggage Straps

    The rates of mishandled or lost bags last year were exponentially too high, and the rate is nearly 800% higher for international flights as compared to domestic. Reinforce your bags for the long journey ahead with these adjustable luggage straps. Zippers are not intended to withstand the force of rough airport conveyor belts or handlers with extreme deadlines – but these straps will take the brunt of it, able to endure 700 lbs of force tension.

    We also love the bright colors that help our family’s bags to stand out in a crowd so we can get in-and-out of the baggage claim terminal! This saves a lot of stress and time on busy travel days, and I discovered the hack of tethering all of the bags together so I can handle them cleanly in busy airports, train stations, and bus terminals.

    luggage straps

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Extra Phone Charging Cables

    Tons of your essential travel items will require you to have a reliable charging cable, and you’ll use it even more than you realize! Your camera, smartphone, wireless headphones, and even your Kindle will all need a charging cable. You’re also prone to leaving them behind on trains, at stations, or at the hotel, so be prepared by bringing a few extras!

    iphone cable

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Hanging Toiletry Bag

    The bathrooms in Europe can be laughably small. Whether you don’t have storage space or just don’t want to throw your toiletries all over the hotel room – this hanging toiletry bag is a game-changer! I never travel without it since it helps us to organize the family’s skincare, haircare, personal hygiene, medication, my wife’s makeup, and more. Bottles are held in place by the elastic bands in the 4 large pockets on the inside, and you can use the 3 smaller compartments on the outside to organize smaller items like floss and jewelry.

    It creates a built-in shelf no matter where you want to hang it (a door, wall, shower pole, tree branch if camping!) At about the size of a lunchbox, it is so easy to pack in your suitcase. It is truly the BEST and once you try it, you won’t go back!

    hanging toiletry bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Hangover Relief

    Late nights at the pub and Guinness factory will require some hangover relief. We discovered Cheers from the show Shark Tank and have found it to be very effective! While we can’t call it a miracle worker, it will help you to feel significantly better in the morning since it detoxifies alcohol from your system more quickly. With vitamins, electrolytes, and minerals – it will help you bounce back with hydration and skip the hangxiety.

    Hangover Relief

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Waterproof Phone Pouch

    Considering the dampness of this region, bring a waterproof phone case. If you’re along the coast, you’ll likely be kayaking and boating and need some reinforcements. This case will allow you to film underwater videos and also protect your lifeline from elements like rain, sand, and sunshine. It’s super affordable and has a universal fit for all smartphones.

    Waterproof Phone Pouch

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 13. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

    Sadly, we had an expensive pair of sunglasses stolen out of our checked luggage. Anytime your items are going to be out-of-sight for long durations, you should secure them with luggage locks. These are TSA-approved which means TSA will have a master key if your bag is selected for a random search. We use these on our backpacks in crowded areas prone to theft, city lockers, hotel lockers, and of course, all of our suitcases.

    luggage locks

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 14. Waterproof Pocket Blanket

    One of my favorite things to do in this part of the world is lay out my waterproof blanket on a staggering cliffside and have a picnic. Whether you want to people watch, enjoy a concert or festival, or just immerse yourself in the great outdoors – this waterproof blanket is perfect for travel! It’s pocket-sized and no larger than your hand, which means it’s easy to pack and tote around. It also won’t give you a soggy butt on the wet, lush grounds of Ireland, and it’s easy to shake off any dirt after use.

    Waterproof Pocket Blanket

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Activated Charcoal

    We’ve probably all experienced our share of travelers’ diarrhea. It’s quite common and happens almost every time you visit a new place and try new cuisine or water. As your body adjusts to the local bacteria, use this activated charcoal to detoxify any pathogens from your system. It will save you some distress and help you to get back on your feet much quicker!

    Activated Charcoal

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 16. Packing Cubes

    Your trip to Ireland is bound to go much more smoothly with a set of these handy packing cubes. You’ll never have to dig through your luggage searching for a specific t-shirt again; instead, pull out your designated t-shirt cube with ease. This particular set is awesome because it comes in a variety of fun colors, features cardholder slots to label contents, and includes separate bags for dirty laundry storage!

    packing cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

What’s the electricity and power supply like in Ireland?

Ireland power plantThe electricity in Ireland is typically very reliable and consistent throughout the entire country.

Outside of a severe storm, visitors will likely not experience power outages or power surges as Ireland’s electrical infrastructure is very good.

As long as you have the proper power adapter, you should be good to go!

Do I need a voltage converter for Ireland?

Most likely, you will not need a converter in Ireland. Most personal electronics such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and cameras are all dual voltage. This means they are compatible with outlets ranging from 110-240V.

There are exceptions, however, such as hairdryers, curlers, and straighteners. These high-powered appliances tend to be single-voltage and would require a converter to use in Ireland.

Other FAQs about traveling in Ireland

  • 1. Do you need a visa to visit Ireland?

    Ireland villageUS citizens will NOT need a visa to enter Ireland for stays up to 90 days. Everyone entering Ireland will need a valid passport, however.

    If you are not a US citizen, check online to see if you’ll need a visa before visiting Ireland.

  • 2. When is the best time to visit Ireland?

    Peak tourist season in Ireland is during the summer, particularly in July and August when the weather is best and the days are longest. However, to avoid crowds of tourists and high season pricing, opt for a visit during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. You’ll still experience decent weather (though in the fall it may be a bit colder and rainier), and prices will be much lower and sites much less crowded. Be sure to check current Ireland travel advisories before you go.

  • 3. What’s the weather like in Ireland?

    cliffs of moherYou won’t experience too much extreme weather in Ireland during any season, but be prepared for frequent changes in temperature and conditions. The climate is mild year-round with an abundance of rain and moisture. Winter months are the coldest in Ireland, with daily temperatures ranging from 39.2 and 44.6 °F (4 and 7 °C).

  • 4. What is the best way to get around in Ireland?

    The most widely preferred method of getting around Ireland for travelers is by renting a car and driving yourself. That said, be prepared to drive on the opposite side of the road if you’re visiting from North America! If you’d prefer not to drive, there are buses that travel all over the country and are very cost-effective. There is also a train system but it won’t take you to quite as many destinations and is a bit more expensive than the bus.

  • 5. What are some fun things to do in Dublin?

    Dublin, IrelandDublin is a bustling city with a vibrant nightlife and rich history. Some of the top things for visitors to do in Dublin include touring the Guinness Storehouse, visiting the famous Temple Bar, exploring the Dublin Castle, visiting the Jameson Distillery, and sampling delicious traditional Irish food! With endless things to try and explore, you’re sure to have a fantastic time in Dublin.

    There are also fantastic day trips to book, like hiking The Cliffs of Moher, horseback riding through Killarney National Park, boating to the Aran Islands near Galway, or whale-watching in Cork. We always book with Get Your Guide since they have authentic tours that are heavily discounted.
    See all Ireland attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