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: 2026-07-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 15.949281
AAVE 0.012938
ADA 6.090330
AED 4.198644
AFN 72.687638
AGIX 14.653548
AKT 1.822806
ALGO 12.771407
ALL 93.715249
AMD 420.687823
AMP 2,563.140894
ANG 2.061699
AOA 1,049.968938
APE 8.155490
APT 1.828050
AR 0.572736
ARB 14.293563
ARS 1,706.397805
ATOM 0.723000
ATS 13.760300
AUD 1.650375
AVAX 0.165594
AWG 2.046446
AXS 1.132201
AZM 9,717.759386
AZN 1.943552
BAKE 1,521.521968
BAM 1.955830
BAT 12.981393
BBD 2.286532
BCH 0.004737
BDT 140.934392
BEF 40.339900
BGN 1.955830
BHD 0.429868
BIF 3,403.510590
BMD 1.143266
BNB 0.001956
BND 1.477679
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BZD 2.302612
CAD 1.624558
CAKE 0.789485
CDF 2,637.792313
CELO 17.016964
CFX 25.554029
CHF 0.919689
CHZ 63.326984
CLP 1,053.176301
CNH 7.764348
CNY 7.761272
COMP 0.068216
COP 3,821.401247
CRC 520.971136
CRO 19.127055
CRV 5.347923
CSPR 588.668145
CUC 1.143376
CUP 30.299475
CVE 110.2700
CVX 0.950574
CYP 0.585274
CZK 24.186247
DAI 1.143807
DASH 0.032500
DCR 0.102993
DEM 1.955830
DFI 1,376.082887
DJF 203.607530
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DOGE 14.794151
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DOT 1.310575
DYDX 8.656942
DZD 152.047465
EEK 15.646640
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ENJ 39.503862
EOS 15.783994
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IEP 0.787564
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IMX 8.274737
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IQD 1,499.043340
IRR 1,573,228.768594
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KNC 10.256361
KPW 1,029.039168
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MNT 4,097.623598
MOP 9.235681
MRO 456.586497
MRU 45.658650
MTL 0.429300
MUR 53.741133
MVR 17.674192
MWK 1,983.150655
MXN 19.983511
MXV 2.265944
MYR 4.661391
MZM 73,016.400614
MZN 73.016401
NAD 18.582404
NEAR 0.573792
NEO 0.577989
NEXO 1.486114
NFT 4,313,881.267151
NGN 1,566.593611
NIO 42.084613
NLG 2.203710
NOK 11.245652
NPR 174.360867
NZD 2.009463
OKB 0.014333
OMR 0.440020
ONE 914.672172
OP 10.634304
ORDI 0.352191
PAB 1.143266
PAXG 0.000275
PEN 3.893144
PEPE 419,153.813525
PGK 5.029557
PHP 70.325608
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PLN 4.292661
POL 15.545695
PTE 200.482000
PYG 6,954.060930
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QTUM 1.608321
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RWF 1,675.880331
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SAR 4.287247
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SCR 16.337036
SDD 68,623.992676
SDG 686.239927
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SGD 1.477679
SHIB 261,122.105549
SHP 0.856850
SIT 239.640000
SKK 30.1260
SLE 26.112138
SLL 26,112.137915
SNX 4.992721
SOL 0.014169
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SPL 0.190544
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SRG 43,037.810297
SSP 5,429.582653
STD 24,681.801703
STN 24.681802
STX 6.685931
SUI 1.530284
SVC 10.003577
SYP 126.379793
SZL 18.582404
THB 38.002477
THETA 8.149578
TJS 10.597256
TMM 20,059.689343
TMT 4.011938
TND 3.370278
TOP 2.753336
TRL 53,522,506.924889
TRX 3.481290
TRY 53.522507
TTD 7.746755
TUSD 1.145661
TVD 1.650375
TWD 36.687679
TWT 3.325665
TZS 3,004.055907
UAH 50.950323
UGX 4,178.083222
UNI 0.361742
USD 1.143266
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USDD 1.144428
USDP 1.146724
USDT 1.144500
UYU 46.015386
UZS 13,682.375462
VAL 1,936.270000
VEB 73,676,464,017.7850
VED 736.699046
VEF 73,669,904.620052
VES 736.699046
VET 242.347559
VND 30,068.135851
VUV 137.411341
WAVES 4.302368
WEMIX 4.415912
WOO 96.554813
WST 3.162059
XAF 655.957000
XAG 0.018516
XAU 0.000275
XAUT 0.000275
XBT 0.000018
XCD 3.094677
XCG 2.061699
XCH 0.725428
XDC 40.687825
XDR 0.843258
XEC 215,226.956128
XEM 2,670.609044
XLM 5.726679
XMR 0.003533
XOF 655.957000
XPD 0.000900
XPF 119.331742
XPT 0.000698
XRP 0.998686
XTZ 4.594649
YER 270.946532
ZAR 18.582404
ZEC 0.002510
ZIL 370.612584
ZMK 20,978.141068
ZMW 20.978141
ZWD 413.747954
ZWG 30.666484
ZWL 76,627.085634

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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.