Ireland

Ireland is situated between latitudes 51° and 56° N and longitudes 11° and 5° W in Europe’s northwestern corner. The Irish Sea and the North Channel, which is 23 kilometers (14 miles) wide at its narrowest point, divide it from the neighboring island of Great Britain. The northern Atlantic Ocean is to the west, while the Celtic Sea, which runs between Ireland and Brittany, France, is to the south. Ireland has an area of 84,421 square kilometers (32,595 sq mi). The British Isles are made up of Ireland and the United Kingdom, as well as a number of smaller islands nearby. The alternative phrase Britain and Ireland is frequently used as a neutral word for the islands since the term British Isles is contentious in regard to Ireland.

Low lowlands in the island’s center are surrounded by a ring of coastal mountains. Carrauntoohil (Irish: Corrán Tuathail) in County Kerry is the tallest, rising to 1,038 meters (3,406 feet) above sea level. The province of Leinster has the most arable land. Mountainous and rugged landscapes with green panoramic views may be found in western regions. The River Shannon originates in County Cavan in the north west and runs 113 kilometers (70 miles) to Limerick city in the midwest, making it the island’s longest river at 386 kilometers (240 miles).

The Emerald Isle gets its name from its lush greenery, which is a result of the island’s moderate temperature and regular rainfall. Overall, Ireland’s climate is moderate yet variable, with few extremes. The climate is usually insular and moderate, avoiding the temperature extremes that many other parts of the globe at comparable latitudes experience. This is due to the moist breezes from the South-Western Atlantic, which help to moderate the temperature.

The amount of precipitation varies throughout the year, although it is often light, especially towards the east. The west is wetter on average and more vulnerable to Atlantic storms, particularly in the late fall and winter. These storms may bring damaging winds, greater total rainfall, snow, and hail to these regions on occasion. The districts of north County Galway and east County Mayo have the most lightning strikes per year on the island, with lightning strikes occuring five to 10 days per year in these locations. In the south, Munster has the least snow, whereas in the north, Ulster has the most.

Summers are hotter and winters are colder in inland regions. At inland weather stations, approximately 40 days of the year are below freezing 0 °C (32 °F), compared to 10 days at coastal weather stations. Heat waves have struck Ireland on many occasions, most recently in 1995, 2003, 2006, and 2013. During the winter of 2009/10, Ireland, like the rest of Europe, suffered exceptionally cold weather. On December 20, temperatures in County Mayo dropped to 17.2 °C (1 °F), with up to a metre (3 ft) of snow falling in hilly regions.

The island is divided into many geological provinces. A medium to high grade metamorphic and igneous complex of Caledonideaffinity, comparable to the Scottish Highlands, may be found in the extreme west, near County Galway and County Donegal. A region of Ordovician and Silurian rocks spans southeast Ulster, stretching southwest to Longford and south to Navan, and is comparable to Scotland’s Southern Uplands. Granite intrusions into additional Ordovician and Silurian rocks, similar to those found in Wales, may be found farther south along the County Wexford shore.

A region of significantly deformed but only weakly metamorphosed Devonian-aged rocks may be found in the southwest, near Bantry Bay and the Macgillicuddy’s Reeks mountains. A covering of Carboniferous limestone covers this partial ring of “hard rock” geology in the country’s center, resulting in a relatively rich and lush environment. The karst characteristics of the Burren’s west-coast region near Lisdoonvarna are well-developed. The limestones near Silvermines and Tynagh have significant stratiform lead-zinc mineralisation.

Following the discovery of the Kinsale Head gas field off the coast of Cork in the mid-1970s, hydrocarbon exploration has continued. The Corrib Gas Field off the coast of County Mayo yielded commercially significant natural gas discoveries in 1999. This has boosted activity off the west coast in tandem with the North Sea hydrocarbon province’s “West of Shetland” step-out development. Another recent find is the Helvick oil field, which is believed to hold approximately 28 million barrels (4,500,000 m3) of oil.

Ireland is situated between latitudes 51° and 56° N and longitudes 11° and 5° W in Europe’s northwestern corner. The Irish Sea and the North Channel, which is 23 kilometers (14 miles) wide at its narrowest point, divide it from the neighboring island of Great Britain. The northern Atlantic Ocean is to the west, while the Celtic Sea, which runs between Ireland and Brittany, France, is to the south. Ireland has an area of 84,421 square kilometers (32,595 sq mi). The British Isles are made up of Ireland and the United Kingdom, as well as a number of smaller islands nearby. The alternative phrase Britain and Ireland is frequently used as a neutral word for the islands since the term British Isles is contentious in regard to Ireland.

Low lowlands in the island’s center are surrounded by a ring of coastal mountains. Carrauntoohil (Irish: Corrán Tuathail) in County Kerry is the tallest, rising to 1,038 meters (3,406 feet) above sea level. The province of Leinster has the most arable land. Mountainous and rugged landscapes with green panoramic views may be found in western regions. The River Shannon originates in County Cavan in the north west and runs 113 kilometers (70 miles) to Limerick city in the midwest, making it the island’s longest river at 386 kilometers (240 miles).

The Emerald Isle gets its name from its lush greenery, which is a result of the island’s moderate temperature and regular rainfall. Overall, Ireland’s climate is moderate yet variable, with few extremes. The climate is usually insular and moderate, avoiding the temperature extremes that many other parts of the globe at comparable latitudes experience. This is due to the moist breezes from the South-Western Atlantic, which help to moderate the temperature.

