UK FCDO travel advice: Exercise normal precautions when travelling to Ireland. Some areas may have increased risk — check conditions for the specific regions you plan to visit.
Discover
Top Attractions in Ireland
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
Cliffs of Moher
Rising 214 m above the Atlantic along County Clare's coastline, the Cliffs of Moher offer one of Ireland's most dramatic and photographed landscapes.
Ring of Kerry
A 179 km scenic driving route around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, passing rugged coastline, glacial lakes, ancient stone forts, and breathtaking mountain scenery.
Blarney Castle
Home to the legendary Blarney Stone, which legend says bestows the gift of eloquence to anyone who kisses it. The castle grounds and gardens are equally beautiful.
Giant's Causeway
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in County Antrim, Northern Ireland — over 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity.
Trinity College & Book of Kells
Dublin's prestigious Trinity College houses the Book of Kells, a stunning 9th-century illuminated gospel manuscript, alongside the magnificent Long Room library.
Rock of Cashel
A medieval hilltop fortress complex in County Tipperary featuring a round tower, Romanesque chapel, and Gothic cathedral dating back to the 12th century.
Where to Go
Top Cities to Visit in Ireland
Dublin
Pubs, literature, Georgian squares, and the Book of Kells
Galway
Ireland's bohemian capital — live music, seafood, and medieval lanes
Killarney
Gateway to the Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, and Muckross House
Cork
Ireland's second city — craft beer, English Market, and a fiercely proud food culture
Dingle
A charming fishing village on a wild Atlantic peninsula, famous for a resident dolphin
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Ireland
Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many other countries can visit Ireland visa-free. Note that Ireland is NOT in the Schengen Area — a UK visa does not grant entry to Ireland, and vice versa. Check your specific nationality with the Yoogo visa checker.
Visa-free visitors can typically stay for up to 90 days per visit. Stays beyond 90 days require applying for an extension from the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).
A valid passport or, for EU/EEA nationals, a national identity card. Evidence of sufficient funds, accommodation details, and a return or onward ticket may be requested.
Ireland is one of the safest countries in Europe for tourists. Crime levels are low. Normal precautions against petty theft in city centres apply.
The Euro (EUR, symbol €) is the currency of the Republic of Ireland. Note that Northern Ireland (part of the UK) uses Pound Sterling (£). ATMs are widely available, and card payments are accepted almost everywhere.
English is the main language used throughout Ireland. Irish (Gaelic) is the first official language and is widely taught in schools. It is spoken as a community language in certain western coastal areas known as the Gaeltacht.
May to September offers the best combination of longer days, milder temperatures, and drier weather. June and July are the sunniest months. Ireland can be visited year-round — winter has lower prices and fewer crowds, though weather is wetter and some attractions have reduced hours.
Walk the Cliffs of Moher, drive the Ring of Kerry, visit the Book of Kells at Trinity College Dublin, explore Killarney National Park, discover the Giant's Causeway, tour Blarney Castle, enjoy live traditional music in a Galway pub, and hike in Connemara.
Dublin Airport (DUB) handles the vast majority of international arrivals. Cork Airport (ORK) and Shannon Airport (SNN) also receive some international flights.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) have access to state healthcare, but most visitors should carry private travel insurance covering medical expenses and trip disruption.
No vaccinations are required for entry to Ireland. Standard routine vaccinations are recommended.
Yes. Visitors can drive with a valid foreign licence for up to 12 months. Note that driving is on the left side of the road, and many rural roads are very narrow. An International Driving Permit is useful.
Ireland follows EU customs rules. Duty-free allowances for arrivals from outside the EU include 200 cigarettes, 1 litre of spirits, and €430 of goods. All prohibited goods — firearms, drugs, protected species — must not be imported.
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. 10–15% is appropriate in restaurants for good service. A tip in pubs is unusual but you can buy the barman a drink. Taxi drivers appreciate rounding up the fare.
Yes. Tap water throughout Ireland is treated and safe to drink.
Ireland uses Type G outlets (three rectangular pins — identical to the UK) at 230V / 50Hz. Travellers from continental Europe, the US, or Australia will need an adapter.
999 or 112 for police (Garda), fire, and ambulance throughout the Republic of Ireland.
Ireland is consistently rated as a safe destination with no elevated advisory levels by most governments. Normal precautions apply.