Europe
Ireland
Small, friendly and English-speaking, with a pub culture that makes solo travel sociable. Dublin is very expensive and short on rooms; the rural west rewards a car or a tour.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa82 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyEURUS$1 ≈ €0.89Details
- Price level85%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English5/5Spoken almost everywhereDetails
- PlugsType G230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency999Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · All emergencies 999
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe almost everywhere.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityWidely accepting since the 2015 marriage referendum; Dublin has an established scene.Details
- Internet207 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 80 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the leftVisitors may drive on a valid foreign licence for 12 months; carry an IDP if it isn't in English.
Where to go in Ireland
7 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DublinCapital city | 4/5 | $4,280–5,850 | May–Jul, Sep | 4/100 |
| GalwayCity | 5/5 | $3,380–4,730 | May–Jul, Sep | 15/100 |
| CorkCity | 5/5 | $3,380–4,730 | May–Jul, Sep | 15/100 |
| KillarneyTown | 5/5 | $3,150–4,390 | May–Jun, Sep | 19/100 |
| DingleTown | 5/5 | $3,260–4,500 | May–Jun, Sep | 16/100 |
| KilkennyCity | 5/5 | $2,810–3,940 | May–Jul, Sep | 27/100 |
| LimerickCity | 4/5 | $2,930–4,050 | May–Jul, Sep | 18/100 |
When to visit Ireland
May–September for longer days and festivals; rain is possible any month. Winters are mild but dark, windy and wet, especially on the west coast.
Good to know
Entry
- Ireland is in the EU but not Schengen: no EES fingerprints, and days here don't count toward Schengen's 90-day limit.
- Officers grant up to 90 days on arrival and may ask for a return ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds.
- Ireland doesn't use ETIAS or an ETA. Going on to Northern Ireland or Britain, most visitors need a UK ETA.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Cannabis is illegal, and possession of small amounts can still bring a fine or conviction.
- Drinking alcohol in public streets is banned in most towns under local bye-laws.
- E-scooters must stay off footpaths, carry no passengers and keep under 20 km/h.
Etiquette
- Pubs run on rounds: if someone buys you a drink, buy the next.
- Small talk with strangers is normal and welcome; join in.
- Never describe Ireland as part of Britain or the UK.
Tipping
10–15% in restaurants when service isn't included; nothing for drinks at the bar; round up taxi fares.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Irish Immigration Service: Coming to visit Ireland
- GOV.UK: Ireland travel advice
- Citizens Information
- Speedtest Global Index: Ireland
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.