What is the best time to visit Ireland?

The best time to visit Ireland depends on your priorities. Many travellers visit year-round, though spring and autumn typically offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds at popular attractions like Cliffs of Moher. Check weather patterns for Europe before booking.

What currency does Ireland use?

Ireland uses the euro (€). Exchange at banks or airports, and withdraw from ATMs with your debit card. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas.

What food should I try in Ireland?

Irish Stew is one of Ireland's most iconic dishes. Other must-try foods include Full Irish Breakfast and Soda Bread. Eat where locals eat for the best experience.

How many countries can visit Ireland visa-free?

78 countries can enter Ireland without a visa, typically for up to 90 days. Check the full list and your specific requirements above.

Is Ireland safe for tourists?

Ireland is generally safe for tourists with normal precautions. As in any country, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive items, and use registered transport. Check current government travel advisories before your trip.

Ireland

Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe.

Capital

Dublin

Language

English, Irish

Currency

euro (€)

Population

5.5M

Timezone

UTC

Visa-free access

78 countries

Travelling to Ireland

Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe. Geopolitically, the island is divided between the Republic of Ireland and Northern.

Ireland is located in Northern Europe, Europe. The capital is Dublin, and the official languages are English and Irish. The local currency is the euro (€). With a population of 5.5M, Ireland is a smaller country in Europe.

Ireland offers visa-free entry to 78 countries, with most stays allowed for up to 90 days. The remaining 120 passport holders need to apply at an embassy.

Top places to visit in Ireland

Cliffs of Moher

Eight kilometres of sheer Namurian shale and sandstone plunging 214 metres into the Atlantic; the O'Brien's Tower marks the highest vantage point; walk the coastal path at 7 pm during the summer solstice; the horizontal light ignites the cliff face into a saturated gold while thousands of nesting puffins create a chaotic; rhythmic white noise against the roar of the swell.

Brú na Bóinne

A Neolithic ritual landscape predating the Pyramids of Giza by five centuries; centered on the passage tomb of Newgrange with its precise solar alignment; the corbelled stone roof has remained bone-dry for 5;000 years; enter the narrow chamber during the winter solstice; a single beam of light penetrates the roofbox to illuminate the hand-carved triple spirals on the rear orthostat.

Skellig Michael

A jagged 218-metre pyramid of Devonian sandstone rising from the Atlantic where 6th-century monks built a dry-stone beehive monastery; the 600 hand-cut steps are slick with sea mist and guano; ascend the South Steps at 10 am; the wind is a physical force that carries the sharp scent of salt while the surrounding sheer drop into deep cobalt water creates a profound sense of isolation.

Trinity College Old Library

The 18th-century Long Room houses 200;000 of the world oldest printed books beneath a towering oak barrel-vaulted ceiling; the 9th-century Book of Kells is the centerpiece of Insular illumination; walk the central aisle at opening; the air is thick with the scent of aged vellum and polished wood while the marble busts of philosophers gaze through the shifting morning light.

The Burren

A 250-square-kilometre glaciated karst landscape of cracked carboniferous limestone pavement that resembles a grey; frozen sea; rare Arctic and Mediterranean flora thrive in the deep grikes; traverse the Mullaghmore loop at midday; the sun reflects off the sun-bleached limestone with clinical intensity; highlighting the razor-sharp edges of the stone and the silence of the high plateau.

Kilmainham Gaol

A panopticon-style Victorian prison where the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were executed in the stone-breakers yard; the East Wing features three tiers of iron walkways and grey slate cells; stand in the central hall at 4 pm; the western light through the high lunette windows casts long; geometric shadows that emphasize the building clinical; judicial coldness.

See all 20 places in Ireland →

What to eat in Ireland

Explore all Ireland dishes →

Ireland visa requirements

Visa-free

120

Visa required

Countries that can visit Ireland visa-free

78 countries can enter without a visa, usually for up to 90 days.

Europe

Asia

United Arab Emirates90d

Americas

Oceania

Before you go to Ireland

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Passport validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. Ireland immigration may refuse entry otherwise.

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Proof of onward travel

Carry a return or onward flight ticket. Airlines and border officers may ask to see it before allowing you to board or enter.

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Currency: euro

The local currency is €. Exchange major currencies at the airport or city banks. ATMs are widely available in urban areas.

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Language: English

English is the primary language. English is spoken in tourist areas and major cities.

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Power & connectivity

Check Ireland's plug type and voltage before packing. Buy a local SIM card at the airport for affordable data.

Power plug guide →SIM card guide →

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Check your visa for Ireland

Select your passport for an instant result.

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Ireland 7-day itinerary

AI-generated day-by-day travel plan.

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Explore Ireland

20 places, 5 dishes, and more.

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FAQ · Ireland

Ireland — your questions

It depends on your passport. 78 countries can enter Ireland visa-free. Everyone else needs an embassy visa. Use the WorldCurio visa checker for your specific passport.