Ireland Travel Guide:

      Tourism Information

Ireland: One of the Best  Travel Destinations(3 of 4 globes)

Ireland is a desirable vacation destination  that offers beautiful and, sometimes, "moody" landscapes.  The country has a dynamic and sociable culture and the Irish appreciate and seem interested in the personalities of tourists visiting the "Emerald Isle".  Ireland is short on important museums, but brims with historic places and place names that have become part of the fabric of American life.

1. The real delights that Ireland offers the traveler are its landscapes and people. The Irish countryside is beautiful and it seems populated with an abundance of warm and humorous people.  The scale of towns, castles, hotels and just about everything else in Ireland is smaller than expected, a reflection of the difficult times the country experienced in the past.   Ireland is place where you will enjoy exploring and, again and again,  the countryside will lure you to see what is around the next bend in the road.  The Emerald Isle is a place best sampled slowly.  Its mystery will begin to infect your behavior and you may find yourself losing track of time, forgetting about home, and looking forward to the characters and music at the next pub.



2. Ireland is a good place for independent travel.



3. ThereArePlaces recommended travel destinations for Ireland can be found here - Ireland: Places To Visit.



4. Additional information on travel in Ireland can be found at the country's official tourism website www.ireland.ie.



5. When planning your travel, be sure to review the ThereArePlaces Travel Planning Guides for insights on how  to "travel well" and "travel safe".

Overall, Ireland is a safe travel destination for tourists.

1. No official health advisories, travel advisories, or specific terrorism warnings for Ireland have been posted by the U.S. Government at this time.  Before you depart, always check with the Department of State  and CDC to insure that these conditions have not changed.  In addition, you will find that the     Foreign & Commonwealth Office  of the British Government provides excellent travel advisories.
2. The State Department's Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-202-501-4444 .
3. A peace agreement for Northern Ireland was ratified by voters in Ireland and Northern Ireland on May 22, 1998. While the ceasefire that came into effect at that time is officially holding, there have been spates of violence in Northern Ireland associated with paramilitary organizations. These incidents have the potential for some spillover into Ireland. Travelers to Northern Ireland should consult our Travel Information for the United Kingdom.
4. Several Americans have reported incidents of verbal abuse  in reaction to U.S. policy  on Iraq. As elsewhere in Europe, there have been public protests, which for the most part are peaceful and well policed. Americans are advised, nonetheless, to avoid public demonstrations in general and to monitor local media when protests occur.
5. When visiting a foreign country, avoid public demonstrations (whatever the cause) and do not broadcast either your public opinions or your nationality.
6. If you have an emergency in Ireland, call 112. 112 is a European Economic Community initiative to provide a one telephone number contact for ambulance services, the police, the fire service, air and sea rescue and other emergency services available within a specific country (such as mountain patrol). The 112-telephone number is designed for use in emergencies only. Calls are answered in English.  Dialing 999 will put you in contact with police and other emergency services.
7. The U.S. Embassy is located at 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, telephone (353)-(1)-668-8777, after hours number: (353) (1) 668-9612, fax: (353) (1) 668-8056.  Entrance to the Consular Section is through the main building entrance at the intersection to Elgin and Pembroke Roads.  Travelers to Northern Ireland should also consult the Consular Information Sheet for the United Kingdom. Further information and answers to many frequently asked questions are available on the Embassy Dublin’s Internet homepage at http://dublin.usembassy.gov.  See our article on how U.S. Counsels can help Americans abroad.

A passport is necessary for travel in Ireland. A visa is not required for tourist or business stays of up to three months  (that period begins when entering any of the following countries which are parties to the Schengen agreement: Austria, Belgium,  the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,Luxembourg,  Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia Spain, and Sweden).

For information concerning entry requirements for Ireland, travelers can contact the Embassy of Ireland at 2234 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel: (202) 462-3939, or the nearest Irish consulate in Boston, Chicago, New York, or San Francisco. The Internet address of the Irish Embassy is http://www.irelandemb.org.

If you do not have a passport, see our article on the Ins and Outs of Passports.  Other important travel documents are covered in our Information Guide on Passport, Visas, Customs.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parents or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure

DUAL NATIONALITY: U.S. citizens who are also Irish citizens under Irish law may be subject, while in Ireland, to certain aspects of Irish law such as mandatory voting. Those who may be affected should inquire at an Irish Embassy or Consulate regarding their status.

In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide protection abroad. For additional information, please see  the State Department's  Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at http://travel.state.gov for an explanation of dual nationality issues.

U.S. citizens who are also citizens of Ireland or any other nation are reminded that U.S. law requires they enter and depart the United States documented as U.S. citizens.

Before you travel, read our articles on Pickpockets, Con Artists, and ATM safety in the ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Personal Safety for travelers.

Be alert and avoid the petty theft situations that target travelers.  The more common situations are described below.

In major tourist areas, Ireland has a high incidence of petty crime, mostly theft, burglary, and purse snatching. Thieves target rental cars and tourists, particularly in the vicinity of tourist attractions and some purse and bag snatching incidents in these areas have turned violent, especially in Dublin. Extra caution should be taken to safeguard passports and wallets from pickpockets and bag snatchers. In addition, there have been several reported incidents in Dublin of persons severely assaulted by small, unorganized gangs roaming the streets after the pubs close.

