Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Ireland depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for IrelandEmergency Numbers
- General
- 999 or 112
Currency
- Name
- Euro
- Code
- EUR
- Symbol
- €
Northern Ireland uses GBP (£) — a separate jurisdiction
Power Outlets
- Outlet type
- Type G
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) — IST (UTC+1) in summer
Best Time to Visit
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Weather is mild and wet year-round. Summer is warmest (15–20°C). Wild Atlantic Way is spectacular in any weather
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10–15% | Not always included — check the bill |
| Taxis | Round up | — |
| Pubs | Not expected for drinks at the bar | — |
| Hotels | €1–2 per bag | — |
Dress Code
- Casual throughout
- Waterproof and layers are essential — Irish weather is famously unpredictable
- Smart casual for evening restaurants in Dublin, Cork, and Galway
Social Etiquette
- The pub is the social heart of Irish life — a round system applies (if you accept a drink, you're expected to buy the next round for the group)
- Irish wit and self-deprecating humour are art forms — embrace it
- Avoid conflating Ireland with England or calling things 'British' — it's a significant cultural distinction
- Striking up conversations with strangers is normal and expected
- 'Grand' means fine/good; 'craic' means fun or banter ('good craic' is the highest praise)
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Alcohol purchase age is 18 — ID frequently checked
- No open containers of alcohol in public
- Smoking banned in all enclosed public spaces (Ireland was the first country in the world to implement this, in 2004)
- Drink driving laws are strict
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Dia duit (Irish Gaelic) | JEE-ah gwitch (literally 'God be with you') |
| Thank you (Irish) | Go raibh maith agat | guh REV mah AH-gut |
| Fun / banter | Craic | crack (nothing to do with the drug — it's Irish for 'fun') |
| Great / good | Grand | universal positive response to 'how are you?' |
Plan Your Trip
Planning a trip to Ireland?
Traveller builds your personalised packing list, checklist, and travel brief in seconds.
Plan this trip with Traveller