Welcome to Ireland 😊

Quick Facts About Ireland

Money and Finances

The currency used in Ireland is the euro (EUR), which has coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, and €1 and €2 coins, as well as banknotes in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500.

ATM Network

ATMs can be found throughout Ireland, with major banks and airports offering them. Many of them allow for international withdrawals, however, it is advised to check with your bank for any associated fees.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Ireland, with Visa and Mastercard being the most commonly used. American Express is also accepted at some locations, but not as widely as the other two.

Internet and Phones

Ireland has an average internet speed of 45.7 Mbps for downloads and 15.4 Mbps for uploads. There is no government interference in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The main telco companies in Ireland are Vodafone, Three, and Eir. The average cost of a mobile phone plan in Ireland is €30-€50 per month. There may be sim compatibility issues with some foreign mobile phones.

Dialling to Ireland

To call Ireland from another country, dial the international code (usually 00 or +), followed by Ireland's country code (353), and then the subscriber's number, without the leading 0. Within Ireland, landline numbers usually have an area code of 01, followed by a 7-digit subscriber number. Mobile numbers usually have an area code of 08x, followed by a 7-digit subscriber number.

Transport Around Ireland

Air Travel

Ireland has several major airports including Dublin, Cork, and Shannon. Dublin Airport is the largest airport and serves as the main hub for international travel.

Train Travel

Ireland has an inter-city train network called Irish Rail. Journey times and ticket prices vary depending on the destination. For example, a journey from Dublin to Galway takes approximately 2.5 hours and costs around €19-€30.

Metro / Local Trains

There is no metro system in Ireland.

Buses

Ireland also has a bus network called Bus Eireann which operates inter-city and local services. Ticket prices and journey times vary depending on the destination. For example, a journey from Dublin to Cork takes approximately 3.5 hours and costs around €21-€27.

Rideshare

Uber and Lyft do not currently operate in Ireland, but there are several local rideshare companies such as MyTaxi and Lynk which offer similar services. Average travel prices vary depending on the destination.

Driving by Car

Driving in Ireland can be challenging for visitors due to the narrow roads and driving on the left-hand side. The speed limits are generally 50-60 km/h in urban areas and 80-100 km/h on national roads. The national speed limit on motorways is 120 km/h.

Local Customs

In Ireland, tipping is common in restaurants, with 10-15% being the norm. Locals greet each other with a handshake and may use a casual 'hi' or 'hello'. Speaking with strangers is generally seen as friendly and open. Men and women usually address each other by first name or with a friendly nickname.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Ireland has a public healthcare system, which offers services to all residents, along with private healthcare options. The cost of visiting a doctor in Ireland can vary, with a typical visit costing around €50-€80. Health insurance is not mandatory in Ireland, but can provide additional coverage and access to private healthcare.

COVID Situation

Ireland has handled the COVID-19 pandemic relatively well, with strict lockdown measures and widespread testing and contact tracing. The current rate of coronavirus cases is low, with daily cases averaging less than 100 in recent weeks.

Common Health Risks

Common health risks in Ireland include food poisoning from contaminated food or water, as well as tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease. Travelers should also be aware of the risk of hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses, especially during the winter months.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Ireland, the legal drinking age is 18. Public drinking is prohibited, and drinking in a vehicle is strictly prohibited. It is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 18, and alcohol cannot be sold after 10 pm in shops. Alcohol can be consumed in licensed premises until 12:30 am Sunday to Thursday and until 1:30 am Friday and Saturday. There are some areas where alcohol is prohibited, such as in public parks or near schools.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use is illegal in Ireland. The possession, sale, and use of illegal drugs such as cannabis, heroin, and cocaine is strictly prohibited. Even the possession of small amounts of drugs can lead to arrest, and penalties can range from fines to imprisonment.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Pre-marital relationships are legal in Ireland. The country has undergone significant social change in recent years, and traditional attitudes towards sex and relationships have softened considerably. Sex education is also now a mandatory part of the curriculum in Irish schools.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Ireland has made significant strides in recent years towards promoting LGBT rights. Homosexual acts were decriminalized in 1993, and in 2015, Ireland became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage through a popular vote. Transgender individuals are also now protected under Irish law.

Firearms / Guns

Gun ownership is tightly regulated in Ireland. It is illegal to carry any type of weapon (including knives) in public, except for certain circumstances such as hunting or target shooting. All firearms must be licensed, and applicants must undergo a background check and demonstrate a legitimate reason for owning a gun.