Dublin

Cosmopolitan, colourful and over a thousand years old, Dublin presents a fine starting point for visitors to Ireland. This capital city is split in two by the River Liffey, which gives form to the city and has no less than nine bridges spanning it. Central Dublin is easily explored on foot, and presents a wealth of historic landmarks, from ancient cathedrals to gracious Georgian buildings that pay testimony to days gone by. There are many attractions on both sides of the Liffey, ranging from gaols and castles to museums and the birthplaces of famous poets and writers. Dublin is also famous for its nightlife and the Temple Bar area is the highlight for those seeking out a party.

Not far from the city, in County Wicklow, are the Wicklow Mountains, where hills, glens, forests and waterfalls attract weekend walkers and nature-lovers. Dublin Bay, which lies between the mouth of the River Liffey and the Dalkey headland, is the site of several small coastal towns and the ferry port of Dun Laoghaire. County Kildare is a region of rich farmland and fine reputation for the breeding of thoroughbred horses, while the similar counties of Louth and Meath have evidence of early civilisations and a wealth of castles and monasteries. With all this on Dublin’s doorstep, the city is a great base for exploration further afield.

Climate for Dublin

Dublin has a maritime temperate climate, and less rainfall than the rest of the ‘Emerald Isle’. However, winters are still very soggy and showers are common all year round. The wettest month, October, averages three inches (76mm) of rainfall. Summers are cool and pleasant, with temperatures in July peaking at around 68F (20C), and the most sunshine in May and June. Winters, apart from being wet, are mild, with the mercury rarely dropping to freezing point. Snow is unlikely, but a few flurries can occur. Dublin, like the rest of Ireland, experiences few temperature extremes. The best time to visit Ireland is in the warm summer months between May and August. February receives the least rainfall on average but it is almost impossible to avoid some rain in Dublin. The off-peak months are significantly cheaper in Ireland.

Health Notes when travelling to Ireland

There are no special health requirements for visitors, though all eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should be obtained before departing for Ireland. After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Medical facilities are good and medicines are widely available; if travellers require specific medication, it is always advised that they bring it with them. Travellers should make sure to carry all medications in their original containers, clearly labeled. They should also have a signed, dated letter from their doctor describing all medical conditions and listing all prescribed medications, including generic names.

Safety Notes when travelling to Ireland

Most visitors to Ireland enjoy a fairly high level of personal safety. Ireland has a very low level of violent crime, but there is a high incidence of petty theft in tourist areas and foreigners are targeted by pick-pockets. Travellers should take sensible precautions against petty theft, including duplicating important documents, carrying valuables in separate bags or pockets, and leaving valuables in hotel safes whenever possible. Terrorism is no more a threat in Ireland than in other Western countries and safety in the country has improved significantly with peace in Northern Ireland. Those travelling into Northern Ireland should note that the safety alerts for that country are completely seperate and can be found in the United Kingdom travel guide.

Customs in Ireland

The Irish are warm and welcoming and their conversation is often light hearted and dosed with humour, irreverence and self-depreciation. A handshake is the normal form of greeting, though close friends will hug or kiss each other on the cheek. The pub remains at the centre of many communities, and alcohol may be bought by anyone over 18 years old. Smoking is not allowed in public spaces, including in pubs and restaurants. Visitors should refrain from forcing discussions of political and religious differences and show respect if the topics are brought up. Attitudes towards LGBT people are liberal and same-sex marriage is legal.

Duty Free in Ireland

Travellers over 17 years old arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on most products. Regulations allow 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, 250g tobacco; one litre of spirits with more than 22 percent alcohol volume, two litres of dessert wine, port of sherry with a maximum 22 percent alcohol content; and four litres of wine or 16 litres of beer. Other duty free products include perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods for personal consumption to the value of €430 per adult or €215 for children under 15 years.

Doing Business in Ireland

The Irish are very sociable and, although the usual elements of business etiquette apply (punctuality, formal wear, a courteous manner), foreigners can expect good conversation and a rather relaxed air. Handshakes are customary on introduction, and foreigners should take the lead from the host with regards to using first names or surnames. Business hours are usually from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, with a lunch break from 1pm to 2pm.

Communication in Ireland

The international access code for Ireland is +353. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available; purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option than accepting international roaming costs, which can be high.

Tipping in Ireland

A 10 percent tip will be welcomed in restaurants and cafes, and occasionally a service charge will be added to the bill. Tipping is not usual in bars and pubs, or for other services.

Passport/Visa Note

All foreign passengers to Ireland must be able to show proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country. Passengers should also hold return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, as immigration officers might demand that they demonstrate proof of their intention to leave Ireland. If the traveller’s passport bears a British inadmissable stamp, unless the immigration officer is convinced that they will not travel on to the United Kingdom, entry may be refused to Ireland. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passport have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Ireland. No visa required for 90 days.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Ireland. No visa is required for 90 days.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Ireland. Passport exemptions apply to holders of proof of nationality issued to nationals of Ireland and British subjects, for travel between Ireland and Great Britain and Northern Ireland only. No visa is required for holders of British passports endorsed British Citizen, British National (Overseas), or British Overseas Territories Citizen.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Ireland. No visa is required for 90 days.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Ireland. No visa is required 90 days.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Ireland. No visa is required for 90 days.

Dublin has appalling street congestion in the city centre, but the light rail service known as LUAS (the Gaelic word for ‘speed’) now offers two lines with numerous stations, many of them giving easy access to the main sights and places of interest. The city also has an extensive bus network, with a limited Nitelink service operating from 1.30am. This, however, is most useful for commuters to and from the city centre. There is also a rapid transit train (DART) that links the city centre with the suburbs and seaside communities.

Because most public transport stops before midnight, taxis can be hard to find in the city centre after 11pm, particularly over the weekend. Taxis can be hailed in the street, but it is often easier to find them at taxi ranks or to book ahead by telephone. Renting a car can be impractical and expensive, although they can be essential if visitors want to explore off the beaten track on excursions from Dublin.