Overview
Everything you need to know before visiting Ireland. From visa requirements to local customs, we've compiled the essential information to help you travel confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
Currency
Euro (€)
Best SIM Provider
Three
Main Ride App
Uber
Payment
Cards accepted
Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa requirements vary based on your passport country. For the most accurate information, always check with your country's embassy or the official immigration website.
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Essential Apps
Free NowIreland's most popular taxi app. Licensed taxis only — reliable and safe.
UberOperates in Ireland but connects to licensed taxis only (not private drivers like in the US).
Notes for Visitors
- Leap Card app allows you to add a virtual Leap Card to your phone for Dublin transit
- FREE NOW works with international cards
- Most restaurants and pubs accept contactless payments — cash is rarely needed
SIM Cards & Internet
Most international plans include EU roaming. If you need a local SIM, Three and Vodafone offer good tourist packages. eSIM works well.
- EU roaming means your EU SIM works in Ireland at no extra cost
- UK SIMs now incur roaming charges in Ireland (post-Brexit) — check your plan
- WiFi widely available in cafes, pubs, and restaurants
WiFi Reliability
WiFi is reliable in cities and towns (20-50 Mbps typical in cafes). Rural areas, especially along the Wild Atlantic Way, may have patchy coverage.
eSIM Options
Skip the airport SIM queue with an eSIM
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Money & Banking
Cards vs Cash
Ireland is very card-friendly. Contactless payments accepted almost everywhere, including small shops and pubs. Cash is rarely needed but useful for small tips, buskers, and some rural businesses.
ATM Tips
ATMs (called 'cash machines') widely available. Bank ATMs (AIB, Bank of Ireland) are free. Avoid Euronet or standalone ATMs that charge fees. Standard withdrawal limits are €500–700.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Restaurants: 10–15% for table service (not expected for counter service). Pubs: not expected at the bar. Hotels: €1–2 per bag. Taxi: round up.
- This is the Republic of Ireland (EUR). Northern Ireland uses GBP — different currency if crossing the border
- Most pubs don't add service charges — leaving a few euro is a nice gesture but not required
Recommended Travel Cards
Avoid foreign transaction fees with these travel-friendly cards
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Track your trip prep
Get a personalized checklist you can tick off as you go — free to set up.
Getting Around
From the Airport
Express bus from Dublin Airport to city center. Runs every 15–30 min. Reliable and cheap.
Premium coach service to multiple Dublin locations. Runs 24/7.
Available at taxi ranks outside terminals. Fixed-rate zone system.
Local Transport
Extensive network. Use Leap Card for cheaper fares. Cash fares don't give change.
Two tram lines in Dublin. Clean, reliable, runs every 5–15 min.
Coastal commuter rail. Great for day trips to Howth, Bray, and Dun Laoghaire.
Reliable taxi apps for door-to-door transport.
Driving & Rental Cars
International Driving Permit not required
Most visitors can drive in Ireland on their home license alone. If your license isn't in the Latin script, carry a certified translation just in case.
Dublin's M50 toll has no booths — if you don't pay online by 8pm the next day, the charge escalates into a fine.
Side of road
Left
Speed limit (km/h)
50 city / 120 hwy
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Right on red
Not allowed
Min rental age
21
Nervous about driving in Ireland?
Narrow country roads and driving on the left can feel overwhelming. Practice real roads in 360° video before you go and take the wheel with confidence.
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Renting a car in Ireland
- Book early for busy seasons, and book an automatic ahead of time if you need one (manual is the default in many countries)
- Choose a "full to full" fuel policy so you only pay for the fuel you use
- Use a credit card in the driver's name, since the desk will hold a deposit on it
- Photograph or film the car at pickup, including every existing scratch
- Ask about tolls, cross-border fees and extra drivers before you sign
- Minimum rental age here is 21, and drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee
EconomyBookings
Compare rental car prices in Ireland across hundreds of agencies — often cheaper than booking direct.
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Safety & Accessibility
For Women Travelers
- Ireland is generally very safe for solo female travelers
- Dublin city center is well-lit and walkable at night — stick to main streets
- Rural areas are extremely safe and friendly
- Use taxi apps (FREE NOW, Bolt) rather than hailing on the street late at night
- Temple Bar area can get rowdy late at night on weekends
LGBTQ+ Friendliness
Ireland legalized same-sex marriage by popular referendum in 2015 — the first country to do so by public vote. Dublin has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, especially in the George Bar area. Ireland is one of the most progressive countries in Europe for LGBTQ+ rights.
