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: 2026-10-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 10.608241
AAVE 0.006171
ADA 4.161934
AED 4.118660
AFN 72.460655
AKT 1.465468
ALGO 8.732446
ALL 91.989070
AMD 405.727713
AMP 1,748.994906
ANG 2.016678
AOA 1,027.296046
APE 6.999848
APT 1.365981
AR 0.248783
ARB 5.501155
ARS 1,704.571807
ATOM 0.615972
ATS 13.760300
AUD 1.609305
AVAX 0.098774
AWG 2.007461
AXS 0.856337
AZM 9,532.767365
AZN 1.906553
BAKE 4,369.313127
BAM 1.955830
BAT 10.631939
BBD 2.242973
BCH 0.003548
BDT 137.864349
BEF 40.339900
BGN 1.955830
BHD 0.421679
BIF 3,369.419033
BMD 1.121487
BNB 0.001435
BND 1.434921
BOB 13.453226
BRL 5.605999
BSD 1.121487
BSV 0.056163
BSW 2,725.375557
BTC 0.000013
BTCB 16.051116
BTG 1.699940
BTN 108.131566
BTT 3,016,625.452665
BUSD 1.121298
BWP 15.435293
BYN 3.421347
BYR 21,984.180652
BZD 2.255418
CAD 1.600203
CAKE 0.458590
CDF 2,591.751047
CELO 10.783645
CFX 20.438569
CHF 0.932799
CHZ 67.044077
CLP 1,091.239189
CNH 7.517347
CNY 7.519754
COMP 0.045755
COP 3,587.231293
CRC 513.177605
CRO 16.514903
CRV 3.042173
CSPR 439.659822
CUC 1.121642
CUP 26.863878
CVE 110.2700
CVX 0.506634
CYP 0.585274
CZK 24.463972
DAI 1.121943
DASH 0.019784
DCR 0.060815
DEM 1.955830
DFI 1,227.076303
DJF 199.513566
DKK 7.474044
DOGE 11.827797
DOP 67.211933
DOT 0.906420
DYDX 7.675739
DZD 150.757464
EEK 15.646640
EGLD 0.250927
EGP 58.797387
ENJ 33.876847
EOS 11.035868
ERN 16.822300
ESP 166.3860
ETB 182.423161
ETC 0.126382
ETH 0.000415
EURC 0.999865
FEI 1.121976
FIL 0.939528
FIM 5.945730
FJD 2.523450
FKP 0.848714
FLOW 35.445689
FLR 155.586909
FRAX 1.132841
FRF 6.559570
FTT 4.341424
GALA 462.881888
GBP 0.848714
GEL 2.910805
GGP 0.848714
GHC 131,849.332597
GHS 13.184933
GIP 0.848714
GMD 83.002400
GMX 0.127730
GNF 9,860.299925
GNO 0.009236
GRD 340.750000
GRT 38.516210
GT 0.100181
GTQ 8.558540
GUSD 1.123799
GYD 234.109722
HBAR 11.140446
HKD 8.800813
HNL 30.071355
HNT 2.161290
HOT 2,448.876391
HRK 7.534500
HT 30.747849
HTG 146.546883
HUF 367.353061
ICP 0.321648
IDR 20,091.703308
IEP 0.787564
ILS 3.429679
IMP 0.848714
IMX 6.116253
INJ 0.147953
INR 108.131566
IQD 1,466.162699
IRR 2,017,023.336678
ISK 136.931326
ITL 1,936.270000
JEP 0.848714
JMD 177.470237
JOD 0.795134
JPY 177.319834
KAS 26.141289
KAVA 16.177140
KCS 0.147729
KDA 114.869096
KES 145.578960
KGS 98.083740
KHR 4,543.259052
KLAY 26.927501
KMF 491.967750
KNC 7.829578
KPW 1,009.478040
KRW 1,505.555528
KSM 0.218902
KWD 0.346658
KYD 0.932308
KZT 510.589182
LAK 25,164.737290
LBP 101,138.597165
LDO 2.448232
LEO 0.126117
LINK 0.081085
LKR 369.902566