The amount of precipitation varies throughout the year, although it is often light, especially towards the east. The west is wetter on average and more vulnerable to Atlantic storms, particularly in the late fall and winter. These storms may bring damaging winds, greater total rainfall, snow, and hail to these regions on occasion. The districts of north County Galway and east County Mayo have the most lightning strikes per year on the island, with lightning strikes occuring five to 10 days per year in these locations. In the south, Munster has the least snow, whereas in the north, Ulster has the most.

Summers are hotter and winters are colder in inland regions. At inland weather stations, approximately 40 days of the year are below freezing 0 °C (32 °F), compared to 10 days at coastal weather stations. Heat waves have struck Ireland on many occasions, most recently in 1995, 2003, 2006, and 2013. During the winter of 2009/10, Ireland, like the rest of Europe, suffered exceptionally cold weather. On December 20, temperatures in County Mayo dropped to 17.2 °C (1 °F), with up to a metre (3 ft) of snow falling in hilly regions.

The island is divided into many geological provinces. A medium to high grade metamorphic and igneous complex of Caledonideaffinity, comparable to the Scottish Highlands, may be found in the extreme west, near County Galway and County Donegal. A region of Ordovician and Silurian rocks spans southeast Ulster, stretching southwest to Longford and south to Navan, and is comparable to Scotland’s Southern Uplands. Granite intrusions into additional Ordovician and Silurian rocks, similar to those found in Wales, may be found farther south along the County Wexford shore.

A region of significantly deformed but only weakly metamorphosed Devonian-aged rocks may be found in the southwest, near Bantry Bay and the Macgillicuddy’s Reeks mountains. A covering of Carboniferous limestone covers this partial ring of “hard rock” geology in the country’s center, resulting in a relatively rich and lush environment. The karst characteristics of the Burren’s west-coast region near Lisdoonvarna are well-developed. The limestones near Silvermines and Tynagh have significant stratiform lead-zinc mineralisation.

Following the discovery of the Kinsale Head gas field off the coast of Cork in the mid-1970s, hydrocarbon exploration has continued. The Corrib Gas Field off the coast of County Mayo yielded commercially significant natural gas discoveries in 1999. This has boosted activity off the west coast in tandem with the North Sea hydrocarbon province’s “West of Shetland” step-out development. Another recent find is the Helvick oil field, which is believed to hold approximately 28 million barrels (4,500,000 m3) of oil.

Overall, Ireland’s climate is moderate yet variable, with few extremes. You may experience ‘four seasons in one day’ in Ireland, so prepare appropriately and stay up with the latest weather prediction. Expect the weather to be a subject of discussion among the locals, regardless of the weather.

There may be minor temperature variations between the north and south of the nation, as well as more rain in the west than in the east.

The average daily temperature in the winter ranges from 4°C to 7°C, while the average daily temperature in the summer ranges from 14.5°C to 16°C. Temperatures will seldom rise above 25°C or dip below -5°C.

Regardless of when you visit Ireland, even in the midst of the summer, you will almost certainly encounter rain, so bring a waterproof coat if you plan on being outside.

Although English is the most widely spoken language in Ireland, the official language is Irish or Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge). It belongs to the Celtic language family’s Goidelic branch. In order to get about in Ireland, you don’t need to know any Irish.

The majority of people understand Irish, but only around 30,000 people speak it as their first language, the majority of whom reside in rural regions known as Gaeltachta. About 40% of people in the Republic (c. 1,500,000) claim to be able to comprehend and speak the language, but some individuals may overstate their proficiency in Irish when speaking with outsiders.

Irish is a compulsory language in Irish schools and is needed for admission to some Irish universities.

On TV and radio, there is some Irish language programming. Irish is linked to Scots Gaelic and is extremely close (but not identical) to it. Only one of the four provinces (Leinster) does not have its own linguistic dialect. The Ulster dialect is the most similar to Scots Gaelic. Some Irish people, however, may take offense if you refer to Irish as “Gaelic,” since this is a misnomer that refers to the whole family of languages, which includes Irish, Manx, and Scots Gaelic. Simply refer to it as “Irish.” It’s known as “Gaeilge” in Irish (Gail-ga).

Tourists who want to learn a few Irish phrases are often duped into learning cursing in Irish while being assured they are learning a greeting or other such phrase.

When calling from a landline in Ireland, the +353 international dial prefix and country code should be replaced with a single 0.

By mobile/cell phone

In the Republic of Ireland, there are more mobile phones than people, and the majority of them are prepaid. Many shops sell phone credit, typically in amounts ranging from €5 to €40. It’s worth noting that some shops charge a tiny fee on this credit, while others don’t, so comparison shopping is a good idea.

All mobile phone numbers start with the letters 087, 086, 085, 083 or 089. (this code must be dialled regardless of location or operator of dialler). Mobile phones are inexpensive by European standards, and if you plan on remaining for longer than two months, buying a phone may be more cost effective than using phone cards.

A tri-band or quad-band GSM phone will operate, but check with your operator to see whether they have a roaming agreement. Receiving and making phone calls when traveling may be costly.

If you have an unlocked phone, you can also get an inexpensive prepaid SIM card. This may save you a lot of money since you’ll be given an Irish phone number to contact throughout your vacation, and your outbound calls will be charged at regular Irish mobile rates. If you have a European or American phone, the charger is likely to take both 120V and 240V power (but be careful to verify the socket or transformer’s rating before using it!) To be safe, you’ll need an inexpensive plug adaptor, which you can get after you arrive at many convenience or grocery shops, or before you leave at a department or travel accessory store. (The voltage and plugs in Ireland are the same as in the UK.)

If you don’t have an unlocked tri- or quad-band GSM phone, you may get one from any of the cell phone carriers in Ireland. Rent a phone from Rentaphone Ireland if you require a mobile phone number before you go.

