Ireland

Ireland

Set at the western side of the United Kingdom, with the Celtic Sea to the south and the North Atlantic Ocean to the west, the island of Ireland (and Northern Ireland) has many treasures packed into its compact territory. Its magnificent natural landscapes are strewn with spectacular Nordic castles and gorgeous Georgian country houses. Its vibrant heritage includes a lively traditional dance and music culture, a rich literary tradition, and some of the world’s cosiest pubs. The bustling capital of Dublin offers up an exciting nightlife scene, stately architecture and quaint riverside charm, while beyond the cities, the countryside boasts vast areas of unspoilt wilderness. Add the country’s famously hospitable and humourous locals and it’s no wonder that Ireland appeals to travellers of all ages and from all walks of life.

Read More: Ireland

Regions


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  • Kinsale
  • Ring of Kerry

Travel Information


General

Language:Irish (Gaelic) is the official language. Estimates vary on the number of people who genuinely speak it as a first language (somewhere between…

Electricity

Plug Type: Type G Voltage (V): 230V Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz *Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on…

Banking

Currency Local currency: Euro Symbol: € ISO code: EUR Subunit: Cent Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 Coins:…

Cuisine

Food and water safety: Can you drink the tap water: Yes Fresh fruit and veg: Yes Ice: Yes Meat: Yes Street food: Yes Local…

Climate

Annual rainfall: Varies by region Average temperature: 9°C Summer: Average highs: 18°C Average lows: 10°C Winter: Average…

Transport

Air: Main airlines: Aer Lingus, Ryanair International Airports: Dublin Airport, Cork Airport, Shannon Airport Domestic Airports: Donegal…

Dress

Spring and Summer Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes Lightweight warm clothes: No Winter and Autumn Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters,…

Health

We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check…

Safety

Ireland is safe in general. We recommend normal precautions be taken as you would for any city in the world. Be aware of your surroundings and stay in…

Visa

U.S. citizens do not require a visa. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.


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General

Language:Irish (Gaelic) is the official language. Estimates vary on the number of people who genuinely speak it as a first language (somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000), but English is the language of the majority.National Emergency Numbers:Emergency numbers in Ireland are 112 or 999.Public Holidays:Jan 01 - New Year’s DayMar 17 - Saint Patrick’s DayDay after Easter - Easter Monday1st Mon. in May - May Day1st Mon. in June - June Holiday1st Mon. in Aug - August HolidayLast Mon. in Oct - October HolidayDec 25 - Christmas DayDec 26 - St. Stephen’s DaySocial Conventions:The Irish are renowned as an affable, easy-going people, whose conversation is liberally dosed with humor, irreverence and - if you listen carefully - a beal bocht, an Irish expression that translates as 'the poor mouth'. It refers to a kind of modesty where the speaker is careful to talk themselves down and never reveal how well he or she is actually doing. In short, the Irish don't really like a show-off.Arguably the best place to observe and engage with the Irish is in the pub, still a center of social interaction in Ireland, especially in smaller communities throughout the country. A meal in an Irish home is usually a substantial affair and guests will eat well. Dinner is the main meal of the day and is now eaten in the evening. Casual dress is widely acceptable, but people will often dress up for smart restaurants and social functions. Handshaking is usual, and modes of address will often be informal. Smoking is banned in all public enclosed/working spaces, including pubs, bars and restaurants.TIME ZONEIreland is on Greenwich Mean Time and is 5 hours ahead of USA Eastern Time Zone.Tipping Suggestions:Gratuities are left to your discretion and always appreciated. It is our recommendation that the quality of service should determine the extent of any gratuity. We are pleased to provide you with the following guidelines. Please feel free to offer more if you receive superlative service.Driver guides:About €50 - €120 per day. Biking guides would be at the higher end of this scaleDrivers & One Day Guides:About €35 - €50 per day. Important the driver guide or driver will normally remove himself at meal times. However this time can be awkward for both guides and clients so if the clients would like to invite the guide or driver to join them they should make it very clear and would be expected to pay for the meal.Transfers: For a short Airport Transfer €5-10 is sufficient. For longer transfers €10-30.Restaurants:Generally there are three options, outlined on the menu.• A Service Charge of x % will apply" - this means what it says, your final bill will be subject to an additional charge; no further tips are necessary. • "Service included" - this means that the prices are a flat rate, no tips are required and the prices are final. Again if the server has been attentive a €5 or €10 left on the table will always be appreciated.• If none of these apply servers will usually expect a tip of around 10-15%Hotels:Service is always included and in general no tips are expected but they are welcome nonetheless. For excellent or unusual services a few Euros (the classic "fiver", a €5 note) are appropriate left for the housemaid or the porter who brings your bags up.Taxis:In Ireland tips are not really expected but no taxi driver will object if you round the bill up a bit to the nearest euro. In England the taxi drivers expect a 10% tip on the fare.Pubs:If you try to tip in a pub you'll more than likely earn a happy but incredulous stare!US Embassy:Mailing Address: 42 Elgin Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, IrelandTel: +353 1 668 8777Website: dublin.usembassy.gov

Electricity

Plug Type: Type G 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Banking

Currency 

Local currency: Euro 
Symbol: € 
ISO code: EUR 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 
Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Cuisine

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Irish cuisine is known for its hearty dishes and use of fresh, local ingredients. Highlights include Irish stew, seafood chowder, soda bread, and of course, the famous Irish breakfast. Traditional Irish pubs are abundant, offering a cozy atmosphere and a wide selection of beers, including Guinness and Smithwick's. 
Tipping: 10-15% 

Climate

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: 9°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 18°C 
Average lows: 10°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 8°C 
Average lows: 3°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Ireland is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is mild and festivals are in full swing. 

Transport

Air: 

Main airlines: Aer Lingus, Ryanair 
International Airports: Dublin Airport, Cork Airport, Shannon Airport 
Domestic Airports: Donegal Airport, Kerry Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Dress

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Health

We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

Hospitals in Ireland may not accept U.S. health insurance as payment. Patients who do not receive benefits from Ireland’s Department of Social Protection are expected to pay all costs up-front at the time of treatment and apply for reimbursement from their insurance provider later.

Modern medical facilities and highly skilled medical practitioners are available in Ireland.
Expect long waits for access to medical specialists and admissions to hospitals for non-life-threatening medical conditions. It is not unusual for emergency room services to be very busy or for post-treatment admissions to include a long wait (sometimes overnight) on a gurney in a hallway.
We advise you carry your medical history, along with a detailed list of any medication you currently take (including dosage and brand name) in your wallet or purse and luggage.
Most types of over-the-counter medications are available but many U.S. brands are not. Some medications available over the counter in the United States may require a prescription in Ireland.
Irish pharmacists may not be able to dispense medication prescribed by U.S. physicians and may direct you to obtain a prescription from an Irish doctor.
A list of Irish general practitioners in each area of Ireland may be obtained from the website of the Irish College of General Practitioners.
The U.S. Embassy does not pay medical bills. Be aware that Medicare does not cover travelers overseas.

Safety

Ireland is safe in general. We recommend normal precautions be taken as you would for any city in the world. Be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit areas. Don’t flash wealth. If you have items of sentimental value, leave it at home. Visitors should avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations.

Visa

U.S. citizens do not require a visa. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.