In addition, there have been several reported incidents in Dublin of persons severely assaulted by small, unorganized gangs roaming the streets in the early morning hours after the pubs close. There is a high incidence of petty crime: mostly theft, burglary, and purse snatching in major tourist areas. Thieves target rental cars and tourists, particularly in the vicinity of tourist attractions, and some purse and bag snatching incidents in these areas have turned violent, especially in Dublin. Extra caution should be taken to safeguard passports and wallets from pickpockets and bag snatchers.

There has been an increase over the last year in the number of crimes involving credit cards and Automated Teller Machines  (ATMs). The use of skimmers to record credit card details has increased, and these recorded details are being sent elsewhere to program false and stolen credit cards.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of any crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.

If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members of friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution for the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney

2. Taxis are reasonably priced but availability varies with time of day. Bus service in the cities is generally adequate, though many buses are overcrowded and frequently late. Inter-city bus and train services are reasonably good.

3.FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE: The Irish Department of Agriculture and Food wishes to advise all incoming passengers to Ireland that the current Foot and Mouth situation in Great Britain represents a high risk of the spread of disease to Ireland. If you are traveling from Great Britain to Ireland, and have visited a farm with cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs on your travels, you must report to the Irish Department of Agriculture and Food office at the port of entry. Fresh meat or unpasteurized milk products bought in Great Britain may not be brought into Ireland. If you are carrying any of these products they must be disposed of in the bins provided at the port of entry. For further information, please visit http://www.agriculture.gov.ie .

4.  ThereArePlaces makes every attempt to ensure that the travel information we present to you is current. Before you depart, be sure to check with official government sources to determine the status of critical information relating to a particular county.

While driving in Ireland, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Ireland is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of public transportation: Good
Urban road conditions/maintenance: Good
Rural road conditions/maintenance: Fair
Availability of roadside assistance: Good

Road conditions are generally good, but once you leave the  main highways, country roads quickly become narrow, uneven, and winding. Roads are more dangerous during the summer and on holiday weekends due to an increase in traffic.

As driving is on the left side of the road in Ireland, motorists without experience in left drive countries should be especially cautious. Tourists driving on the wrong side of the road are the cause of several serious accidents each year. More information on driving in Ireland can be found on the U.S.

• If you are sure that you want to drive on "the left", read our article on How to handle roundabouts to learn how to deal with "traffic circles". 
• Do not initiate your first experience with driving on the left immediately after deplaning from a long international flight.  Jet lag will make driving in the UK even more challenging than it normally is for the traveler.
• Tourists driving on the wrong side of the road are the cause of several serious accidents each year.
• Turning on red is not legal in Ireland.
• Road conditions are generally very good, but once off main highway's, country roads quickly become narrow and uneven.
• Roads are more dangerous during the Summer and on holiday weekends due to an increase in traffic.

Turning on red is not legal in Ireland.

Tourists driving rented vehicles should pay close attention to the provisions of their rental contracts.  Failure to do so could result in fines or confiscation of the car during your travels.  Make sure that you are familiar with the terms, restrictions and costs related to your car rental (see our article on Rental Car Costs).  The vast majority of the rental cars are stick shift; it can be difficult to find automatic transmission rental cars.

Speed Limits in Ireland:

As of January 20, 2005, the measurement of speed on Irish roads changed from miles per hour to kilometers per hour. We note the approximate miles per hour equivalent of the metric speed limit in force in Ireland.

1. Built-up areas (towns and cities) - 50 km/h (31 mph)
2. Outside Built up areas - Regional and local roads (white signs) - 80km/h (50 mph)
3. National Roads (N) (green signs) 100 km/h (62 mph)
4. Motorways (M) (blue signs) 120 km/h (75 mph)

Our information on speed limits is as current as possible. Always confirm the speed limits with your rental car agent and observe the posted speeds limits whenever and wherever you drive.

Use of mobile telephones while driving is against the law in most European countries, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.  The fine for violating laws against the use of mobile phone while driving is significant.  If you need to use your mobile phone while on the road, stop your car in a designated parking area and place your call.

ThereArePlaces recommends that you do not drink and drive.  In most foreign countries, especially in Europe and the UK, the maximum permitted blood alcohol levels are lower than those enforced in the United States. Penalties and punishments are significant. For more information, read our article on drinking and driving in foreign countries .

For specific information concerning Irish driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact the Irish National Tourist Organization (Bord Failte) web site at http://www.ireland.travel.ie.

Modern medical facilities and highly skilled medical practitioners are available in Ireland.

Because of high demand, however, access to medical specialists can be difficult and admissions to hospitals for certain non-life threatening medical conditions may require spending significant periods of time on waiting lists. Those traveling to or intending to reside in Ireland who may require medical treatment while in Ireland should consult with their personal physicians prior to traveling and carefully consider this advice.

We strongly urge you to consult your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, you should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing medical service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your departure, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.

Your existing medical insurance carrier may cover "customary and reasonable" medical care while you are abroad. Usually, if reimbursement is provided, it is paid at a reduced rate (due to the use of an "out of system" provider). Check with your insurance carrier before you depart to determine the type and amount of coverage that may be provided. If coverage is provided, be sure to ask how claims should be filed and ask them to send some claim forms, in case you require any medical treatment while on vacation.

Read our article on  travel insurance to learn the factors that you should consider before you purchase or decline to purchase a travel related insurance policy.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure                         “Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,” available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.  ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Health contains valuable health related advice for the traveler considering a trip abroad.