answer:I don’t know about Ireland, specifically, although I have heard that they are marvelously welcoming to Americans. Friends who have gone to other countries to stay for awhile have brought a suitcase full of little presents from America. They don’t have to be expensive, just things that are from the U.S. like candies or toys, or scarves or other wearable trinkets or CD’s from bands that are local to your city. Then you can give them out to some of the nice people that you are sure to meet. Bring a map of your city and some photos from home to show people where you live. It makes for good conversation starters. Ireland sounds wonderful. Be sure to ask people about U2 and where they’re likely to be seen. And ask them where are the non-touristy places to visit to see the “real Ireland.” People like talking about their treasured spots and will likely invite you go go along on a tour with them. And like with any other trip, keep your valuables close to you. Get one of those under the shirt/pants money belts to hold your cash and your passport. Make sure you make several copies of your passport and keep one in the hotel safe (or in some secure place in the home where you will be staying) and leave one at home in the U.S. with a close relative or friend just in case you lose yours and need to have some proof. Same with the return airline tickets. Keep your bag or purse over your shoulder and keep it closed. Try not to stand out as a tourist. If you get lost, don’t stand in the road or on the sidewalk looking at a map, don’t look vulnerable. Step inside a business to look at your map or ask directions. Don’t carry your wallet in your back pocket. Either put it in your front pocket, or carry your cash, cards and passport in the money belt inside your clothes. If you will be using a cellphone, make sure you get one of those International calling cards, otherwise you will get dinged with ridiculously high roaming charges. And keep a list of important phone numbers in your money belt (not just listed in your phone) just in case your phone gets stolen or stops working. Have your hotel or house number where you will be staying (plus the address) and numbers of your immediate family or whomever you would like to have notified if there is a problem, plus the number of the American Embassy and the phone number of the airline you will be using. You should also figure out what kind of healthcare will be available to you and how to use it and where you need to go (phone number and address) if you become ill. Find out if your U.S. insurance covers part or any of your medical treatment or whether you need to get special insurance for travelers. Keep a running list (names and addresses) of people that you meet on your trip that were helpful or nice to you. Make sure to immediately send thank you letters to all of them as soon as you get back to the States. Have a great trip!