LRC 109.234129
LRD 191.380468
LSL 18.671511
LTC 0.016099
LTL 3.452800
LUF 40.339900
LUNA 21.961564
LUNC 21,209.834242
LVL 0.702800
LYD 7.195580
MAD 11.193193
MANA 10.844874
MBX 37.919202
MDL 20.099417
MGA 4,966.439858
MGF 24,832.199290
MINA 8.324022
MKD 61.526524
MKR 0.000558
MMK 2,354.196389
MNT 4,031.941572
MOP 9.064837
MRO 449.009103
MRU 44.900910
MTL 0.429300
MUR 53.160967
MVR 17.337808
MWK 1,941.102220
MXN 20.271139
MXV 2.304429
MYR 4.582006
MZM 71,583.650468
MZN 71.583650
NAD 18.671511
NEAR 0.214615
NEO 0.442490
NEXO 1.318806
NFT 4,699,773.629305
NGN 1,482.655537
NIO 41.229400
NLG 2.203710
NOK 10.763871
NPR 173.091604
NZD 2.003623
OKB 0.008601
OMR 0.431614
ONE 7.657077
OP 8.342663
ORDI 0.246485
PAB 1.121487
PAXG 0.000271
PEN 3.861416
PEPE 259,313.271560
PGK 5.052607
PHP 70.481319
PI 12.847459
PKR 310.091379
PLN 4.380629
POL 10.255433
PTE 200.4820
PYG 6,551.713160
QAR 4.082212
QNT 0.004335
QTUM 1.144086
ROL 53,453.489720
RON 5.345349
RPL 0.586493
RSD 117.454412
RUB 95.146752
RUNE 1.444511
RVN 457.092628
RWF 1,653.038689
SAND 17.054630
SAR 4.205575
SBD 9.048929
SCR 15.884446
SDD 67,309.460509
SDG 673.094605
SEK 11.264961
SGD 1.434921
SHIB 191,584.200289
SHP 0.848714
SIT 239.6400
SKK 30.1260
SLE 25.855752
SLL 25,855.752319
SNX 4.479217
SOL 0.009348
SOS 638.072572
SPL 0.186914
SRD 42.286573
SRG 42,286.572867
SSP 6,422.345815
STD 24,673.623397
STN 24.673623
STX 2.992747
SUI 0.939690
SVC 9.813008
SYP 14,583.587879
SZL 18.671511
THB 37.748853
THETA 4.843238
TJS 10.321759
TMM 19,678.602765
TMT 3.935721
TND 3.356411
TOP 2.701042
TRL 55,149,771.421778
TRX 3.337406
TRY 55.149771
TTD 7.593297
TUSD 1.122374
TVD 1.609305
TWD 35.642923
TWT 1.964525
TZS 2,958.916291
UAH 50.510969
UGX 4,508.539856
UNI 0.126587
USD 1.121487
USDC 1.121792
USDD 1.122284
USDP 1.128155
USDT 1.122055
UYU 45.303674
UZS 13,192.165783
VAL 1,936.270000
VEB 97,650,599,824.6105
VED 976.505998
VEF 97,650,599.824611
VES 976.505998
VET 128.513582
VND 29,153.459089
VUV 134.816226
WAVES 3.759191
WEMIX 5.856152
WOO 81.929906
WST 3.121314
XAF 655.957000
XAG 0.018536
XAU 0.000272
XAUT 0.000272
XBT 0.000013
XCD 3.035776
XCG 2.016678
XCH 0.716611
XDC 33.372595
XDR 0.828956
XEC 140,635.665027
XEM 1,786.293574
XLM 5.196443
XMR 0.001999
XOF 655.957000
XPD 0.000961
XPF 119.331742
XPT 0.000655
XRP 0.746425
XTZ 3.356612
YER 264.892590
ZAR 18.671511
ZEC 0.000838
ZIL 307.333501
ZMK 22,172.185222
ZMW 22.172185
ZWD 405.866028
ZWG 30.023913
ZWL 75,021.477591

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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.