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: 2026-08-20
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 13.498135
AAVE 0.012207
ADA 6.274808
AED 4.289988
AFN 76.455547
AGIX 20.529179
AKT 2.272266
ALGO 14.189848
ALL 92.685141
AMD 424.027941
AMP 3,045.105625
ANG 2.092390
AOA 1,072.800048
APE 9.083432
APT 2.088233
AR 0.628490
ARB 13.355611
ARS 1,748.796683
ATOM 0.782760
ATS 13.760300
AUD 1.643352
AVAX 0.172446
AWG 2.090968
AXS 1.295990
AZM 9,928.939944
AZN 1.985788
BAKE 1,679.319615
BAM 1.955830
BAT 18.681877
BBD 2.336277
BCH 0.005530
BDT 142.135736
BEF 40.339900
BGN 1.955830
BHD 0.439220
BIF 3,474.425125
BMD 1.168138
BNB 0.001869
BND 1.485327
BOB 13.417154
BRL 6.049165
BSD 1.168138
BSV 0.072958
BSW 3,223.258550
BTC 0.000017
BTCB 19.735463
BTG 2.662160
BTN 111.698989
BTT 4,293,633.870463
BUSD 1.167363
BWP 15.712392
BYN 3.531873
BYR 22,892.119768
BZD 2.346397
CAD 1.612335
CAKE 0.724865
CDF 2,677.850523
CELO 18.665735
CFX 26.670481
CHF 0.932977
CHZ 91.379841
CLP 1,076.533162
CNH 7.856221
CNY 7.856620
COMP 0.063387
COP 3,566.077193
CRC 525.908198
CRO 23.443031
CRV 4.477219
CSPR 437.376052
CUC 1.167965
CUP 30.951080
CVE 110.2700
CVX 0.722160
CYP 0.585274
CZK 24.169588
DAI 1.167995
DASH 0.036762
DCR 0.098876
DEM 1.955830
DFI 1,173.949573
DJF 207.474605
DKK 7.475781
DOGE 15.559342
DOP 68.222254
DOT 1.475899
DYDX 10.619105
DZD 155.028351
EEK 15.646640
EGLD 0.411187
EGP 59.168004
ENJ 46.163995
EOS 17.699426
ERN 17.522076
ESP 166.3860
ETB 189.840962
ETC 0.177060
ETH 0.000517
EURC 1.007090
FEI 1.166659
FIL 1.735227
FIM 5.945730
FJD 2.570325
FKP 0.858509
FLOW 40.402035
FLR 181.679512
FRAX 1.178113
FRF 6.559570
FTT 5.628028
GALA 810.679960
GBP 0.858509
GEL 3.043474
GGP 0.858509
GHC 129,258.080826
GHS 12.925808
GIP 0.858509
GMD 86.563737
GMX 0.171685
GNF 10,251.220328
GNO 0.009637
GRD 340.750000
GRT 83.486314
GT 0.167849
GTQ 8.891317
GUSD 1.170061
GYD 242.978961
HBAR 16.482536
HKD 9.160613
HNL 31.229263
HNT 6.739420
HOT 3,459.133937
HRK 7.534500
HT 10.285845
HTG 151.930830
HUF 363.912152
ICP 0.503691
IDR 20,795.129467
IEP 0.787564
ILS 3.479186
IMP 0.858509
IMX 11.165802
INJ 0.251490
INR 111.698989
IQD 1,521.432984
IRR 1,605,485.093482
ISK 142.210760
ITL 1,936.270000
JEP 0.858509
JMD 183.506639
JOD 0.828210
JPY 184.981804
KAS 43.807615
KAVA 28.379937
KCS 0.160141
KDA 248.775858
KES 151.206276
KGS 102.263782
KHR 4,704.545984
KLAY 47.524124
KMF 491.967750
KNC 11.038440
KPW 1,051.169108
KRW 1,627.923719
KSM 0.379386
KWD 0.360072
KYD 0.970366
KZT 538.830177
LAK 26,188.725142
LBP 104,412.210169
LDO 3.447439
LEO 0.125630
LINK 0.111452
