Tourist Information for Ireland

Essential information for planning your visit to the Emerald Isle

Welcome to Ireland

Welcome to our tourist information guide for Ireland. While our website primarily focuses on Ireland's roads and driving information, we understand that visitors need a broader range of information to plan their trip. This page provides essential tourist information to complement our road guides.

Important Notice

Irish Roads is a non-commercial, informational website only. We do not provide any booking services or sell any products. We are not affiliated with any hotels, transport services, or tour companies. The information provided here is for guidance only.

Ireland Quick Facts

Location

Geography

  • Location: Western Europe
  • Size: 84,421 sq km (32,595 sq miles)
  • Capital: Dublin
  • Political Division: Republic of Ireland (26 counties) and Northern Ireland (6 counties, part of UK)
Language

Culture & Language

  • Languages: English (primary), Irish (Gaelic)
  • Currency: Euro (€) in Republic, Pound Sterling (£) in Northern Ireland
  • Population: Approximately 5 million (Republic), 1.9 million (Northern Ireland)
  • Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic (Republic), mixed Protestant/Catholic (Northern Ireland)
Weather

Climate

  • Type: Temperate maritime climate
  • Temperature: Rarely below 0°C (32°F) or above 25°C (77°F)
  • Rainfall: Frequent throughout the year
  • Best Time to Visit: May to September for milder weather
Travel

Travel Essentials

  • Visa: EU citizens don't need a visa. Other nationalities should check requirements
  • Electricity: 230V, 50Hz, Type G plugs (UK & Ireland style)
  • Drive: Left side of the road
  • Time Zone: GMT (Winter), GMT+1 (Summer)

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May)

Pros: Fewer tourists, blooming countryside, moderate prices

Cons: Can be rainy, some attractions have limited hours

Summer (June-August)

Pros: Longest daylight hours, warmest weather, all attractions open

Cons: Peak tourist season, higher prices, some crowding at popular sites

Autumn (September-November)

Pros: Beautiful fall colors, fewer tourists than summer, harvest festivals

Cons: Increasing rainfall, shorter days, cooler temperatures

Winter (December-February)

Pros: Lowest prices, Christmas markets, authentic local experience

Cons: Short daylight hours, coldest weather, some rural attractions closed

Our recommendation: Late May to early June or September for the best balance of good weather, reasonable prices, and fewer crowds.

Travel Documents

  • Passport: Required for all non-Irish citizens. Should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
  • Visa Requirements:
    • EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: No visa required
    • US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand citizens: No visa required for stays up to 90 days
    • Other nationalities: Check with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs
  • Travel Insurance: Highly recommended to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances.
  • Driving License: If planning to drive, bring your valid driving license. International Driving Permits are recommended for non-EU licenses.

Note on Northern Ireland: Different visa requirements may apply for visiting Northern Ireland (UK) versus the Republic of Ireland, especially for non-EU citizens. If planning to visit both, ensure you have the appropriate documentation.

Getting to Ireland

By Air

The main international airports are:

  • Dublin Airport (DUB) - Largest airport with connections worldwide
  • Cork Airport (ORK) - Good connections to UK and Europe
  • Shannon Airport (SNN) - West coast, with transatlantic flights
  • Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Main airport in Northern Ireland

Major airlines serving Ireland include Aer Lingus, Ryanair, British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, and many others.

By Sea

Ferry services connect Ireland to:

  • UK: From Holyhead, Liverpool, Cairnryan to Dublin, Rosslare, and Belfast
  • France: From Cherbourg, Roscoff to Rosslare, Cork
  • Spain: From Bilbao to Rosslare (seasonal)

Major ferry operators include Irish Ferries, Stena Line, P&O Ferries, and Brittany Ferries.

Getting Around Ireland

By Car

The most flexible way to explore Ireland, especially for visiting rural areas and scenic routes.

  • Drive on the left side of the road
  • Car rentals available at airports and major cities
  • Valid driving license required
  • Consider toll roads costs (see our Toll Roads Guide)

For detailed information, see our Driving in Ireland Guide.

Public Transportation

  • Trains: Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) connects major cities. Limited rural coverage.
  • Buses: Bus Éireann serves cities and many towns. Private companies like GoBus and Citylink operate express services.
  • Local Transport: Dublin has LUAS (tram), DART (commuter rail), and extensive bus network.
  • Taxis & Ride-sharing: Available in cities and towns. Apps like FREE NOW operate in major cities.

Accommodation Options

Hotels

Price Range: €€-€€€€

Best For: Comfort, amenities, city stays

What to Know: Ireland has a wide range of hotels from budget to luxury. International chains are mainly in cities, while smaller towns often have independent hotels. Book well in advance for summer months, especially in tourist hotspots like Dublin, Galway, and Killarney.

B&Bs and Guesthouses

Price Range: €€-€€€

Best For: Personal touch, local experience, home-cooked breakfasts

What to Know: B&Bs offer an authentic Irish experience with warm hospitality. They range from cozy family homes to elegant historic houses. Most include a full Irish breakfast. Particularly common in rural areas and small towns.

Hostels

Price Range: €

Best For: Budget travelers, solo travelers, social atmosphere

What to Know: Ireland has an excellent network of hostels in both urban and rural locations. Many offer private rooms as well as dormitories. Some are housed in historic buildings or scenic locations. The Hostelling International network has properties throughout the country.

