What American Visitors Need to Know Before Travelling to Ireland for the Ryder Cup 2027
The 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor is bringing tens of thousands of American golf fans to Ireland for what promises to be one of the greatest weeks in the history of the sport. For many, it will be their first time visiting Ireland — and for those who have been before, the Ryder Cup adds a logistical dimension that makes some advance planning essential. This guide covers everything American visitors need to know before they travel — from flights and driving to weather, currency, and what to expect when you arrive.
Getting There — Flights from the US
The best-kept secret for Ryder Cup visitors flying from the US is Shannon Airport. Located approximately 40 minutes from Adare Manor, Shannon offers direct transatlantic services from several major US cities and is by far the most convenient arrival point for the event.
Direct routes to Shannon currently operate from Boston, New York JFK, Chicago, and Philadelphia among others. Flying into Shannon means you can land, collect your rental car, check into your accommodation, and be at Adare Manor in under two hours — without touching Dublin traffic.
Dublin Airport is Ireland’s main international hub and offers the widest range of US connections, including direct services from New York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Miami, and more. The trade-off is distance — Dublin is approximately 2.5 hours from Adare Manor by road, and with Ryder Cup traffic in September 2027, that journey could take longer.
The bottom line — if you can get a direct flight to Shannon, take it. If Dublin is your only option, plan for the drive and consider staying closer to Dublin for your first night before heading west.
Driving in Ireland — What Americans Need to Know
This is the one that catches most American visitors off guard. Ireland drives on the left side of the road — the opposite of the US. For most visitors, the adjustment comes within an hour or two, but the first few minutes can be disorienting.
A few practical tips:
• The steering wheel is on the right — remind yourself every time you get back into the car, particularly after stops
• Irish roads are narrow — even main roads are significantly narrower than US equivalents. Country roads in Kerry and Limerick can be very tight. Take your time
• Speed limits are in kilometres per hour, not miles per hour. The motorway limit is 120km/h (approximately 75mph). Rural roads are typically 80km/h (50mph)
• Roundabouts — traffic already on the roundabout has priority. Give way to the right
• Petrol stations — called “petrol” not “gas” in Ireland. Diesel is widely available. Most rental cars in Ireland are diesel
• Sat nav — essential. Download Google Maps offline for Ireland before you travel in case of poor signal in rural areas
• Toll roads — the M7 motorway from Dublin to Limerick has toll booths. Have some euro coins or a card ready
Renting a car is strongly recommended for Ryder Cup visitors staying in private homes. It gives you the freedom to get to Park and Ride locations, explore the surrounding area, and travel on your own schedule.
Currency and Payments
Ireland uses the Euro (€), not the British pound. ATMs are widely available in all towns and cities, and card payments — including contactless — are accepted almost everywhere. Most American credit and debit cards work fine, though it is worth notifying your bank before you travel to avoid cards being flagged for overseas use.
Tipping is appreciated in Ireland but not as expected or structured as in the US. A 10 to 15 percent tip in restaurants is generous and warmly received. Tipping in pubs for drinks is not common practice.
Weather in September
September is one of Ireland’s most beautiful months — and one of its most unpredictable. Expect temperatures between 12 and 18 degrees Celsius (54 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit), with a mix of sunshine, cloud, and showers.
The key word is layers. Pack:
• A light waterproof jacket — essential, not optional
• A fleece or light mid-layer for cooler evenings
• Comfortable walking shoes that can handle wet ground
• Sunscreen — Irish September sun is mild but present, and you will be outside all day
Do not let the possibility of rain put you off. Irish September days can be spectacular — crisp, clear, and golden. The course at Adare Manor will look stunning in autumn light. Come prepared and you will love it regardless of what the weather does.
Mobile Phones
Most modern US smartphones work in Ireland without issue, but you should check your carrier’s international roaming plan before you travel. Roaming charges can be significant if you are not on an international plan.
Alternatively, picking up a local Irish SIM card at the airport is straightforward and inexpensive. Providers include Three, Vodafone, and Eir, all of which are available at Shannon and Dublin airports. A pay-as-you-go SIM with a generous data allowance costs approximately €20 to €30.
WiFi is widely available in hotels, restaurants, and cafes throughout Ireland. Private home rentals will have WiFi — confirm the details with your homeowner before you arrive.
Electricity and Plug Adaptors
Ireland uses a different plug type from the US — the Type G three-pin plug, the same as the UK. You will need a travel adaptor for your US devices. Ireland’s voltage is 230V, compared to 110V in the US — most modern devices (phones, laptops, camera chargers) handle this automatically, but check your device before plugging in.
Adaptors are available at airports and in most Irish pharmacies and supermarkets if you forget to bring one.
Getting to Adare Manor from Your Accommodation
There is no on-site parking at Adare Manor. Every visitor needs to plan their daily journey to the course. The main options are:
• Park and Ride — drive to one of the designated Park and Ride locations across the region and take a shuttle bus to the venue. Approximately 25,000 spaces are being developed across multiple sites
• Shuttle train — from Limerick Junction station in Co. Tipperary to a temporary station beside Adare Manor. Visitors arriving from Dublin, Cork, or Kerry by train connect here
• Shuttle bus — from Limerick Colbert station directly to Adare Manor
For visitors staying in a private home near Adare Manor, the daily logistics are significantly simpler — a short drive to a local Park and Ride location and a brief shuttle to the course. This is one of the most practical reasons to choose private home rental over a hotel further afield.
Our full transport guide is available at www.eventhomerental.ie/homeowner-guide/getting-to-the-ryder-cup-2027-at-adare-manor-everything-you-need-to-know-about-transport
A Few Things That Will Make You Feel at Home
Ireland is one of the most welcoming countries in the world for American visitors. A few things worth knowing:
• The craic — pronounced “crack,” this Irish word means fun, good conversation, and atmosphere. When an Irish person says “the craic was mighty,” it means a great time was had. You will hear it constantly
• Pubs — the Irish pub is an institution unlike anything in the US. It is a social space, a community hub, and the best place to experience Ireland authentically. Do not leave without spending at least one evening in a proper Irish pub
• Food — Irish food has improved enormously in recent years. Expect excellent seafood, lamb, beef, and dairy. Breakfast in Ireland — the full Irish — is an experience in itself
• People — Irish people are genuinely warm, talkative, and curious about visitors. Conversations with strangers are normal and expected. Enjoy them
Where to Stay
For American visitors travelling in groups — families, golf societies, corporate parties — private home rental near Adare Manor offers the most comfortable, authentic, and practical base for Ryder Cup week. A real Irish home, a proper kitchen, your own garden, and the freedom to come and go as you please.
Event Home Rental lists verified private homes across Limerick, Kerry, Clare, Tipperary, and Cork. Browse our portfolio and enquire directly with homeowners at www.eventhomerental.ie/properties
For help finding the right property for your group, contact us directly — we match visitors with the right home.