If you don’t have a “chip and PIN” debit card (most debit and credit cards in the United States don’t have one) and permanent contact information in Ireland (landline, address), you may have trouble paying for phone service. Having cash in Euros on hand may make this procedure much simpler, and you should attempt that first to expedite things.

Phones using the 1800MHz band but not the 900MHz band will operate, although coverage outside of metropolitan areas is limited.

There are four mobile networks in Ireland (prefix code in brackets.) Tesco mobile, for example, is a virtual network that uses the infrastructure of another network.

Non-geographic numbers

Non-geographic numbers are ones that are not associated with a particular geographic area and are theoretically paid at the same rate regardless of the caller’s location.

Calling Home

In recent years, pay phones have become more uncommon, although they are still accessible in small quantities. The majority of establishments accept euro coins, prepaid calling cards, and major credit cards. By following the instructions on the display, you may also reverse the charges, call collect, or use your calling card.

When calling from outside of Ireland, use 00 + country code + area code + local number.

A unique code exists to call Northern Ireland from Ireland; remove the 028 area code from the local Northern Ireland and replace it with 048. Instead of an international rate, this is charged at the lower National Irish rate.

Simply dial all of the numbers, including the area code, to call an Irish number from inside Ireland. If you’re calling from inside that region and using a landline phone, you may omit the area code, but it won’t affect the pricing or routing. For calls from mobile phones, the area code is always needed.

The following are the area codes for fixed line numbers:

Pay phones and cell phones do not have operator service.

Dial 999 or 112 in an emergency (Pan European code that runs in parallel). This is the equivalent of 911 in the United States and Canada, and it may be accessed from any phone.

Competing operators give directory information through the following numbers (call costs vary depending on what they’re providing, and 118 codes are highly advertised):

These businesses will generally provide call completion at a hefty cost, and they will all transmit the number to your phone through SMS if you call from it.

Postal rates

An Post is a company that provides postal services. The following are the expenses of mailing postcards and letters:

Ireland is a member of the EU, but not of the Schengen Zone. As a result, different immigration restrictions are in place. The following are some basic guidelines:

For entrance or employment, citizens of EU and EEA nations (and Switzerland) simply need a valid national identification card or passport; in many instances, they have unrestricted work and residency rights in Ireland.

Citizens of Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominica, El Salvador, Fiji, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong SAR, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Lesotho, Macao SAR, Malawi, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, the Seychelles, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Swaziland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tuvalu, the United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, the Vatican City and Venezuela, plus British Nationals (Overseas), require valid passports for entry, but they do not need visas for stays not exceeding three months in length.The length of stay is decided by the Immigration Officer at the port of entry, although it may be extended up to 90 days if necessary. Foreigners who enter without a visa may extend their stay once they arrive, as long as they do so within the original admission term and for a legitimate reason. Visas are usually required in advance for longer visits, work, and residents of other countries.

Citizens of other countries should consult the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs’ visa listings. The tourist visa application procedure is very simple and documented on the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service website. Tourist visas cannot be renewed for more than 90 days under any circumstances.

There are no passport restrictions for inhabitants of these nations traveling to Ireland from any of these countries because of an informal arrangement known as The Common Travel Area between Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Sark, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. However, if you arrive at an Irish airport from the United Kingdom, you will be required to produce acceptable official picture identification, such as a passport or driver’s license, that demonstrates your nationality. This is to demonstrate that you are eligible to use the Common Travel Area. Immigration checks are required on all incoming aircraft, are selective on ferries, and are only done on rare occasions at land border crossings.

Dublin (IATA: DUB), Shannon (IATA: SNN) in County Clare, Cork (IATA: ORK), and Ireland West, Knock (IATA: NOC) in County Mayo are the four international airports serving the Republic of Ireland. Dublin, Europe’s eighth biggest airport, is by far the largest and most connected, with flights to many locations throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, continental Europe, and the Middle East. Shannon Airport, located near Limerick, offers flights to the United States, Canada, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and Europe. Cork offers flights to the majority of UK locations as well as a broad range of European cities. It’s easy to get there from any of Europe’s main centers, including all of London’s airports. Knock Airport offers daily scheduled flights to a number of UK locations, as well as a number of chartered flights to (mainly) European vacation destinations.

Donegal (IATA: CFN), Kerry (IATA: KIR), Sligo (IATA: SXL), and Waterford (IATA: SXL) are smaller regional airports that offer domestic and UK flights (IATA: WAT).

The City of Derry Airport, as well as both Belfast airports (City and International), are all within a short distance of the Northern Ireland/Southern Ireland border, particularly the former. (Note that these three airports are all in Northern Ireland.)

Aer Lingus and Ryanair, Ireland’s two main airlines, are both low-cost carriers. This implies that all extras, like as airport check-in (Ryanair only), luggage check-in, meals on board, and so forth, will be paid to passengers. Ryanair also charges a fee for being one of the first passengers on the aircraft. The websites of Dublin, Shannon, Cork, and Knock airports provide comprehensive lists of airlines flying directly into Ireland, as well as destinations and schedules. Aer Arann offers a regional service, including domestic flights within Ireland and international flights mostly to and from the United Kingdom.

The Enterprise service, which runs from Belfast Central to Dublin Connolly and is jointly operated by Irish Rail and Northern Ireland Railways, is the sole cross-border train.

There is also a Rail-Sail Scheme that connects Stena Line or Irish Ferries with rail connections in the United Kingdom and Ireland. They mostly run from UK cities through the Cairnryan-Belfast, Holyhead-Dublin, Fishguard-Rosslare, and Pembroke-Rosslare sailing routes via the different Irish and British Rail networks.