LKR 384.367548
LRC 146.833407
LRD 211.504891
LSL 18.807871
LTC 0.024865
LTL 3.452800
LUF 40.339900
LUNA 26.419400
LUNC 23,121.482124
LVL 0.702800
LYD 7.391687
MAD 10.810712
MANA 17.424385
MBX 56.487447
MDL 20.024216
MGA 5,003.343056
MGF 25,016.715279
MINA 27.334818
MKD 61.674485
MKR 0.000804
MMK 2,452.453344
MNT 4,202.281258
MOP 9.435431
MRO 465.248150
MRU 46.524815
MTL 0.429300
MUR 54.867428
MVR 18.057908
MWK 2,016.268235
MXN 19.797147
MXV 2.259844
MYR 4.722522
MZM 74,543.965010
MZN 74.543965
NAD 18.807871
NEAR 0.670043
NEO 0.641778
NEXO 1.564265
NFT 4,147,709.312915
NGN 1,573.132375
NIO 42.861444
NLG 2.203710
NOK 10.896422
NPR 178.802157
NZD 1.965174
OKB 0.011409
OMR 0.449610
ONE 1,619.106291
OP 13.152159
ORDI 0.317301
PAB 1.168138
PAXG 0.000261
PEN 3.914147
PEPE 403,253.666827
PGK 5.244348
PHP 71.979185
PI 12.998716
PKR 322.928610
PLN 4.318860
POL 14.310295
PTE 200.482000
PYG 6,989.685768
QAR 4.252024
QNT 0.019769
QTUM 1.618321
ROL 52,463.807106
RON 5.246381
RPL 0.751167
RSD 117.347658
RUB 98.112485
RUNE 2.738814
RVN 448.100204
RWF 1,712.919923
SAND 28.281148
SAR 4.380519
SBD 9.345534
SCR 16.944618
SDD 70,107.285017
SDG 701.072850
SEK 11.024123
SGD 1.485327
SHIB 246,536.287597
SHP 0.858509
SIT 239.640000
SKK 30.1260
SLE 26.764891
SLL 26,764.891300
SNX 5.698820
SOL 0.013769
SOS 662.486214
SPL 0.194690
SRD 44.162051
SRG 44,162.051242
SSP 6,622.133568
STD 24,659.830261
STN 24.659830
STX 8.955080
SUI 1.655196
SVC 10.221211
SYP 15,185.884647
SZL 18.807871
THB 38.354550
THETA 7.772011
TJS 10.714711
TMM 20,438.152755
TMT 4.087631
TND 3.385351
TOP 2.782662
TRL 56,017,507.438721
TRX 3.497140
TRY 56.017507
TTD 7.896346
TUSD 1.169893
TVD 1.643352
TWD 37.189827
TWT 2.920863
TZS 3,091.766548
UAH 52.172341
UGX 4,340.252567
UNI 0.319007
USD 1.168138
USDC 1.167877
USDD 1.168659
USDP 1.169374
USDT 1.168573
UYU 46.737715
UZS 13,720.168830
VAL 1,936.270000
VEB 90,679,061,617.2383
VED 904.759628
VEF 90,475,962.821118
VES 904.759628
VET 240.660059
VND 30,514.748068
VUV 138.166522
WAVES 5.923568
WEMIX 6.035916
WOO 105.900228
WST 3.145984
XAF 655.957000
XAG 0.017462
XAU 0.000260
XAUT 0.000261
XBT 0.000017
XCD 3.162080
XCG 2.092390
XCH 0.824540
XDC 41.993825
XDR 0.853050
XEC 166,599.965148
XEM 2,495.030510
XLM 6.801196
XMR 0.002735
XOF 655.957000
XPD 0.000879
XPF 119.331742
XPT 0.000648
XRP 1.052739
XTZ 5.362280
YER 276.931742
ZAR 18.807871
ZEC 0.002081
ZIL 480.563218
ZMK 21,882.679521
ZMW 21.882680
ZWD 422.749282
ZWG 31.154616
ZWL 77,846.793734

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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.