Ireland Travel Advice
Ireland, known as the Emerald Isle, is a country in Western Europe renowned for its lush landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture.
The country has a population of around 5 million and its capital, Dublin, is a bustling city famous for its historic sites, literary heritage, and lively pub scene. Ireland is known for its strong traditions in music, dance, and folklore, as well as iconic natural attractions like the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry. It is a member of the European Union and has a thriving economy, particularly in technology and pharmaceuticals.
Ireland’s political landscape is shaped by several key issues. The future of Northern Ireland and its relationship with both Ireland and the UK remains a sensitive topic, especially post-Brexit, which has impacted trade and border dynamics. Housing shortages and healthcare access are pressing issues in Ireland, sparking considerable public debate and policy attention. Additionally, social concerns like the cost of living and immigration significantly shape political discussions and influence the government’s priorities in Ireland.
For specific security threat information with regards to Northern Ireland, see our: Northern Ireland Travel Advice.
Visiting Ireland FAQsHire a bodyguard in Ireland
If you are interested in hiring a bodyguard for your travel to Ireland, please see our page for Bodyguard Services in Ireland.
Key Information for Ireland
Emergency Services
All emergency services: 112
Country Overview
Capital City: Dublin
Official State Language(s): English, Gaelic
Official State Religion(s): Christianity (Roman Catholicism)
State Currency: Euro (€)
Current Capital Time:
How safe is Ireland?
The interconnected issues of immigration and housing shortages in Ireland are increasingly straining resources and affecting communities, particularly in Dublin and other major cities.
Rising demand for housing, coupled with limited supply, has led to higher rents and more difficulty finding affordable accommodations. As immigration continues to add pressure to the housing market, concerns among locals have grown, potentially leading to protests and public demonstrations. These protests may occur in Dublin and other urban centers as residents voice frustrations over the cost of living and perceived impacts on public services.
Ireland’s current security status is stable, with a generally low risk of terrorism or violent crime. The primary concerns are related to organized crime, particularly in urban areas, and occasional unrest connected to social or economic issues. While the overall threat of terrorism is low, Ireland remains vigilant against global and domestic security risks, with law enforcement agencies closely monitoring potential threats.
Additionally, cross-border issues with Northern Ireland, particularly surrounding Brexit and political developments, are areas of ongoing attention. The government focuses on community engagement and intelligence to maintain public safety.
Health Emergencies in Ireland
Ireland does not have any Health Emergencies at present.
Ireland's healthcare system is a mix of public and private services. Public services include hospital care, emergency services, and primary care, though wait times can be an issue. Private healthcare is available for those who seek quicker access and specialized treatments, often covered by private insurance. Ireland also offers a medical card scheme for low-income residents, granting free access to many healthcare services.
Ticks are a concern in rural Ireland, particularly in grassy, wooded, or marshy areas, where they can transmit Lyme disease to humans. The risk is higher from spring through autumn, when ticks are most active. Travelers and residents in rural areas are advised to take precautions, such as wearing long clothing, using insect repellent, and performing regular tick checks after outdoor activities.
Key Security Issues
Public protests in Ireland over issues such as housing and immigration are increasingly common, particularly in cities like Dublin. These protests reflect public frustrations with rising costs of living, housing shortages, and perceived pressures on resources. While most demonstrations are peaceful, they can occasionally lead to disruptions in traffic, public transport, and local businesses, especially in central urban areas. The Irish government and local authorities monitor these events closely, deploying law enforcement to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions during larger gatherings.
Ensure that you avoid protests as these can turn violent.
Crime in Ireland
Crime in Ireland is relatively low compared to other countries, but there are some areas of concern. Urban centers like Dublin see higher rates of violent crime, including assaults and robberies. Organized crime, particularly related to drug trafficking, is a persistent issue and can lead to gang-related violence.
Rural areas generally experience lower crime rates, though theft and property crime can still occur. Ireland also faces issues related to cybercrime and fraud. The Garda Síochána, Ireland’s national police service, actively works to address these issues through various community and law enforcement initiatives.
Global Travel AdvisoriesFAQs for visiting Ireland
You can find the following embassies in Ireland for the US and UK:
U.S. Embassy Dublin
42 Elgin Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Ireland
Telephone: +353 1 630 6200
Telephone: +353 1 668 8777
British Embassy Dublin
29 Merrion Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Ireland
Telephone: +353 1 205 3700
All visitors must have an "in date" passport, with an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave Ireland.