- Dublin's LGBTQ+ scene centers around George Street and South Great George's Street
- Cork and Galway also have active LGBTQ+ communities
- Rural Ireland is increasingly accepting, though smaller towns may be more conservative
In Partnership With
Everywhere Is Queer
Want to check out local queer businesses on your trip? Everywhere Is Queer maps queer-owned bars, cafés, restaurants, and shops so you can spend your money where it matters. Not every city is on the map yet, but coverage is growing fast — check if your destination is live.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Ireland has solid accessibility standards, especially in Dublin and modern buildings. Luas trams and DART trains are wheelchair accessible. Some historic sites and rural areas are challenging due to cobblestones and lack of elevators.
- Dublin Bus fleet is fully wheelchair accessible
- Luas and DART have step-free access at all stations
- Many hotels and B&Bs have accessible rooms — book early
- Historic sites like castles and ancient ruins may have limited access
Pickpocket Hotspots
- Dublin's O'Connell Street and Henry Street shopping area
- Temple Bar on busy weekend nights
- Luas trams during rush hour
- Tourist sites like the Book of Kells queue
Travel Insurance
Don't travel without coverage
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Scams to Watch Out For
Fake Charity Collectors
People with clipboards in tourist areas soliciting 'donations' for fake charities.
Prevention: Only donate to well-known Irish charities. Legitimate collectors have official IDs and sealed collection boxes.
Pub Overcharging
Some tourist-area pubs charge higher prices or add undisclosed charges.
Prevention: Check prices before ordering. Temple Bar is known for inflated tourist prices — drink elsewhere for better value.
Unlicensed Taxi Touts
Unlicensed drivers at airports and train stations offering rides at inflated rates.
Prevention: Use the official taxi rank or FREE NOW/Bolt apps. Licensed taxis have roof signs and registration plates.
Traveler Safety Essentials
Traveler Safety Essentials
These safety tips apply everywhere you travel. Small habits can prevent the most common security problems travelers face — from phone theft to home break-ins.
Don't forget anything
Turn these tips into a trackable checklist so nothing slips through the cracks.
Weather & Climate
Ireland's climate varies by region. Here's a seasonal overview to help you plan.
Dec – Feb
2-8°C (36-46°F)
Medium-High rainfall
Cold and damp, days lengthening
Mar – May
5-12°C (41-54°F)
Medium rainfall
Mild, mix of sun and rain
Jun – Aug
12-20°C (54-68°F)
Medium rainfall
Warmest month, can still rain
Sep – Nov
7-14°C (45-57°F)
High rainfall
Autumn, cooler, shorter days
Packing Tip
Check the specific month you're traveling for detailed packing suggestions. Weather can vary significantly by region and elevation.
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Tap Water
Tap water is safe to drink.
Taste can differ from home, and some people prefer filtered or bottled water anyway. A refillable bottle saves money and plastic.
Power & Electricity
Voltage
230V
Frequency
50Hz
Plug Types
G
Ireland uses the same Type G plug as the UK. US travelers need both an adapter and converter for non-dual-voltage devices.
What You May Need
- •From US/Canada/Japan: Likely need adapter and possibly converter for non-dual-voltage devices
- •From UK: Likely need adapter, voltage usually compatible
- •From Europe/Australia: Check plug type, voltage usually compatible
EPICKA 70W GaN travel adapter
3 USB-C + 2 USB-A ports with 70W GaN fast charging, so the whole family's devices charge off one plug. Not a voltage converter.
Shop on AmazonAnker power bank
A dead phone is as useless as a stolen one. Compact fast-charging backup power.
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Most modern phone chargers and laptops work with 100-240V. Check your device's power adapter for compatibility before traveling.
Language & Communication
Languages Spoken
Official Language(s)
Commonly Spoken
English Proficiency
English is the primary daily language throughout Ireland. Irish (Gaeilge) is the first official language and used in Gaeltacht areas but everyone speaks English. You will have zero language barriers.
Essential Phrases
Sláinte!
Cheers! (toast)
SLAWN-cha
Craic
Fun/good times
CRACK
Go raibh maith agat
Thank you
guh REV mah AH-gut
Dia dhuit
Hello (God be with you)
DEE-ah gwit
Grand
Fine/OK (very common)
grand
Slán
Goodbye
SLAWN
Dietary Options
🌱 Vegan Friendly
Dublin has an excellent and growing vegan scene with many dedicated restaurants and cafes. Galway and Cork also have good options. Rural areas are more limited — pubs often have at least one veggie option but vegan-specific dishes are rarer.
🥗 Vegetarian Friendly
Vegetarian options are standard on most restaurant menus across Ireland. Even traditional pubs usually have 1–2 vegetarian mains. Dublin, Cork, and Galway have dedicated vegetarian restaurants.
🌾 Gluten-Free Friendly
Ireland has high celiac disease awareness (Ireland has one of the highest rates in Europe). Most restaurants understand gluten-free requirements. Supermarkets have dedicated gluten-free sections. Many bakeries offer GF options.
Traveling with a Pet
Requires pre-clearance tracking, localized clinical validation, and advanced government import licenses.