Self-Catering

Price Range: €€-€€€

Best For: Families, longer stays, independence

What to Know: Self-catering options range from apartments in cities to cottages in the countryside. They offer flexibility for meal preparation and are often economical for longer stays or larger groups. Many historic properties and farm cottages offer unique experiences.

Unique Stays

Price Range: €€€-€€€€

Best For: Special occasions, memorable experiences

What to Know: Ireland offers unique accommodation options including castle hotels, historic manor houses, lighthouse keepers' cottages, and glamping sites. These provide memorable experiences but typically require booking well in advance, especially for summer stays.

Camping & Caravanning

Price Range: €

Best For: Nature lovers, budget travelers, flexibility

What to Know: Ireland has designated campsites throughout the country, many in scenic locations. Facilities vary widely from basic to comprehensive with electrical hookups and amenities. Wild camping is generally not permitted without landowner permission. Weather can be unpredictable, so good equipment is essential.

Booking Tips

  • Book accommodation well in advance (3-6 months) for summer visits, especially in popular tourist areas
  • Consider location carefully - staying outside major cities can reduce costs but may add transportation time
  • Many accommodations offer discounts for longer stays or off-season visits
  • Check cancellation policies carefully, especially when booking far in advance
  • Look for accommodations with free parking if traveling by car
  • Read recent reviews from multiple sources before booking

Must-See Destinations

  • Urban Highlights
  • Natural Wonders
  • Historic Sites
  • Hidden Gems

Dublin

Ireland's capital offers rich history, vibrant culture, and famous hospitality. Don't miss Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse, Temple Bar district, and the historic Dublin Castle.

Getting There: International airport, ferry connections, excellent road links

Galway

This vibrant west coast city is known for its bohemian atmosphere, traditional music scene, and position as a gateway to Connemara. Explore the Latin Quarter, enjoy street performers, and experience authentic Irish culture.

Getting There: 2.5 hours from Dublin via M6 motorway

Cork

Ireland's second-largest city offers foodie delights at the English Market, the historic Shandon Bells tower, and the Crawford Art Gallery. A great base for exploring the southwest.

Getting There: International airport, 2.5 hours from Dublin via M8 motorway

Belfast

Northern Ireland's capital has transformed into a thriving cultural hub. Visit the Titanic Belfast museum, explore the Cathedral Quarter, and learn about the city's complex history through black taxi tours.

Getting There: International airport, 2 hours from Dublin via M1 motorway

Practical Information

Money Matters

  • Currency: Euro (€) in Republic of Ireland, Pound Sterling (£) in Northern Ireland
  • Credit Cards: Widely accepted, though some small businesses may be cash-only
  • ATMs: Readily available in cities and towns
  • Tipping: Not obligatory but appreciated for good service (10-15% in restaurants)
  • VAT Refunds: Non-EU visitors can claim VAT refunds on certain purchases

Health & Safety

  • Emergency Number: 112 or 999
  • Healthcare: High quality but travel insurance recommended
  • Pharmacies: Widely available with knowledgeable staff
  • Safety: Ireland has low crime rates but take normal precautions
  • Drinking Water: Safe to drink from taps

COVID-19 Notice: Health guidelines and entry requirements may change. Check the latest information before traveling.

Communication

  • Phone Code: +353 (Ireland), +44 (Northern Ireland)
  • Wi-Fi: Widely available in accommodations, cafés, and public spaces
  • Mobile Coverage: Good in urban areas, can be patchy in remote rural areas
  • SIM Cards: Available for purchase with ID at mobile shops and some convenience stores
  • Post: An Post offices throughout the country for mail services

Cultural Etiquette

  • Greetings: Handshakes are common, often with direct eye contact
  • Time: Punctuality is generally expected but with some flexibility in social settings
  • Pub Culture: Buying rounds is common when drinking with locals
  • Conversation: Irish people tend to be friendly and talkative
  • Religion: Respect religious sites regardless of your beliefs
  • Politics: The political history between Ireland and the UK can be sensitive

Business Hours

  • Shops: Typically 9am-6pm Monday-Saturday, with late night opening on Thursdays in many places. Sunday hours usually 12pm-6pm.
  • Banks: Usually 10am-4pm Monday-Friday, with some open on Saturday mornings.
  • Post Offices: 9am-5:30pm Monday-Friday, with some open Saturday morning.
  • Pubs: Generally 10:30am-11:30pm Monday-Thursday, 10:30am-12:30am Friday-Saturday, and 12:30pm-11pm Sunday.
  • Restaurants: Lunch typically 12pm-3pm, dinner from 5pm/6pm to 9pm/10pm.

Public Holidays

These dates may affect business hours and transportation:

  • New Year's Day: January 1
  • St. Patrick's Day: March 17
  • Easter: Good Friday to Easter Monday (dates vary)
  • May Bank Holiday: First Monday in May
  • June Bank Holiday: First Monday in June
  • August Bank Holiday: First Monday in August
  • October Bank Holiday: Last Monday in October
  • Christmas: December 25-26

Note: Northern Ireland has some different holidays.

Useful Resources

Official Tourism Sites

Transportation

Government & Emergency

Culture & Events

Ready to Explore Ireland's Roads?

Now that you have essential tourist information, learn more about navigating Ireland's beautiful roads.

Driving in Ireland Guide Explore Scenic Routes