Ulsterbus and Bus Éireann, as well as a number of privately held businesses, provide cross-border services in County Donegal.

Eurolines, in collaboration with Bus Eireann and National Express, provides services to the United Kingdom and beyond (Great Britain). Bus Éireann also runs regular routes to and from Eastern Europe, namely Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

Several services from the United Kingdom and France serve Ireland:

Many businesses now serve as agents for numerous ferry companies, similar to how Expedia and Travelocity act as agents for airlines, enabling customers to compare different companies and itineraries. Ferryonline, AFerry, and FerrySavers are three well-known brands.

There are no permanent passport restrictions at the land border because of Ireland’s historic connection with the United Kingdom. In reality, the border is seldom marked, making it impossible to determine whether you’ve passed from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland and vice versa. The most apparent indication is that on the Republic side, road signs are usually bilingual (in Irish and English), and speed limits and distances are shown in kilometers. Lines on the road may also vary, with yellow thick lines in the south and white thin lines in Northern Ireland. For travel between the two, EEA and Swiss citizens do not need passports, but they must verify their identity and nationality if stopped for a spot check; all other foreign people need a passport. When flying into an Irish airport from the United Kingdom, you must provide picture identification (driver’s license or passport) to verify that you are a British or Irish citizen.

Despite the absence of border checkpoints, be aware that if your nationality requires it, you must have a valid Irish visa or risk being deported.

If you’re flying Ryanair into Ireland from the UK, you’ll need a passport or other kind of national identification. A driver’s license is not accepted by Ryanair, however it is accepted by Irish Immigration (GNIB).

There are numerous vehicle rental businesses in Ireland, and you may pick up your car in the cities or at the airports, but picking up at an airport may cost extra. When renting a vehicle in Ireland, most car rental companies will not take third-party collision damage insurance (for example, using a credit card).

Ireland is home to a significant number of roundabouts. In contrast to the ‘traffic circles’ that are occasionally used in the United States, traffic already on the roundabout has right of way over vehicles entering it.

In Ireland, vacationing on your own wheels is a common and pleasant activity. Because the weather in this part of Europe may change fast, having the advantage of cover while driving soon became popular. Caravan parks are usually located within walking distance of all tourist sites. Many caravan parks, on the other hand, are only open during the peak tourist season, which is typically between the beginning of April and the end of September.

Overnight camping or caravanning is usually not permitted by the side of the road or in other places that are not caravan parks, and many locations are marked to indicate any applicable by-laws prohibiting any overnight camping or caravanning. Many of the non-main roads are not well adapted to campervans or caravans owing to their narrowness and overall condition. It is recommended doing some preparation before traveling with a caravan. These vehicles, on the other hand, are ideally suited to main highways and national routes.

Taxis in Ireland will have green and blue decals with the word “TAXI,” the taxi license number, and the Transport for Ireland emblem on both the driver and passenger doors. Since January 2013, these decals have been phased in, although not all cabs have them yet.

It is strongly advised that you reserve a cab in advance. For your convenience, the hotel, hostel, or bed and breakfast where you are staying will typically contact the taxi company with which they have a relationship. Taxis should be quite simple to locate on the streets of Dublin, Belfast, and Cork, but they may be more difficult to spot on the streets of smaller cities and towns, therefore it is frequently better to call beforehand.

If feasible, contact the taxi company ahead of time and tell them a time to pick you up, whether it’s 4 hours ahead of time or 30 minutes ahead of time. If there are several stops, use the same taxi company as your hotel and inform them of your ultimate destination. You’ll also need to provide them a phone number over the phone, so if you call from a pay phone, expect your claim for a taxi cab to be denied. Depending on demand and time of day, the typical wait time may range from 5 to 30 minutes. Because all taxis in the Republic of Ireland operate on a National Fare system, the cost should be very straightforward to compute.

Driving on the left and yielding to the right at roundabouts are the same regulations in Ireland as they are in the United Kingdom. The most obvious distinction is that in the Republic, distances and speed restrictions are expressed in kilometers. Anyone crossing the border from Northern Ireland, which, like the rest of the UK, utilizes miles and miles per hour, may find this perplexing. Because the legal blood-alcohol level is modest (albeit one of the highest in Europe), it’s probably better to avoid it. It is absolutely acceptable to utilize the hard shoulder momentarily to enable a faster moving car to pass you, however this maneuver is not permitted on a highway. It is common for drivers to ‘thank’ one other by flashing their danger lights or waving, although this is simply a custom. In the Republic, road signs are ostensibly bilingual, with location names shown in italics in Irish, followed by the matching English name in capitals. Road signs in the “Gaeltacht” (Irish-speaking regions) are exclusively written in Irish.

Speed restrictions are only used as a default for road categorization; if a different speed limit is posted, it must be followed. In most urban areas, the speed limit is 50 km/h.

Ireland has a large highway network that runs through Dublin. It’s worth noting that most of the Republic’s highways contain some toll lanes. Tolls are inexpensive by French or Italian standards, ranging from €1.40 (M3) to €3.10 (M50), depending on which highway you use. A few kilometers from the plaza, tolls are posted. It’s worth noting for visitors that the M4 between Kilcock and Kinnegad is the only tolled route that takes credit cards. All others (save the M50) accept only Euro currency, so be cautious if coming from the north via the M1. The M50 has no barriers and does not take cash. Between Junctions 6 and 7, overhead gantries with cameras that read your license plate are situated. If you registered previously online or by phone, your credit card will be charged €2.60. If you haven’t already done so, you’ll need to pay the toll at a Payzone location. This option will set you back €3.10.

