Ireland Travel Guide

The Bare Bones: What you Need to Know

Population: 3.8 Million
Area: 76280km2
Religion: 91% Roman Catholic, 2.5% Protestant (Church of Ireland), 5.9% Other?
Currency The Euro

Visas Passports etc.

UK Citizens only need passports (or other photo ID) and for US citizens passports are required but no Visa for visits up to 90 days. Ensure that children have up to date paperwork and if travelling with someone else's children in the role of guardian make sure you have notification of your relationship to the child and permission for them to be with you.

Be Safe

Normal common sense rules apply in Ireland. The crime rate is generally low but beware of pickpockets and bagsnatchers. Take care with baggage and personal possessions. Be careful around ATM machines. Car crime is on the increase so always lock up and hide possessions from view. Carry copies of any ID you have but leave the real version safely locked away in your hotel. Report loss or theft of Passports to the police immediately and then contact the nearest embassy or consulate.

Stay Healthy

Ireland has a very modern system of healthcare. UK citizens should in theory get emergency treatment free of charge on production of an E111 form. In practice however many places will charge so make sure you get receipts in order that you can claim back money spent from the NHS. US citizens should ensure that they have ample medical insurance cover.

On the Road

Irish roads are generally good although the roads narrow once away from centres of population. Drive on the left. Don't use mobile phones whilst driving. Always wear seat belts and obey the speed limits. In the cities beware of bicycles and pedestrians. Breaking traffic laws can carry heavy fines.

Drugs and the Law

Drug possession and drug dealing/trafficking are illegal and punishments can be heavy.

When to Go

Ireland has famously unpredictable weather. One minute it may be raining and the next basking in bright sunshine. The Gulf Stream generally warms the climate and prevents harsh cold winters being an issue. Usually.

Cash and Plastic

Credit and Debit Cards are widely accepted and ATM machines available. Check with your card provider before departure to ensure they are accepted.

Insurance

Comprehensive cover is advised for all aspects of your trip, this should include medical, accident, luggage, money and possessions.

So, What is it Really Like?

Ireland is the small nation with the massive heart. It is a land where the people are famed for their easy charm, gentle wit and friendly manner. Irish hospitality is re-nowned the world over, if you are looking a few drinks, songs and stories enjoyed around a smoky peat fire then Ireland is the place for you. The tradition of the bardic storyteller underpins the air of Celtic mysticism that wreaths the country like spring mist.

In Ireland, myth and legend mingle freely with historical fact in the collective imagination.

The land itself is green and fresh, the weather warm but wet, though never humid. It is a rural land and even in the biggest towns you may expect to see a tractor driving through the centre.

For all this puckish charm, Ireland is the country whose economy was recently branded the Celtic Tiger. This was due to its energetic success and its increasing efforts to bring new businesses to the country. Economic success whilst not without its problems has not obscured the fact that Ireland is a place that will always have a warm welcome for the traveller.