In general
Documents and visa
The Republic of Ireland is in the European Union but NOT in the Schengen area: EU citizens only need a valid ID card or passport, no visa, but there are thorough checks at the border. IMPORTANT: if you enter Northern Ireland (Belfast, Giant's Causeway), which is part of the United Kingdom, since 2025 you need the ETA electronic authorisation on your passport, to apply for online in advance. Citizens of other countries should check their own rules (a separate Irish visa may be needed).
Currency and payments
The Republic of Ireland uses the euro. NOTE: Northern Ireland (Belfast, Giant's Causeway) is the UK and uses the pound (GBP): if you do the full island loop, you need both currencies. Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere (even for small amounts); cash is little used.
Language
The official languages are English (spoken by everyone) and Irish Gaelic (prevalent in some western areas and the islands, the 'Gaeltacht', and present on all signage). Communicating is very easy; the Irish accent, especially in Cork and Kerry, can be musical and strong.
Health and vaccines
No mandatory vaccines. EU citizens with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to necessary public care, but insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation is recommended (and for Northern Ireland, being the UK, the EHIC/GHIC still applies but it is better to be insured). Medicines are bought almost only with a prescription: bring your usual ones. Tap water is drinkable.
eSIM and connectivity
Mobile coverage is good and WiFi widespread. As the Republic of Ireland is in the EU, EU SIMs roam at no extra cost. NOTE: in Northern Ireland (UK, outside the EU) EU roaming may not be included and could incur charges - check with your operator. Travellers from outside the EU can buy a local SIM or eSIM (Vodafone, Three, Eir).
Electricity
Power is 230V/50Hz with type G sockets, the same three-pin type as the UK (both in the Republic and Northern Ireland): you need a UK-style adapter for European plugs. Many accommodations provide one.
Time zone
Ireland is at UTC+0, one hour behind Central Europe all year.
Climate and seasons
The climate is oceanic, mild but extremely changeable: it can rain (and shine) several times in the same day, in any season. Summers are cool (15-20 degrees), winters mild but wet and windy. The best time is May to September, with very long days and the greenery at its peak. ALWAYS bring a waterproof, windproof jacket: it is the island's golden rule.
Good to know
Driving: keep left
In Ireland you drive on the LEFT (like the UK): take care, especially at roundabouts and in the first few hours. An Italian licence is enough. The rural roads of the west are splendid but very narrow, with dry-stone walls right at the edge and fast lorries: drive carefully. Alcohol tolerance is very low (0.05%, effectively zero if driving): drink-driving is punished with an immediate trial. Some motorways (especially Dublin's M50) have electronic tolling.
Northern Ireland: ETA and pounds
The border between the Republic and Northern Ireland is invisible (no checks along the road), but crossing it you change country: the currency becomes the pound, distances switch to miles and you need the ETA authorisation on your passport (done online in advance). Bear this in mind for Belfast and the Giant's Causeway. Otherwise, you move freely by car between the two parts of the island.
Pickpockets in Dublin
Ireland is safe, but in Dublin pickpocketing and bag-snatching against tourists are on the rise, especially at the airport, on public transport and in crowded central areas (Temple Bar, O'Connell Street, North Dublin), particularly at night. Keep an eye on bags and documents, carry a photocopy of your passport, and at weekends watch out for the widespread drinking that can make the centre chaotic.
Cliffs and weather
At the Cliffs of Moher and on the Aran Islands the cliffs are very high, slippery and in places without barriers: stay on marked paths and away from the edge, especially in wind and rain. Monitor the weather warnings of the national service Met Eireann (yellow/orange/red): Atlantic storms can be violent. On the mountains and cliffs the weather changes fast.
Pubs, music and tipping
The pub is the heart of Irish social life: besides Guinness and whiskey, look for evenings of traditional music ('trad sessions'), often spontaneous and free. In the pub you usually order and pay at the bar, without tipping. In restaurants a 10-15% tip is welcome if service is not already included. The Irish are extremely friendly and love a chat: respond with a smile.
Useful numbers
- 112 — Emergencies (EU) - 999 also works
- 999 — Emergencies: police (Garda), ambulance, fire brigade
- +353 1 6601744 — Italian Embassy in Dublin (weekend/holiday emergencies: +353 87 2386802). For other nationalities, contact your own country's embassy
💡 Two things not to forget: bring a UK-style adapter (sockets are UK three-pin) and a waterproof jacket (the weather changes constantly). And if you head up to Belfast or the Giant's Causeway, remember you are entering the United Kingdom: you need the ETA authorisation on your passport and pounds sterling.