Europe · Northern Europe

Ireland

Republic of Ireland

Flag of Ireland
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC
🏛️ Capital
Dublin
👥 Population
5,458,600
📐 Area
70,273 km²
💱 Currency
euro (€)
🗣️ Languages
English, Irish
📞 Calling Code
+353
🕐 Time Zones
UTC
🌐 Region
Europe / Northern Europe

About Ireland

Ireland is a land of wild Atlantic coastlines, rolling green hills, ancient stone monuments, and an irresistible warmth that draws visitors back time and again. From the moment you arrive, you are embraced by a culture where storytelling is an art form, the pub is a communal living room, and a shared conversation over a pint of Guinness is considered one of life's great pleasures. The Emerald Isle earns its name magnificently — forty shades of green shimmer across a landscape sculpted by ice ages, shaped by myth, and lived in continuously since the Stone Age.

You will find contrasts around every bend of the road. Dublin is a vibrant European capital of Georgian architecture, world-class museums, and a literary tradition that gave the world James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and Oscar Wilde. Yet within an hour you can stand at the edge of the Cliffs of Moher, watching Atlantic waves crash 200 metres below, or walk in silence through a 5,000-year-old Neolithic passage tomb at Newgrange that predates the Pyramids. The Wild Atlantic Way traces the western coastline for 2,500 kilometres, revealing sea-carved peninsulas, medieval castles, and music-filled villages.

Ireland is small enough to explore thoroughly in a few weeks yet rich enough in character and landscape to demand return visits throughout a lifetime. Whether you are tracing ancestral roots, following in the footsteps of Celtic saints, pursuing great music in a county Clare pub session, or simply surrendering to the beauty of a rain-washed Irish sunset over Connemara, you will discover a country that gets under your skin and stays there.

History & Background

Ireland's history is a sweeping epic of ancient civilisation, Viking settlement, Norman conquest, and the long, painful shadow of English colonialism. Celts arrived around 600 BC, establishing the Iron Age culture whose art, mythology, and language forms the bedrock of Irish identity. Christianity arrived with St Patrick in the 5th century AD, and Ireland became a beacon of learning during the early medieval Dark Ages — Irish monks preserved classical and Christian texts in illuminated manuscripts of extraordinary beauty, like the Book of Kells, while sending missionaries across Europe. Viking raids from the 9th century founded Dublin and other coastal towns.

The 12th-century Norman invasion began centuries of English involvement that would culminate in the brutal Cromwellian conquest of the 1650s, the Williamite Wars, the horrific Great Famine of the 1840s (during which one million died and another million emigrated), and the 1916 Easter Rising that ignited the War of Independence. The Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921 partitioned the island, establishing the Irish Free State (later Republic) and Northern Ireland. The Troubles in Northern Ireland from the late 1960s to the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 marked the most recent chapter of this complex history, whose legacy continues to shape Irish politics and identity today.

Culture & People

Irish culture is rooted in a centuries-long tradition of oral storytelling, music, poetry, and a fierce attachment to place and community. The Irish language (Gaeilge), though spoken natively by a relatively small percentage of the population in Gaeltacht regions along the western seaboard, is a living symbol of national identity and is taught in all schools. The Catholic faith has historically shaped Irish society profoundly, from architecture and calendar to social norms, though Ireland has undergone dramatic secularisation in recent decades, legalising same-sex marriage in 2015 and repealing abortion restrictions in 2018.

Traditional Irish music — reels, jigs, hornpipes, and slow airs — is not confined to concert halls but lives and breathes in pub sessions from Doolin to Dingle. The uilleann pipes, fiddle, tin whistle, and bodhrán drum are the instruments of this tradition, and spontaneous sessions can erupt anywhere at any time. Irish literature punches far above its weight globally, with Nobel laureates Yeats, Shaw, and Beckett among its most celebrated voices. The GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) fosters passionate community identity through Gaelic football and hurling — attending a county championship match is an immersive cultural experience unlike any other.

Food & Cuisine

Irish food has been transformed over the past three decades from a reputation of boiled vegetables and brown soda bread into one of Europe's most celebrated culinary scenes. The foundation remains simple, seasonal, and locally sourced — and the raw ingredients are exceptional. Atlantic seafood is magnificent: Connemara oysters, Dingle Bay scallops, and smoked wild salmon are world-class products. West Cork produces outstanding farmhouse cheeses, artisan butters, and charcuterie. Black and white pudding from Clonakilty, lamb from Connemara, and beef from County Roscommon represent the very best of Irish produce.