Dublin-Wicklow, Sligo-Collooney (Sligo), Mullingar-Athlone, and Cork-Middleton are just a few of the high-quality dual carriageway roads that are extremely close to motorway standards (Waterford).

In many cases, less-traveled roads are inadequately marked, with the sole indication of which route to choose frequently being a finger-sign at the junction. On the less used R & L numbered routes, the road conditions may be extremely bad.

Driving on Ireland’s regional and local roads requires etiquette, politeness, and steely nerves. The majority of roads are small, with little to no shoulder or margin for mistake. Until you’re halfway down the road, your sight lines may be restricted or non-existent. When entering the highway as well as driving along it, use caution, keeping in mind that another vehicle may be halfway into the road around the next bend. In rural regions, this is particularly true. Parking on the side of the road, farm animals, and big trucks or equipment may also emerge around the curve, requiring fast thinking or braking. Oncoming vehicles often travel to a wide area on the road to pass each other. When going slower than the vehicles in front of them, however, it is customary for drivers to let others pass or indicate if the road is clear. Due to the significant increase of motorists and road conditions/hazards, calculating travel time may take longer than expected.

Speed restrictions in the Republic of Ireland (but not in Northern Ireland) are in kilometres per hour, as previously stated. When crossing the border into the republic on major routes, expect to see a big sign stating that speed limits are provided in kilometres per hour, with the word “km/h” on all speed limit signs to warn vehicles.

Other restrictions may be imposed by local governments in particular regions if necessary. The limit may also be temporarily altered while roads are being maintained or repaired in any manner.

There is no lack of vehicle rental businesses in Ireland, with all of the main airports and cities covered, as well as Hertz and Dan Dooley serving the ports of Rosslare and Dn Laoghaire, respectively. In order to rent a vehicle in Ireland, you’ll need a credit card in your own name and a valid driver’s license that has been valid for at least two years without endorsement.

In most instances, a minimum age of 25 is required to hire a vehicle in Ireland, although in many cases, a full-size automobile requires a minimum age of 28. In Ireland, automobile rentals come with the bare minimal insurance, which covers the vehicle but leaves you with a deductible in the event of an accident. When picking up the vehicle, you may buy additional insurance known as Collision Damage Waiver to protect yourself against the excess.

Renting a campervan is also an option, and there are many businesses that provide this service.

The majority of trains in Ireland (all operated by the state-owned Irish Rail, often known as Iarnród Éireann) travel to and from Dublin. Massive investments are being made to modernize the state-owned Irish Rail system, which includes the installation of numerous new trains. Service frequency and speed are being significantly enhanced, particularly on the Dublin-Cork route. If you purchase Intercity travel on the internet, keep in mind that you may be able to get a better deal at the station’s ticket office. Some special prices, such as those for families, are not accessible online.

Advance booking may save you a lot of money, and you can buy up to a month in advance. For example, an adult return ticket between Kerry and Dublin might cost €75 if purchased the following day, but just €20 – 30 if booked well in advance. Big sports events in Dublin, such as the GAA Semi-Finals and Finals, as well as major rugby and soccer internationals, almost invariably sell out. If you intend to travel on weekends in August or September, keep this in mind. Both the All-Ireland finals and the major roads to the counties participating are held on the first and third Sundays of September. Buses and railways, as well as the main roads to the counties participating, witness a huge increase in travel.

Connolly Station (for trains to Belfast, Sligo, and Rosslare) and Heuston Station (for trains to the rest of Ireland) are the two major stations in Dublin (for trains to Cork, Limerick, Ennis, Tralee, Killarney, Galway, Westport, Kilkenny and Waterford.)

(Northern Ireland Railways) operates virtually all services in Northern Ireland (NIR).

The electrified DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) coastal railway runs from Malahide and the Howth peninsula in the north to Bray and Greystones in Co. Wicklow, passing via Dn Laoghaire and Dublin city centre. At Dublin Connolly, there is an interchange between main line services and the Luas Red line.

The Luas (the Irish term for’speed’) tram system serves Dublin. There are presently two mainlines with a total of 54 stops. The red-line runs from Dublin’s Docklands to a major neighborhood south-west of the city, including stops at The Point (near the O2) and Connolly Station (Tallaght). From St Stephen’s Green, the green line continues south-east (to Bride’s Glen). Currently, the two lines are not connected. Luas cross city, a green line expansion, is presently under construction, and will see the green and red lines cross one other. The extension project is expected to be finished by the end of 2017.

Operation times:

Before boarding the tram, tickets must be bought from vending machines. Inspectors randomly check tickets on the Luas, although ticketing is largely based on trust. Free trips are therefore conceivable, but not recommended, since fare-dodging penalties may be very expensive. The Luas tram connects Dublin’s Connolly and Heuston train stations, which is very convenient.

• Shannon cruises are a relaxing way to go from one city to the next. Dromineer and Carrick on Shannon are excellent starting points.
• There are numerous canals in Ireland, and some of them may be traveled by barge. From Dublin to the Shannon Rivers, the Grand and Royal canals are completely navigable, connecting the cities of Limerick and Waterford. Waterways Ireland is a good source of information. The body in charge of inland waterways.

Ireland is a lovely place to ride, but bring a decent touring bike with sturdy tyres since the roads aren’t always in good shape. Biking along the south and west coastlines will expose you to a variety of terrain, many hills, and strong headwinds. Long-distance riders will find lots of camping opportunities along the route.

Belfast will be connected to Dublin through Galway, and Dublin will be connected to Rosslare via Galway and Cork on the proposed Eurovelo bike route in Ireland. For the most up-to-date information on the path’s state, go to their website.

