Ireland Travel Guide
Tourist season
Are December and January good months to visit Ireland?
December
Off
season
January
Off
season
Did you know?
The population of Ireland is around 4.94 mil., which puts the country in 122. place in terms of population (out of 231 countries and dependent territories).
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Dublin (IE) and Washington D.C. (US) is 3382 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Dublin click here
Country Comparison
Compare Ireland to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Ireland
| Miles | Dublin | Cork | Galway | Limerick | Waterford | Kilkenny | Sligo | Killarney National Park |
| Dublin | - | 136 | 115 | 109 | 83 | 63 | 111 | 166 |
| Cork | 136 | - | 98 | 53 | 63 | 73 | 164 | 47 |
| Galway | 115 | 98 | - | 46 | 107 | 86 | 73 | 90 |
| Limerick | 109 | 53 | 46 | - | 69 | 58 | 111 | 60 |
| Waterford | 83 | 63 | 107 | 69 | - | 28 | 150 | 105 |
| Kilkenny | 63 | 73 | 86 | 58 | 28 | - | 123 | 107 |
| Sligo | 111 | 164 | 73 | 111 | 150 | 123 | - | 163 |
| Killarney National Park | 166 | 47 | 90 | 60 | 105 | 107 | 163 | - |
A Brief History of Ireland
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
7500 B.C.
The beginnings of settlementThe first known inhabitants settle in Ireland.
600 - 150 B.C.
Celtic tribesCeltic tribes arrive on the island.
432 A.D.
ChristianitySt. Patrick arrives in Ireland, bringing Christianity. The Protestant faith did not yet exist.
1541
King of IrelandBritain's King Henry VIII is declared King of Ireland by Englishmen living in Ireland. He opposes the Catholic religion.
1608
The Plantation of UlsterBritain's King James I sends thousands of Protestant English farmers to Ireland to take over land owned by Catholic farmers, mostly in the north.
1692
Persecution of CatholicsNew laws forbid Catholics to vote, own land or practice their religion. Such laws remain in effect until 1829.
1845 - 1849
The Great Potato FamineA potato blight kills Ireland's staple food crop. About a million people die from starvation and fever during the Great Potato Famine.
1916
The Easter RebellionArmed Irish patriots rebel against British troops in Dublin, Ireland, on the Monday after Easter. The British execute rebel leaders.
1919 - 1921
Anglo-Irish WarThe Anglo-Irish War between the British and the Irish Republican Army. In a treaty, Britain finally gives up control of most of Ireland but tightens its grip on the six counties of Ulster (Northern Ireland).
1921 - 1923
Irish Civil WarIrish Civil War between those who accept the treaty with the English and the Irish Republican Army, which wants all of Ireland to be free of British rule. The Republicans lose.
1949
Partition of IrelandBritain declares Ulster a permanent part of the British Empire. The lower 26 counties of Ireland declare themselves the Irish Republic, totally free of British control.
1972
Anti-British protestsDuring anti-British protests in the Ulster town of Londonderry on January 30, 13 unarmed marchers are killed by British troops, an event now known as Bloody Sunday. Britain imposes direct rule on Ulster. A more intense era of bloodshed begins. The Irish call this violence the Troubles.
1990
First female presidentMary Robinson becomes the first woman president of Ireland.
1998
The Good Friday AgreementNorthern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland adopt on The Good Friday Agreement, an important step in the peace process.
2002
New currencyThe Euro replaces the Irish pound, as Ireland's official currency.
2005 - 2006
Bilingual countryThe European Union officially recognizes Irish as a working language. The Irish government begins a 20-year plan to make Ireland a bilingual country where everyone speaks both Irish and English.
Best Ways to Experience Ireland
- Cuisine
- Art
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreEuro (EUR)
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Ireland.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Ireland for tourism
A visa is not required.
- Allowed stay: 3 months
- Strict application of immigration rules regarding providing proof of the trip purpose, sufficient funds, return ticket and accommodation.
- Residence permit for stays of longer than 90 days obtainable after arrival under certain conditions.
Electricity
230V (50 Hz)
In Ireland the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type G sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type GFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 122 / 231 Ranking | 4 937 786 Irish 84.5%, other white 9.8%, Asian 1.9%, black 1.4% |
Area | 122 / 230 Ranking | 27.1 thous. mi² |
Life expectancy | 27 / 196 Ranking | 81.5 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 79.1women 83.9 |
Median age | 113 / 157 Ranking | 37.8 Average age of population expressed in years.men 37.4women 38.2 |
Population growth | 89 / 172 Ranking | 0.97% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 11 / 131 Ranking | 99% Ability to read, write and count.men 99%women 99% |
GDP | 3 / 194 Ranking | 95 237 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
United Kingdom