The traditional Irish breakfast — rashers, sausages, black pudding, eggs, beans, and soda bread — remains a beloved institution, and a proper full Irish in a local cafe sets you up for a day's exploring. Seafood chowder, lamb stew, and boxty (potato pancake) are staples of pub menus. Dublin's restaurant scene has exploded in quality, with multiple Michelin-starred establishments showcasing modern Irish cooking at its finest. Every town has its artisan bakery, and brown soda bread fresh from the oven with Irish salted butter is one of the simple, profound pleasures that defines eating in Ireland.

Top Attractions

  • Cliffs of Moher — Dramatic 214-metre sea cliffs stretching 8km along the Clare coastline, among the most visited natural wonders in Europe.
  • Newgrange Passage Tomb — A 5,200-year-old Neolithic monument in the Boyne Valley, older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids, illuminated by the winter solstice sunrise.
  • Ring of Kerry — A 179km scenic loop through mountain passes, glacial lakes, and coastal villages in County Kerry.
  • Kilkenny Castle — A beautifully restored 12th-century castle in Ireland's medieval capital, surrounded by a charming city of breweries and craft workshops.
  • Connemara National Park — Wild, bog-covered landscapes of mountains, lakes, and windswept beauty in the Irish-speaking west.
  • Trinity College Dublin and the Book of Kells — Ireland's oldest university, home to the breathtaking 9th-century illuminated gospel manuscript.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Rent a car to explore rural Ireland fully — public transport outside Dublin and major cities is limited and infrequent.
  • Drive on the left; rural roads can be narrow, so allow extra time and be prepared to pull into passing places on country lanes.
  • Book accommodation well in advance for July and August, especially in Killarney, Galway, and the Wild Atlantic Way corridor.
  • The weather changes rapidly — always carry a waterproof layer, even in summer, and embrace rather than fight the rain.
  • Tipping is appreciated in restaurants (10–15%) but not expected in pubs for drinks service.
  • Purchase an Irish Heritage Card if you plan to visit multiple OPW-managed heritage sites — it pays for itself quickly.
  • Pubs close at 11:30pm Sunday to Thursday and 12:30am Friday and Saturday; last entry for late bars may be earlier.

Visa Overview

EU and EEA citizens do not need a visa or passport to enter Ireland, though identity documents are required. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Note that Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so a Schengen visa does not grant entry. If you plan to also visit the UK (including Northern Ireland), ensure your visa conditions allow entry to both jurisdictions. A separate UK visa may be required for some nationalities. Check Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) guidelines for the latest requirements.

Getting Around

Dublin Airport connects Ireland to Europe and beyond with frequent flights. Within Ireland, Dublin's DART (coastal rail), Luas (tram), and bus networks are comprehensive. Bus Eireann and private coaches connect major towns. For rural exploration, hiring a car is by far the best option — roads are generally good though narrow. The Wild Atlantic Way is best self-driven. Cycling is popular on dedicated greenways. Ferries connect Dublin and Rosslare to the UK and France. Ireland and Northern Ireland share the island freely with no border controls after the Good Friday Agreement.

Safety Notes

Ireland is one of Europe's safest travel destinations. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Petty theft can occur in Dublin city centre and around tourist attractions, so keep valuables secure and be aware in crowded areas. Swimming at unpatrolled beaches carries currents and cold water risks — observe warning flags. The rural landscape includes open cliffs and bogland where care is needed. Emergency services are reliable nationwide. Dial 999 or 112 for police, fire, or ambulance. Healthcare is available via the public system and private clinics; EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Ireland.