There are a few designated bicycle lanes and a few off-road bike paths in Dublin. Although traffic is heavy, a rider who is familiar with road cycling in other nations should have no problems (except maybe for getting used to riding on the left). Cyclists do not have an unique right of way over automobiles, especially when utilizing shared use pathways beside roads, but they do share and get equal priority in traffic lanes. Helmets are not required by law, although they are readily accessible for individuals who choose to wear them. Dublin Bikes offers 400 bikes available for public use at approximately 40 locations around the city. The bikes are free to use for the first half hour, however a €150 deposit is needed in the event that they are stolen or destroyed. When you’re done, just return the bike to any station and receive your money back.

• East Coast and Midlands (County Dublin, County Kildare, County Laois, County Longford, County Louth, County Meath, County Offaly, County Westmeath, County Wicklow)
  The core of Ireland, which includes Dublin, the country’s capital and most populous city.
• Shannon Region (County Clare, County Limerick, County Tipperary)
  The awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher and the region’s castles make it a popular tourist destination.
• Southwest Ireland (County Cork, County Kerry)
  A lovely shoreline and the famous Ring of Kerry and Blarney Castle may be found in this picturesque and wet part of Ireland.
• West Ireland (County Galway, County Mayo, County Roscommon)
  West Ireland (County Galway, County Mayo, County Roscommon) is Ireland’s least populated area, although it is home to the picturesque Aran Islands and the Irish “Cultural Capital” of Galway.
• Northwest Ireland and Lakelands (County Cavan, County Donegal, County Leitrim, County Monaghan, County Sligo)
  A area with a burgeoning tourist industry and plenty of natural beauty to offer.
• Southeast Ireland (County Carlow, County Kilkenny, County Waterford, County Wexford)
  Waterford crystal is renowned in this part of Ireland, which is cosmopolitan.

• Dublin (Baile Átha Cliath) — The Republic of Ireland’s capital and biggest city. Dublin is a famous tourist destination with great bars, beautiful architecture, and decent shopping. It is the fourth most visited European city.
• Cork (Corcaigh) — On the banks of the Lee River, it is the country’s second largest city. St. Finbarre founded the town about 600, and it is renowned for excellent cuisine (particularly seafood), bars, shopping, and festivals. If you travel outside of the city along the Atlantic Ocean’s coastline, you’ll discover long, winding beaches, historic towns, castles, and a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy.
• Galway (Gaillimh) — On the banks of the Lee River, it is the country’s second largest city. St. Finbarre founded the town about 600, and it is renowned for excellent cuisine (particularly seafood), bars, shopping, and festivals. If you travel outside of the city along the Atlantic Ocean’s coastline, you’ll discover long, winding beaches, historic towns, castles, and a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy.
• Killarney (Cill Áirne)— Possibly the most popular tourist attraction in Ireland (at least until lately). It is the starting point for most Ring of Kerry excursions and is a lovely town in its own right.
• Kilkenny (Cill Chainnigh) — The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival is held yearly in early June in this beautiful medieval town known as the Marble City.
• Letterkenny (Leitir Ceanainn)— The main town in County Donegal, with gateway status and a reputation for being Europe’s fastest expanding town. A good starting point for exploring Donegal.
• Limerick (Luimneach) — a city ideally located in the south-west of Ireland, where the Shannon broadens into its enormous estuary. The city was the first to be named a National City of Culture (2014).
• Sligo (Sligeach) — W.B. Yeats, an internationally famous poet, was born here. The finest parts of Sligo are the mountains and beaches, as well as the landscape in general.
• Waterford (Port Láirge) — The oldest city in Ireland. In the south-east, near to the Rosslare ferry terminal. Waterford is a popular destination for people interested in learning more about Ireland’s ancient past. It’s one of the finest cities in the nation since it’s not too big and has a lot of history. Spraoi is one of several festivals that take place throughout the year. The cuisine is excellent, and the Granary Museum is the finest in the nation for old Irish history. Before you go, don’t forget to sample a blaa. (A floury bread bun found only in this part of Ireland.)

• Aran Islands (Na hOileáin Árann) — are a group of islands in Galway Bay.
• Brú Na Bóinne — in Co. Meath, there are some of the world’s most beautiful neolithic monuments, the oldest of which is Newgrange, which dates back to 3100 BC.
• Both the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher are in County Clare.
• Connemara (Conamara) — Connemara (Conamara) is an area in Western County Galway that speaks Irish.
• County Donegal (Contae Dhún na nGall) — The coastal areas of County Donegal (Contae Dhn na nGall) offer beautiful landscape and great beaches.
• Dingle Peninsula (Corca Dhuibhne) — Dingle Peninsula (Corca Dhuibhne) is a Gaeltecht area (Irish-speaking district) in Ireland’s far southwest.
• Glendalough (Gleann Dá Loch) is a beautiful ruin with hiking paths in Wicklow County.
• Kinsale (Cionn tSáile) — is Ireland’s oldest town and is known for its culinary quality.
• Skellig Michael and the Ring of Kerry are both located in County Kerry.
• West Cork — West Cork is a region in Ireland’s south with mountains, bays, islands, and beaches.

There are hotels of various types, including those that are very opulent. Bed and Breakfast is a popular option. These restaurants often extremely pleasant, generally operated by families, and provide excellent value. There are independent hostels branded as Independent Holiday Hostels of Ireland, all of which have been authorized by the tourism board. An official youth hostel organization, An ige, exists as well (Irish for The Youth).

