Ireland Traveler Essentials
- Capital
- Dublin
- Currency
- Euro (EUR €)
- Best time to visit
- June to August for the warmest, longest days. May and September offer fewer crowds with reasonable weather. The Wild Atlantic Way is gorgeous in any weather if you embrace the drama of it.
Visa requirements
Ireland is NOT in the Schengen Area. EU/EEA citizens enter freely. UK citizens can use the Common Travel Area. USA, Canada, Australia, and most Western nations are visa-free for up to 90 days.
Getting around
Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) and intercity coaches (Bus Éireann, Citylink, Expressway) connect Dublin with Cork, Galway and beyond, with no need for domestic flights. Dublin has the DART, Luas tram and buses on the Leap card, and taxis plus apps like FreeNow are common in cities.
Safety
Very safe country with low crime rates. Dublin city centre has occasional petty theft — watch bags in Temple Bar tourist areas. Weather changes rapidly — waterproof layers are essential year-round. Cliff walks like the Cliffs of Moher require appropriate footwear.
Tipping customs
Tipping is appreciated for good service but modest. Leave about 10–15% in restaurants if a service charge isn't already included, round up taxi fares or add roughly 10%, and tip hotel porters a euro or two; tipping in pubs for table service is optional.
Travel tips
Driving is on the left. The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,500km coastal driving route — allow at least 2 weeks. Temple Bar is touristy — for authentic Dublin pubs try Stoneybatter or Portobello. Book rental cars far in advance during summer. Embrace the rain — it's why everything is so green.