euro (EUR) €
Updated: 2026-05-19
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 12.719841
AAVE 0.013073
ADA 4.630153
AED 4.275245
AFN 72.767920
AKT 1.444120
ALGO 10.840961
ALL 95.540192
AMD 428.435683
AMP 1,391.351192
ANG 2.097330
AOA 1,069.334827
APE 8.072169
APT 1.233038
AR 0.544912
ARB 9.960338
ARS 1,625.224634
ATOM 0.565826
ATS 13.760300
AUD 1.631096
AVAX 0.126134
AWG 2.083782
AXS 0.991396
AZM 9,895.091587
AZN 1.979018
BAKE 1,574.494356
BAM 1.955830
BAT 12.015718
BBD 2.328248
BCH 0.003064
BDT 143.051934
BEF 40.339900
BGN 1.955830
BHD 0.437711
BIF 3,468.011127
BMD 1.164124
BNB 0.001813
BND 1.490133
BOB 8.068364
BRL 5.832022
BSD 1.164124
BSV 0.077381
BSW 1,360.068155
BTC 0.000015
BTG 3.026186
BTN 112.208877
BTT 3,618,367.208370
BUSD 1.164714
BWP 15.826326
BYN 3.201329
BYR 32,013.286643
BZD 2.343073
CAD 1.600418
CAKE 0.823473
CDF 2,671.606325
CELO 14.466877
CFX 19.769429
CHF 0.914791
CHZ 23.676484
CLP 1,048.906162
CNH 7.920717
CNY 7.917988
COMP 0.052840
COP 4,422.669186
CRC 527.017785
CRO 16.658524
CRV 4.934030
CSPR 394.074736
CUC 1.164124
CUP 27.933206
CVE 110.270000
CVX 0.670727
CYP 0.585274
CZK 24.310690
DAI 1.164701
DASH 0.027140
DCR 0.069158
DEM 1.955830
DFI 1,185.497715
DJF 207.142880
DKK 7.472767
DOGE 11.161372
DOP 68.911305
DOT 0.932211
DYDX 8.048299
DZD 154.546792
EEK 15.646640
EGLD 0.296999
EGP 62.073954
ENJ 27.104245
EOS 14.390861
ERN 17.461859
ESP 166.386000
ETB 183.309146
ETC 0.130712
ETH 0.000546
EURC 0.999221
FEI 1.168565
FIL 1.206335
FIM 5.945730
FJD 2.566994
FKP 0.867911
FLOW 32.260973
FLR 139.360892
FRAX 1.172315
FRF 6.559570
FTT 3.602999
GALA 346.227130
GBP 0.867911
GEL 3.109939
GGP 0.867911
GHC 133,174.816643
GHS 13.317482
GIP 0.867911
GMD 85.997770
GMX 0.175946
GNF 10,211.445439
GNO 0.009842
GRD 340.750000
GRT 46.285535
GT 0.164092
GTQ 8.874559
GUSD 1.166721
GYD 243.472581
HBAR 12.932783
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HNL 30.968310
HNT 1.413524
HOT 2,933.999474
HRK 7.534500
HT 8.027900
HTG 152.369435
HUF 360.594057
ICP 0.450743
IDR 20,634.235099
IEP 0.787564
ILS 3.378669
IMP 0.867911
IMX 6.838533
INJ 0.223351
INR 112.208877
IQD 1,525.305687
IRR 1,534,502.357852
ISK 143.399116
ITL 1,936.270000
JEP 0.867911
JMD 184.079237
JOD 0.825364
JPY 185.018807
KAS 33.686095
KAVA 20.213361
KCS 0.145324
KDA 139.951058
KES 150.542667
KGS 101.833807
KHR 4,668.945917
KLAY 22.380303
KMF 491.967750
KNC 8.107927
KPW 1,047.688701
KRW 1,752.211164
KSM 0.233785
KWD 0.358365
KYD 0.968264
KZT 546.242207
LAK 25,534.475927
LBP 104,361.286311
LDO 3.268614
LEO 0.115399
LINK 0.120107
LKR 387.697935
LRC 71.830432
LRD 213.359216
LSL 19.381844
LTC 0.021438
LTL 3.452800
LUF 40.339900
LUNA 18.392672
LUNC 14,810.901040
LVL 0.702800
LYD 7.392049
MAD 10.713406
MANA 13.208947
MBX 29.729149
MDL 20.145268
MGA 4,871.095760
MGF 24,355.478798
MINA 20.378374
MKD 61.624206
MKR 0.000675
MMK 2,443.781720
MNT 4,166.375708
MOP 9.390086
MRO 465.444891
MRU 46.544489
MTL 0.429300
MUR 55.043312
MVR 17.979407
MWK 2,026.107900
MXN 20.144875
MXV 2.279599
MYR 4.626613
MZM 74,353.071058
MZN 74.353071
NAD 19.381844
NEAR 0.721463
NEO 0.402635
NEXO 1.308799
NFT 4,115,984.240292
NGN 1,596.087400
NIO 42.790414
NLG 2.203710
NOK 10.795641
NPR 179.618359
NZD 1.988361
OKB 0.014236
OMR 0.447801
ONE 567.925259
OP 9.067271
ORDI 0.279677
PAB 1.164124
PAXG 0.000257
PEN 3.983898
PEPE 316,112.789563
PGK 5.143240
PHP 71.839395
PI 7.669315
PKR 324.331945
PLN 4.242368
POL 12.806625
PTE 200.482000
PYG 7,085.373688
QAR 4.237411
QNT 0.015558
QTUM 1.289224
ROL 52,094.528786
RON 5.209453
RPL 0.670759
RSD 117.369513
RUB 84.369831
RUNE 2.601186
RVN 210.636634
RWF 1,702.081776
SAND 16.164975
SAR 4.365465
SBD 9.320167
SCR 17.090041
SDD 69,874.316979
SDG 698.743170
SEK 10.953320
SGD 1.490133
SHIB 201,965.108238
SHP 0.867911
SIT 239.640000
SKK 30.1260
SLE 26.664108
SLL 26,664.107791
SNX 3.758133
SOL 0.013696
SOS 665.222263
SPL 0.194021
SRD 43.334284
SRG 43,334.283928
SSP 5,488.412096
STD 24,764.114262
STN 24.764114
STX 4.873297
SUI 1.100235
SVC 10.186084
SYP 128.677201
SZL 19.381844
THB 37.974084
THETA 5.896554
TJS 10.836029
TMM 20,414.202997
TMT 4.082841
TND 3.380742
TON 0.578521
TOP 2.769361
TRL 53,064,818.051885
TRX 3.263779
TRY 53.064818
TTD 7.896305
TUSD 1.165542
TVD 1.631096
TWD 36.830286
TWT 2.436256
TZS 3,029.074551
UAH 51.386242
UGX 4,387.230213
UNI 0.329697
USD 1.164124
USDC 1.164516
USDD 1.165316
USDP 1.165702
USDT 1.165189
UYU 46.662312
UZS 14,006.770047
VAL 1,936.270000
VEB 60,223,171,250.4368
VED 602.204845
VEF 60,220,484.498490
VES 602.204845
VET 172.818622
VND 30,651.856834
VUV 138.221011
WAVES 3.062902
WEMIX 4.309414
WOO 68.931611
WST 3.137378
XAF 655.957000
XAG 0.015295
XAU 0.000256
XAUT 0.000256
XBT 0.000015
XCD 3.151690
XCG 2.097330
XCH 0.419422
XDC 37.448638
XDR 0.851629
XEC 158,699.650058
XEM 1,749.154817
XLM 7.929546
XMR 0.003012
XOF 655.957000
XPD 0.000831
XPF 119.331742
XPT 0.000591
XRP 0.842216
XTZ 3.404634
YER 277.783163
ZAR 19.381844
ZEC 0.002033
ZIL 296.096586
ZMK 22,001.938891
ZMW 22.001939
ZWD 421.296440
ZWG 30.162708
ZWL 75,368.289311

