How to charge the iPad Mini when planning a trip to Ireland

How to connect an Irish power outlet to the iPad Mini

Irish power outlet

Various combinations of frequencies and region codes can often be daunting when planning on staying in a foreign country if you've never been there before. When you're visiting Ireland these instructions show how to power the iPad Mini using a standard 230 volt 50Hz Type G power outlet, with the Irish using a 13 amp plug for power outlets. You will discover that power changes depending on which region you are travelling to so we recommend reading the Europe page for a complete list of countries. If you are travelling to Ireland from a different country ensure the iPad Mini can accept a 240v supply. If your iPad Mini originated in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) check the iPad Mini is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional power transformer to prevent the device from over-heating when charging it. If you intend on staying somewhere like Dublin or Cork we also recommend referring to the wikipedia.org entry about Ireland [1] for further information on the location. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad Mini.

Charging the iPad Mini in Ireland

Can you use the iPad Mini in Ireland?

Yes, you can connect the iPad Mini to an Irish power outlet.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPad Mini in Ireland?

If travelling to more than one country the best international travel charger for Ireland is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. As these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries around the world simply by switching the supplied heads. If your iPad Mini can support Fast Charge (not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times by using one of these types of USB power chargers, along with additional support for certain power hungry devices like tablets.

Unlike other chargers having a 4 port adapter means you can charge more than one device at the same time without needing to buy seperate power adapters. Only bringing a single USB travel charger will also keep the overall weight down, making it perfect to fold up in hand luggage. Due to their versatility these types of power adapters can be used when back at home not just abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple tablets and smartphones without needing an additional plug socket.

We suggest buying an adaptable power adapter of this nature at an electronics retailer, the power adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for powering multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Ireland

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices via USB, however for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which is crucial for visitors of counties with unreliable or unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices. These power converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Ireland and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable option for travellers originating from North America visiting Ireland using 3 pin type B US plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs and offers almost the same functionality as the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers 5 USB charging ports. This versatile power strip is compatible with both American plugs and popular plug types A, D,E/F, G, H, I, L and N making it ideal for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Ireland. [6] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPad Mini in Ireland?

Powering the iPad Mini with an Irish power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

Using a Lightning connector and a three pinned Type G power charger to recharge the iPad Mini with an Irish power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPad Mini from the Irish power outlet you'll need a Type G USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - Apple typically supply this USB cable when you purchase the iPad Mini.
  2. Firstly insert the Type G USB power plug adapter in the Irish power outlet. This wall outlet, technically known as a Type G power outlet [3], can be identified by 3 holes in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  3. Then connect one end of the Lightning charging cable into the mains USB charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini. The iPad Mini lightning connector is situated at the base of the iPad Mini.
  4. Switch on the Irish power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the iPad Mini will display a charge icon to indicate that the tablet is recharging and takes roughly 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPad Mini with an Irish power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org entry about Ireland
  2. Apple - official iPad user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. Type G USB power plug adapter - Suitable for use in England, Ireland, and Scotland, a grounded three pin Type G adapter turns UK electrical power outlets into USB ports for reliable charging..
  5. USB to Apple Lightning cable - The Apple Lightning cable is a charging and syncing cable for more recent Apple devices and connects compatible iPhones and iPads to a USB port.
  6. 4 Port USB Wall Charger - A 4-port USB wall charger is an electrical device that provides simultaneous charging for up to four USB-compatible devices. It often includes interchangeable international plug adapters for global use..