Ireland

   ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

• Passports must be valid for the duration of your stay.
• One blank page is required for entry and exit stamps.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

• US citizens traveling to Ireland for tourism purposes for ninety days or less do not require a visa.
• The duration of your allowed stay will be stamped in your passport on arrival.
• Immigration officials may require you to present documentation of the purpose of your trip, such as your itinerary, in order to grant your entry stamp.

• Read more at: US Department of State Profile for Ireland

LANGUAGE

• Irish and English are the two official languages of Ireland.

CURRENCY

• The unit of currency in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro (EUR).
• If using credit cards, Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted, and American Express is sometimes accepted in larger shops. It is better not to rely completely on credit cards as many small shops and cafes will only accept cash or may have a minimum purchase required for use of a credit card.
• Most Irish banks will not accept U.S. $100 bills, and many Irish financial institutions no longer accept or cash traveler’s checks.
• ATMs are widely available, but some, particularly in rural areas, may not accept debit cards from U.S. banks.

TIME ZONE:

GMT +0 (+1 in Daylight Savings Time)

VOLTAGE:

230V, 50Hz

PLUG TYPE:

Ireland uses Plug Type G.

IMPORT & EXPORT RESTRICTIONS

• If arriving directly from or departing directly to a non-EU country, amounts exceeding the value of € 10,000 in foreign or local currency, including traveler’s checks, must be declared.

• For detailed import and export regulations, please consult the IATA Travel Centre.

   TRAVELERS’ HEALTH & SAFETY

REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS

• There are no required immunizations required to enter Ireland.
• It is recommended that you are up to date on all routine vaccinations.

• Please visit the CDC.gov website for recommended immunizations to visit Ireland.

OTHER SAFETY NOTES

• Although Ireland has a low rate of violent crime, you should always follow common sense personal security practices and maintain awareness of your surroundings when traveling.
• When using credit cards to pay at restaurants, a portable card reader should be brought to your table. Restaurant staff should not take your card elsewhere to process a charge.
• ATM fraud is an increasing concern, with “skimmers” being used in major tourist areas. Carefully examine the machine before using it, and use ATMs only in well-lit, secure areas.

LOCAL LAWS AND CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Pay attention to all postings regarding photography. Touristic photography is not usually restricted on public property, but on private land, it is at the owner’s discretion.

   GRATUITIES

In Ireland, tipping is preferred in Euros (EUR, €).

Please remember, there is no obligation to tip and American standards for tipping are some of the highest in the world. The following list is only a suggestion for your convenience and may vary by itinerary.

• Porters: €2.50 per bag
• Transfer driver: €10-15 per transfer
• Guide – full day: €65 per group per day
• Guide – half day: €40 per group per day
• Driver – full day: €35 per car per day
• Driver – half day: €20 per car per day
• Taxis: Round up to the nearest Euro
• Private driver/guide throughout: €50-65 per group per day
• Resort/Lodge staff: €5-€10 per person per day
• Restaurants: 10% of the total bill for excellent service. If an additional service charge is added to the bill, no tip is necessary.

   WEATHER

Ireland has a temperate maritime climate, which is characterized by mild temperatures, relatively narrow temperature ranges, and abundant rainfall.

It's important to note that Ireland's weather can be quite changeable, and it's not uncommon to experience sunshine, rain, and wind all in the same day. Coastal areas may have milder temperatures compared to inland regions, and the west coast tends to receive more rainfall. It's advisable for visitors to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions regardless of the season.

Winter (December to February):

• Winters in Ireland are mild compared to many other countries at similar latitudes.
• Average temperatures typically range from 4°C to 8°C (39°F to 46°F).
• Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, so winter is not exceptionally wet.

Spring (March to May):

• Spring brings milder temperatures, with average highs ranging from 8°C to 13°C (46°F to 55°F).
• Days gradually lengthen, and the landscape becomes greener.
• Showers are common, but there are also periods of sunshine.

Summer (June to August):

• Summer is the warmest season, with average temperatures ranging from 14°C to 20°C (57°F to 68°F).
• Days are long, and the country experiences its driest and sunniest weather during this period.
• While rain is still possible, it tends to be less frequent and intense compared to other seasons.

Autumn (September to November):

• Autumn is characterized by gradually cooling temperatures and shorter days.
• Average highs range from 13°C to 8°C (55°F to 46°F) during this period.
• Rainfall increases, and the landscape undergoes changes in color as leaves begin to fall.