These hostels are often located in isolated and picturesque locations and are primarily intended for outdoor use. Although there are approved campgrounds, there are fewer than in many other nations (given the climate). Although wild camping is permitted, it is recommended that you get permission—especially if you will be visible from the landowner’s home. Camping in a field with cattle is never a good idea. There are other unique accommodations available, such as lighthouses, castles, and ring forts.

Ireland’s highlights are more than just a stereotype: they are the stuff of knight’s stories. That is certainly true of the region’s many intriguing castles, stunning cliff coastlines, lush rolling meadows, and rocky highlands. Many of the country’s major attractions have a rugged beauty to them. There are the megalithic tombs of Br na Bóinne, which are older than the Egyptian pyramids and served as inspiration for later Celtic emblems. The lovely Blarney Castle in County Cork, famous for its “Blarney Stone,” is considerably later. Kissing the Blarney Stone, according Irish legend, bestows “the gift of the gab,” or extraordinary eloquence. To get it, you must lie down while a castle staff holds your hand and a camera records the event. The Rock of Cashel, the ruins of a magnificent 12th-century fortress overlooking the verdant surrounding fields, is well worth seeing.

The island’s rugged shore line is one of the island’s most popular tourist attractions, and rightly so. The magnificent 230m high Cliffs of Moher remain a wonderful site to explore, despite the contemporary tourism industry that surrounds them. It’s undoubtedly one of the most spectacular locations, yet it’s only one of many beautiful areas along the Irish coast. Visit Achill Island to view the tallest peak, Croaghaun, as well as the beautiful Keem Bay and numerous beaches. Visit the stunning Aran Islands, where indigenous culture has endured and lush meadows are studded with castles and churches. Drive the Wild Atlantic Way to see more of the beautiful coastlines and stop in lovely coastal villages for a rest. A variety of national parks, including the limestone karst landscapes of the remainder of the Burren, are worth seeing farther inland (of which the Cliffs or Moher are part). Ballycroy National Park’s extensive peatlands, as well as Killarney National Park’s lakes and woods, provide excellent hiking opportunities. Ross Castle is located in the lovely town of Killarney, which also serves as a famous starting point for the Ring of Kerry.

Kilkenny, Ireland’s medieval capital, is a popular tourist destination and is easily accessible from Dublin. Kilkenny is a very attractive destination due to its magnificent architecture and, of course, the towering Norman Castle, as well as many events such as the Arts Festival and the Rhythm and Roots Festival. Explore the beautiful region of Co. Donegal if you have or can hire a car. In this traditional area, expect to witness modest stone walls, thatched roof cottages, rough hills, cliffs, and golden sand beaches. The best time to come is in the spring or summer, when there are lots of hill hikes and picture possibilities to be had.

The magnificent King John’s Castle is in Limerick, while Cork and Galway are also popular summer destinations with vibrant nightlife and historic history. And then there’s Dublin, of course. It’s very Irish, and it’s a great location to experience the country’s renowned beer culture, as well as seeing some fantastic views. Dublin Castle is a great option, and Trinity College has a fantastic library where you can view the Book of Kells, one of the world’s oldest manuscripts. While every tour trip should end with a pint, serious beer fans should visit the Guinness Storehouse.

Bus Excursions – For travelers on a budget who want to see Ireland, there are a number of low-cost bus tours available in virtually every region of the nation. These excursions may vary from hop-on, hop-off bus tours in major cities like Dublin and Cork to 5-day journeys to some of the country’s most beautiful areas. The bus drivers/guides are usually knowledgeable about Irish history and love telling local stories and music to anybody willing to listen.

Irish people are passionate about their sport. The Gaelic Athletic Association, or GAA, is Ireland’s biggest and most well-known sports organization, as well as the world’s largest amateur sporting organization. Ireland’s two national sports, Gaelic Football and Hurling, are governed by the GAA. Gaelic Football may be characterized as a mix between soccer and rugby for those who have never seen it, but there is much more to it than that. Hurling is the world’s fastest field sport. It is closest to the field hockey family if it could be classified as a group of sports, but Hurling is distinct. A trip to Ireland would not be complete without watching a Gaelic Football or Hurling match, preferably live but at the very least on TV, particularly during the summer months. The most important matches of the year take place throughout the summer, culminating in the two finals, which are held on two consecutive Sundays in September. The All-Ireland Hurling Final is usually held on the first Sunday in September, whereas the All-Ireland Football Final is usually held on the third Sunday. Because these are Ireland’s two most important sports events, tickets are scarce. Croke Park, which will host the two finals, has an 82,300-seat capacity, making it one of Europe’s biggest stadiums. Those who are unable to get tickets will congregate around TVs and radios, and Irish people all around the globe will be watching or listening to the finals.

While Gaelic Football and Hurling are the two most popular sports in Ireland, there is plenty more to choose from. Ireland is a global leader in racing horse breeding and training. There are many race courses across the nation, as well as numerous large racing events held throughout the year.

Another popular sport in Ireland is golf. There are many excellent pros in Ireland, but there are also numerous golf courses around the nation for visitors. Golf vacations are quite popular.

In Ireland, soccer and rugby are also popular. The Irish rugby squad, in particular, is regarded as one of the finest in the world. Many soccer teams in Ireland, such as Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians, Sligo Rovers, Shelbourne, and others, provide tickets for as low as €15 for a full match, and many local supporters will show you around. There are many contests in both sports.

Ireland, being an island, offers a variety of water activities. In Ireland, sailing is quite popular. Even though the weather isn’t always perfect, Ireland’s west coast boasts extremely high waves, which are excellent for surfing. Kitesurfing is becoming more popular in Ireland every day, from east to west. Check Dollymount in Dublin City, Rush, Bettystown, Blackrock / Dundalk on the East Coast and Sligo (Rosses Point), Donegal, Kerry on the West Coast

All of these, as well as a variety of other sports, are available in Ireland. So, if you’re looking for a sports vacation, Ireland is a good choice.

