Hi, I’m Jade, Sales & Reservations Executive at Vagabond Tours.
Using the right travel apps when travelling in Ireland can help to save you time, money and make your trip less stressful.
Whether you’re booking accommodation, looking for a good spot for dinner, or travelling elsewhere in Ireland before or after your tour with us, the right app can make things easier.
On the road, we definitely recommend putting the phone down so you can enjoy the views, listen to your VagaGuide’s stories and take in all that Ireland has to offer.
However, you will no doubt want to share your adventures with family and friends back home, connect with your fellow travellers and plan your onward travels.
Having access to the best travel apps for Ireland will make your life easier and allow you to get the most from your Irish adventure.
Now read on, intrepid app downloader, for my unmissable guide to the best travel apps for Ireland.
WhatsApp 📞
WhatsApp is a fantastic instant messaging app that is very popular in Europe. Many of our VagaGuides use WhatsApp to communicate with guests on tour. Some restaurants will take bookings using WhatsApp.
This is definitely one to download before you arrive.
Refill Ireland Tap Map 🚰
One of the best tips we can give you to travel more sustainably is to say no to single use plastic. Instead of buying water bottles, refill your reusable water bottle at your hotel or at one of the stops on the Ireland Tap Map app.
Vagabonding around Ireland can be thirsty work. It’s important that you stay hydrated so you have the energy to get the most out of your tour.
Ecosia 🌲
At Vagabond, we are proud to be Ireland’s very first B Corp certified travel company. We work hard to do as much as we can to put people and planet first and have a positive impact on this amazing country of ours.
Responsible and sustainable tourism is at the core of everything we do here at Vagabond. We encourage our guests to travel as sustainably as possible.
Downloading Ecosia, you can be climate active when you browse online. They dedicate 100% of their profits to the planet, meaning you can plant trees, protect endangered animals and uplift communities around the globe just by browsing.
They also highlight eco-friendly businesses like Vagabond Tours with a green leaf in the search results.
Citymapper App ℹ️
Getting around a city you’re not familiar with can be difficult but the Citymapper makes it easy peasy!
See all the transport options including walking, cycling, driving and public transport with live timings in Dublin. Making your journey more efficient, means less time travelling and more time enjoying all that the Irish capital has to offer.
Dublin Bus App 🚌
If you’re spending a few days exploring Dublin before or after your tour, using the local bus service is a great way to get around.
The Dublin Bus app has some great features such as bus timetables, a route planner and a fare calculator to make getting around Dublin as straightforward as possible.
Dublin Taxi Apps 🚕
If you’re visiting any major cities in Ireland, you might want to take a taxi. It’s also a great way to get from Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre.
In small towns and villages, you’re more likely to bump into a sheep than a taxi. If you need a local cab, just ask at your hotel and they’ll have the direct line to any available operators in rural areas.
To book a taxi in advance in the cities, the FreeNow app is the best choice. Track your driver’s arrival and share information about your trip details with friends, letting them know when you’ve arrived safely.
Iarnrod Eireann App 🚆
Are you considering a day trip from Dublin by train? If so, travelling by train is a great way to get around.
There are regular intercity services, as well as the DART commuter service that services Dublin and the surrounding areas.
Use the Iarnrod Eireann app for real-time information from stations across the country. There’s also a brilliant journey planner feature and connection information to help you plan your travels with ease.
Iarnrod Eireann App for Android
Dublin Airport App ✈️
There’s nothing worse than arriving at the airport in plenty of time to find that your flight has been delayed by a few hours. After all, that’s more time that you could have spent enjoying Ireland or sipping one more creamy pint of Guinness.
Stay up to date with all the latest arrivals and departures information with the Dublin Airport app. There’s lots of other Dublin Airport info included in the app too.
Dublin Airport App for Android
Currency Converter App 💰
Currency rates can be confusing at the best of times.
Using a currency converter such as XE Currency is an excellent way to convert your currency to euro or sterling (and back again). If your tour goes to Northern Ireland, this could come in especially handy.
The XE app even works when the internet doesn't. WIFI isn't readily available off the beaten track in Ireland so this feature can come in very handy!
It's an essential app for tourists travelling from outside the eurozone.
Weather Forecasting App 🌦️
You'll discover that the weather is a big topic of discussion for Irish people.
An Irish day can change in a heartbeat. So Ireland's meteorological service are the best people to chat to when it comes to weather.
Remember, there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.
Finding Accommodation 🛏️
The usual suspects - Booking.com, Hostelworld and Airbnb - are great to have downloaded if you haven’t booked your accommodation in advance.
For a unique experience, try Ireland's Blue Book. This is a collection of quality Irish country house hotels, castle hotels and restaurants. Located around Ireland these charming and stylish hideaways are the perfect way to begin or end a Vagabond or Driftwood tour in Ireland.
A handy app for all things Ireland, including accommodation, is the Ireland Travel Guide.
Ireland Travel Guide on Android
TripAdvisor 🗺️
No matter what you’re looking for in Ireland; restaurants, cafes, pubs, activities, tours, you naturally want to be sure you are making the best choice possible.
With thousands of reviews from verified customers, you can ensure you are armed with as much information as possible before making a decision.
Companies like Vagabond Tours which have received a Travellers’ Choice award and countless positive reviews are always a good call.
Official GAA App ⚽
Hurling and Gaelic football are our two national sports in Ireland. And while watching videos online is a great introduction, there’s nothing quite like seeing a live game.
The Official GAA app will give you all of the latest fixtures and results as well as information about tickets and where the games are on.
If you really want to soak up some Irish culture, make sure that you make the time to get to a GAA match before or after your tour with us.
Dublin Walls 👀
Using photos, videos and 3D animation, the Dublin Walls app is a fantastic addition to anyone interested in Dublin’s’ medieval history.
This free app brings medieval Dublin to life. Imagine images of Viking warriors taking the place of modern buildings in the exact location you’re standing in. There’s no better way to time travel in Dublin.
Entertainment.ie 🎞️
Are you looking for something to do in the evenings? No matter where in the country you might be, this app will give you all the information you need about local cinema, theatre and comedy gigs.
It also has information about nightclub events. And of course, you will be able to find information about local traditional music gigs where you can hear all of your favourite Irish songs.
Eventbrite 🎻
Another great app when travelling in Ireland is Eventbrite. From big arena shows to smaller local festivals and events, this app has everything you need to stay entertained.
Catch a theatre performance in Kinsale, find out what local bands are playing in Clifden or enjoy a show before or after your tour in Dublin. It’s all about being in the know.
Open Table 😋
Making a dinner reservation in advance is always advised during the summer in Ireland, no matter where in the country you are travelling.
Our VagaGuides will always give you recommendations of the best places to eat Irish food – just they can’t guarantee availability.
The Open Table app makes it easy to book a table from your phone so you can be sure you get to eat where you want and avoid disappointment.
Happy Cow 🥕
Many of our Driftwood and Vagabond guests have various dietary requirements. The good news is that Irish restaurants, pubs and cafes will always do their best to cater to your needs.
For vegetarians and vegans, the Happy Cow app is an absolute must. Simply zoom in on your location on the map and any restaurants that offer vegan and/or vegetarian options will be displayed.
Following a vegan diet or eating vegetarian in Ireland is easier than you might think… especially with the help of this app.