Visa requirements for visiting Ireland depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit:
EU/EEA and Swiss Nationals: Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland do not need a visa to enter Ireland and can stay for an indefinite period.
Visa-Exempt Countries: Nationals from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and several others can visit Ireland for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business.
Visa-Required Countries: Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt list need to apply for a short-stay 'C' visa for visits up to 90 days or a long-stay 'D' visa for stays longer than 90 days (e.g., for work or study).
For the most accurate and specific requirements, it's recommended to check with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) or your local Irish embassy.
Irish Visa Waiver Program: For some nationalities, the UK and Ireland offer a visa waiver program that allows those holding an Irish visa to enter Northern Ireland without an additional UK visa, provided they enter Northern Ireland directly from the Republic of Ireland within a specified period.
Common Travel Area: Travel between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is generally unrestricted for EU, UK, and Irish citizens due to the Common Travel Area agreement. However, non-Irish and non-British travelers should verify their visa requirements, as entry to the Republic of Ireland does not automatically grant entry to Northern Ireland.
Border officials have the right to ask for:
Your contact details
Your onward or return travel tickets
Proof of a hotel booking or other accommodation details
In recent years, Ireland has maintained a relatively low risk of terrorism, with the national threat level remaining at "moderate," which means an attack is possible but not likely.
While Ireland has not experienced major terrorist incidents domestically, concerns persist around extremist ideologies, particularly with occasional activity linked to both Islamist and far-right extremism. For instance, the Irish government has been vigilant about monitoring individuals returning from conflict zones and addressing rising anti-immigrant sentiments associated with far-right groups.
In terms of recent incidents, there was a terror-related attack in 2024 involving an Irish Defence Forces chaplain in County Galway, which has been linked to potential Islamist extremism. Although isolated, this incident has contributed to ongoing concerns about radicalization within the country.
Additionally, Ireland's security efforts include collaboration with international agencies to address broader issues, such as cyber threats and the risks posed by extremist networks across Europe.
For visiting Ireland, there are no specific vaccine requirements beyond routine immunizations, as it is considered low-risk for infectious diseases. However, it’s generally recommended to ensure that you are up-to-date on the following standard vaccines:
Routine Vaccinations: This includes vaccines such as Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP), Polio, and Varicella (chickenpox). An annual flu shot is also advisable, particularly if traveling during flu season.
Hepatitis B: Recommended for travelers who may engage in activities that increase the risk of exposure to bodily fluids, such as healthcare work.
These vaccinations ensure protection against common infectious diseases. For the most personalized and up-to-date advice, consulting a healthcare provider or travel clinic before travel is recommended.
Public Transportation in Ireland
Ireland offers a comprehensive public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and trams, primarily serving urban and intercity routes:
Buses: Bus Éireann operates an extensive network covering both urban and rural areas. In Dublin, the Dublin Bus service offers city routes, while other cities like Cork, Galway, and Limerick have their own city services. Intercity and express buses connect major towns and cities across the country.
Trains: Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) provides rail services linking cities and towns, including routes from Dublin to Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Belfast. The trains are generally comfortable and efficient for intercity travel.
Trams: Dublin is home to the Luas tram system, which operates two lines serving the city and its suburbs, offering a convenient way to travel within Dublin.
Other Options: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Free Now are widely available, especially in urban areas. Bike-sharing schemes, such as DublinBikes, are also popular in cities.
Driving in Ireland on a Foreign License
You can drive in Ireland using a valid foreign driving license for up to 12 months. If you are from an EU/EEA country, your license is fully recognized, and you can continue using it beyond this period. For non-EU/EEA travelers, such as those from the United States, Canada, and Australia, you can drive with your foreign license for up to a year. After 12 months, you would need to either exchange your license (if eligible) or apply for an Irish driving license.
For some non-EU licenses, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your national license, especially if your license is not in English. Always check specific requirements based on your nationality before driving in Ireland.
Our closest office
For any enquiries about our security services in Ireland, please contact our London office and our team will assist you.
Intelligent Protection International
330 High Holborn
WC1V 7QT
London
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 207 4566740
Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer
You are responsible for your own safety abroad and for making the decision to travel. The information contained in this Travel Advice for Ireland is provided for information only.
Whilst care is taken to ensure that this country brief is as up-to-date and accurate as possible, it is provided on an “as is” basis without any representation or endorsement made and without warranty of any kind, express or implied. Intelligent Protection International Limited does not assume responsibility and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.