Timeline
30-45 days minimum
Quarantine Risk
Medium if permit missing
Regulatory Framework
Advance Government No Objection Certificate (NOC) / Import Permit.
Key Constraints
Banned from commercial flight cabin spaces on specific airlines. Supplementary vaccine sets required.
Pet Culture
Highly structured or fragmented urban terrain. Best within dedicated expat pockets and private developments.
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Cultural Tips
When someone asks 'How are you?' the correct response is 'Grand' or 'Not too bad' — never 'fine' or 'good', that's too American
Rounds are sacred in Irish pub culture — when someone buys you a drink, you are expected to buy the next round
The Irish are indirect communicators — 'that's grand' can mean everything from 'excellent' to 'I'm being polite but I disagree'
Don't call Ireland part of the UK or refer to it as 'the British Isles' — this is a significant political sensitivity
Saying 'top of the morning' is a Hollywood invention — no Irish person has ever said this unironically
Tipping: 10–15% at sit-down restaurants. Not expected in pubs when ordering at the bar.
Local Quirks & Fun Facts
The word 'craic' (pronounced 'crack') means fun/entertainment — 'what's the craic?' is a normal greeting, not a drug reference
Irish people will give you directions using landmarks that no longer exist: 'turn left where the old post office used to be'
A 'soft day' means it's raining lightly. Which it probably is.
When an Irish person says 'I will, yeah' — they absolutely will not
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Confusing the Republic of Ireland with Northern Ireland — they are different countries with different currencies
Not booking accommodation in advance during summer — Ireland gets very busy June–September
Underestimating distances — rural Ireland is beautiful but roads are narrow and slow
Only visiting Dublin — the real magic is in Galway, Kerry, Clare, and the Wild Atlantic Way
Not packing rain gear — rain is a daily possibility year-round
Trying to drive in Dublin city center — park outside and use public transport
Tours & Experiences
Book ahead — the best tours sell out fast.
Tours and experiences in Ireland
Browse bookable tours, tickets and day trips on Viator, our tours partner.
Browse tours on ViatorWant the tour list shown right here?
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Gear to make your trip easier
Pack smart
4BAGAIL compression packing cubes
Six compression cubes plus vacuum bags and a hand pump, so you can squeeze bulky items down hard when mesh alone isn't enough. Sold as a bundle; every piece is also available on its own.
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Notabag packable backpack/tote
Folds into its own pocket, then opens into a backpack or tote for market runs, day trips, and overflow on the way home.
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FYY electronics organizer
Keeps chargers, cables, and adapters untangled in one place, so you're not digging through your bag at security.
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TSA toiletry containers (3oz set)
Refillable, TSA-approved bottles so you carry your own products in a carry-on without the airport surprise.
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Rest on the way
7Mavogel sleep mask
Blocks light completely for sleep on planes, in bright rooms, or across time zones — contoured so nothing presses on your eyes.
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Sea to Summit Aeros neck pillow
Inflatable, so it packs down to nothing but still holds your head up on long flights and buses.
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Twelve South AirFly SE
Pairs your own headphones with any 3.5mm jack — seatback screens, gym equipment, whatever doesn't have Bluetooth. Reusable, so you're not relying on (or wasting) a disposable pair every flight.
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Children's EarPlanes
Reduces the pressure change in a child's ears during takeoff and landing — less pain, less crying. 3-pair value pack.
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Pedialyte electrolyte powder packets
Single-serve oral rehydration packets — lightweight, no fridge needed, and often not available at your destination.
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Compression socks
Keep your legs from swelling and aching on long flights and bus rides — the cheap habit frequent flyers swear by.
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Loop Quiet earplugs
Reusable, low-profile earplugs that dull engine drone, snorers, and noisy streets so you actually rest.
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Keep it safe
9
NordPass
Keep every login and a passport photo encrypted, so losing your phone doesn't lose your accounts. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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NordVPN
Encrypts your connection on sketchy public and hotel WiFi. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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Apple AirTag
Slip one into a checked bag, daypack or even your wallet, then find it in Find My. For iPhone users.
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Tile tracker
The same idea for Android and iPhone. Great in luggage, a daypack, or a wallet.
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Pacsafe crossbody
Locking zippers and a slash-resistant strap. The bag I wish I'd had when mine got unclipped.
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Peak Gear money belt
A hidden belt for cash and a backup card, out of reach of pickpockets.
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Guard Dog door lock
For when you're in the room. Adds a sturdy lock to almost any hotel or rental door so no one can open it while you're inside or asleep.
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TSA locks with cable
For when you're out. Use the cable to lock your bags to each other or to a fixed piece of furniture, so they're harder to grab and more obvious if someone tries. TSA-approved, 2-pack.
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TORRAS phone lanyard
Keeps your phone on your body, much harder to snatch out of your hand.
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Weather ready
3BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
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Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
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Nearby destinations
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