Tips and Advice for Travel to Ireland

It may be called Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Eire (its Irish name), or by the affectionate and descriptive sobriquet ‘The Emerald Isle’ but it’s all the same place.  More than three million British tourists visit this beautiful green land each year.  Whether you go for the natural beauty and landscapes, outdoor pursuits, pubs, live music, Guinness and good food – or all the above, you won’t be disappointed.   

However, as is the case with travel to any new place, it is sensible to read up on the local laws and customs to make sure you stay out of trouble.  Most of the problems that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) deal with are in the Dublin area. Be on your guard for street crime, pick pockets, bag snatching, etc.  Don’t carry large sums of cash with you or keep valuables in your bag.  Dublin is a targeted area, especially around the shopping centre.  Try to always park in secure parking areas and don’t leave valuables in the car. 

It is easy to forget that they use the Euro in Ireland and that road signs are in metric.  Smoking is banned in pubs and restaurants.  Drink driving can incur heavy fines and even imprisonment so be warned that the Garda Traffic Corps have the power to do random breath-tests.  Mobile phones must not be held or used while driving.  Possession of even a tiny amount of illegal drugs can lead to imprisonment.  Never agree to carry luggage or packages for other people when entering or leaving Ireland.  Check before you leave that your bank cash card will work in ATM machines in Ireland.  Also make sure that your mobile phone is set up and will work there. Visit our Travel Guide section for Ireland.  

British citizens are not required to carry a passport for travel to Ireland.  However, the FCO recommends that travellers carry their passport with them as the Irish immigration officers check identification of all travellers who arrive by air.  Most airlines will not permit passengers to board flights to or from Ireland unless they have a valid photo ID.  For more information on the types of photo-ID accepted it would be wise to contact the airline in advance. 

Apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before departing the UK.  The FCO also highly recommends that travellers take out comprehensive private travel insurance.  The EHIC will not cover for things like emergency medical repatriation, non-urgent medical treatment, or ongoing medical treatment.  This is just a summary of advice. For more detailed information click here.  For a quote for travel insurance click here.