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Cities in Ireland 154
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Abbeyfeale Abbeyleix Ardee Arklow Ashbourne Athenry Athlone Athy Bagenalstown Bailieborough Balbriggan Ballaghaderreen Ballina Ballinasloe Ballinrobe Ballsbridge Ballybofey Ballybunion Ballyhaunis Ballyshannon Baltinglass Banagher Bandon Bantry Belturbet Birr Blarney Blessington Boyle Bray Buncrana Bundoran Cahirciveen Callan Carlow Carndonagh Carrick-on-Shannon Carrickmacross Carrigaline Castlebar Castleblayney Castlecomer Castleisland Castlerea Cavan Celbridge Charleville Clane Clara Claremorris Clifden Clonakilty Clones Co Tyrone Cobh Coothill Cork Dingle Donegal Downpatrick Drishane Drogheda Drumcar Dublin Duleek Dunboyne Dundalk Dungarvan Dunmanway Dunshaughlin Edenderry Ennis Enniscorthy Fermoy Galway Gorey Gort Granard Greystones Kanturk Kells Kenmare Kilcock Kilcoole Kilcormac Kilcullen Kildare Kilkee Kilkenny Killarney Killorglin Killybegs Kilmallock Kilrush Kinsale Laytown Leixlip Letterkenny Lifford Limerick Listowel Longford Loughrea Lucan Macroom Malahide Mallow Maynooth Meath Midleton Millstreet Mitchelstown Moate Moira Monaghan Monasterevan Mountmellick Mountrath Moville Mullingar Naas Navan New Ross Newbridge Newcastle Newmarket-on-Fergus Newtownmountkennedy Passage West Port Laoise Portarlington Portrane Rathcoole Rathdrum Rathkeale Roscommon Rush Shannon Skerries Skibbereen Sligo Swinford Swords Thomastown Tralee Tramore Trim Tuam Tullamore Tullow Waterford Westport Wexford Wicklow Youghal

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Ireland needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Ireland?
The capital of Ireland is Dublin.
What currency does Ireland use?
Ireland uses the euro (€) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Ireland?
The official language(s) of Ireland include English, Irish.
What is the population of Ireland?
Ireland has a population of approximately 5,458,600 people.
What region is Ireland in?
Ireland is located in Europe, specifically in the Northern Europe subregion.
What is the international calling code for Ireland?
The international dialing code for Ireland is +353.
What time zones does Ireland observe?
Ireland observes the following time zone(s): UTC.
What is the current time in Ireland?
The local time in Ireland is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Ireland?
Ireland covers a total area of 70,273 km².
How many states or provinces does Ireland have?
Ireland is divided into 31 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Ireland in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Ireland in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Ireland?
Visa requirements for citizens of Ireland vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.