Welcome to Ireland

Small, yet mighty, Ireland is the stuff of legends. Its warm people welcome you with open arms (and a pint of Guinness) when you come ashore.

From its eye-popping green landscape to its ancient history, Ireland will wow you. Drive the iconic Ring of Kerry, watch an Irish sheepdog at work, visit a country pub or stop by a local family farm for a friendly lunch and tour. Taste oysters in County Clare, take in the views from the Cliffs of Moher and feel the broody ambience of Connemara.

In Dublin, get an up-close look at the Book of Kells and marvel at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Visit ancient ruins in Glendalough, Clonmacnoise and Cashel and then fast-forward to modern history as depicted in Derry’s colorful murals. There are festivals all summer long, celebrating everything from flowers to books. There are traditional tunes being sung in Irish pubs and EDM thumping at nightclubs. Making a lasting impression from the first moment to the last, Ireland will leave you wanting more.

Unique Facts

• Patrick was not Irish! The Patron Saint of Ireland was actually born in Wales around 386 AD, but was captured by the Irish, sold into slavery and worked as a shepherd in Ireland. When he was older, he returned to Ireland as a Christian missionary.
• Take an epic road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way, a coastal highway that stretches from County Donegal in the north to the beaches of County Cork. It’s 1,553 miles long.
• Halloween originated in Ireland from the ancient Celtic Samhain festival. Samhein is an old Gaelic word meaning “darker half,” referring to the start of winter. People would light bonfires around this time of year and wear scary costumes to ward off evil spirits.
• Say this five times fast: “Muckanaghederdauhaulia.” It’s a small town in County Galway and the name can be translated as “ridge, shaped like a pig’s back, between two expanses of briny water.”
• There are more than 30,000 castles and castle ruins in Ireland. The oldest date back to the 11^th

Language

Ireland’s official language is Irish Gaelic and English.

When To Go

For warm temperatures and long days, the best time to go to Ireland is between May and July. July and August are the high season. Consider visiting from March onward and up until September, when the crowds diminish and the temperatures remain pleasant. During the winter, December to February, some attractions, hotels and restaurants close.

Airports

Dublin Airport
Cork Airport
Shannon Airport, north of Limerick City

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for duration of stay.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Ireland: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Rabies.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type G. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Euro

Getting Around

Cars drive on the left side of the road in Ireland. Road conditions are generally good. Secondary roads tend to be narrow and winding. Most intersections in Ireland use circular roundabouts instead of traffic lights.

Train service links larger cities and intercity buses link main towns and cities.

Driver’s License

Valid US driver’s license required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Dublin
42 Elgin Rd
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Ireland
Telephone: +(353) (1) 668-8777
Emergency after-hours telephone: +(353) (1) 668-8777
Fax: +(353) (1) 668-8056
ACSDublin@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Visit https://www.ireland.com/en-us/what-is-available/getting-around-ireland/articles/regional-tourism-offices/ for a list of regional tourism offices throughout Ireland.

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 112 or 999

Safety and Security

Ireland has a low violent crime rate, but petty crime has risen in recent years. Thieves often target tourists in the Dublin city center and tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings and do not leave belongings unattended. Rental cars are a frequent target for theft. If possible, remove the identifying company sticker from the rear window and do not leave valuables in the vehicle.