Food in Ireland is costly, but the quality has vastly increased in the past 10 years. A supermarket may be found in almost every small town, and many feature a weekly farmers’ market. Fast food and bars are the cheapest places to dine out. Many pubs serve a carvery meal, which typically includes roasted meat, vegetables, and the omnipresent potatoes, and is usually reasonably priced. Outside of the major cities, vegetarian options are scarce. Kinsale, a tiny town near Cork, has become known worldwide for its outstanding eateries, particularly its seafood restaurants. Donegal Town, in the northwest of the nation, is quickly becoming Ireland’s seafood capital.

Cuisine

Irish food is charitably characterized as substantial, with meat (particularly lamb and pig), potatoes, and cabbage appearing in almost every traditional meal. Long cooking periods are common, and just salt and pepper are used as seasonings.

However, the days of just serving potatoes on the menu are long gone, and contemporary Irish cuisine stresses fresh, locally sourced foods that are cooked and presented simply (sometimes with some Mediterranean-style twists). The majority of meat (particularly lamb), fish, and dairy products are of exceptional quality.

Try some delicious buttermilk soda bread, which is leavened with bicarbonate of soda rather than yeast. It’s filling, delicious, and practically a meal in and of itself!

Etiquette

If you’re dining out with someone that has a more precise understanding of what is acceptable, just basic table manners are required. As a general rule, as long as you don’t create a scene by bothering other diners, there’s not much more to be concerned about. Other customers often use their cellphones, which occasionally draws a scowl or two but is mostly disregarded. If you must accept a call, make it brief and avoid raising your voice. The only other problem to be worried about is noise – although a baby screaming may be forgiven if it is handled soon, a group of people laughing extremely loudly every few minutes or constantly chatting out loud may draw unwanted attention. In fast-food restaurants, bars, and other more casual restaurants, however, these restrictions are frequently disregarded.

Finishing your meal

Some guests may anticipate the bill to be given automatically after the final meal in a restaurant with table service, but it seems that in Ireland, you must specifically request it. When the plates are being removed, coffee and tea are usually given, and if you don’t want any, the ideal answer is “No thank you, just the bill, please.” Unless you explicitly hail them and ask for the bill, the staff will presume you want to stay.

Guinness pints (slightly over half a litre) start at about €4.20 and may go as high as €7.00 in Dublin’s tourist attractions.

Stout is one of Ireland’s most renowned exports: a dark, creamy beer, the most famous of which is Guinness, produced in Dublin. Murphy’s and Beamish stouts are produced in Cork and distributed mostly in the country’s south. Murphy’s is somewhat sweeter and creamier than Guinness, whereas Beamish has a faint, almost burned flavor while being lighter. If you declare you prefer Beamish or Murphy’s over Guinness when in Cork, you will undoubtedly spark a lengthy discussion.

Several microbreweries, notably O’Hara’s in Carlow, the Porter House in Dublin, and the Franciscan Well Brewery in Cork, are now creating their own unique stouts. Popular ales include Smithwick’s, which is especially popular in rural regions. Bulmers Cider (sometimes known as ‘Magners Cider’ outside of Ireland) is another popular and readily accessible Irish beverage. Clonmel, Tipperary, is where it’s made.

Almost every bar in Ireland is a ‘free house,’ meaning it may serve beer from any brewery and is not linked to one (unlike the UK). The same brands of drinks are available in all pubs across Ireland.

Many bars, particularly in tourist areas, will carry a selection of the most popular international brands (Budweiser, Heineken, Tuborg) as well as a selection of ‘world beers’ such as Belgium’s Duval, Italy’s Peroni, America’s Sam Adams, Australia’s Coopers, and a selection of Eastern European beers such as Tyskie, Zywiec, Utenos, Budvar, and St. George’s.

In Ireland, especially in tourist regions, alcohol may be very costly. Local ‘What’s on’ publications, on the other hand, will include information on ‘Happy Hours,’ when some pubs give €3 drinks or two for the price of one. Happy Hours may begin as early as 15:00 p.m. and go until 21:00 p.m. For €10-€11, certain pubs may sell ‘Pitchers,’ which are beer pitchers that contain little over three pints.

Bars must offer their last drinks at 23:30 on Sunday through Thursday and 00:30 on Friday and Saturday, with a half-hour ‘drinking up’ period in between. Nightclubs are open till 2:00 a.m.

In Ireland, smoking is prohibited in all bars. A ‘beer garden,’ which is typically a heated outside area where smoking is permitted, is advertised by certain bars.

Ireland utilizes the euro. This single currency is used by a number of European nations. In all nations, all euro banknotes and coins are legal tender.

One euro is split into 100 cents.

The euro’s official sign is €, and its ISO code is EUR. The cent does not have an official symbol.

Stand-alone cash machines (ATMs) are widely accessible across the nation, and most establishments accept credit cards. Irish ATMs do not usually impose fees (but beware that your bank may charge a fee).

Because the UK pound sterling is the currency of Northern Ireland, it is customary to take UK pounds as payment along border regions, with change provided in Euro. Some businesses, particularly border gas stations, will offer you change in sterling if you ask for it. (Because gasoline is now usually cheaper in the south, many Northern motorists now fill up south of the border.)

Due to recent pricing disparities between the Irish Euro and the British Pound, a growing number of Irish consumers are crossing the border to buy products that are far cheaper in Northern Ireland than in the Republic. A November 2008 story in a Northern Newspaper showed how Christmas shopping in Derry and Belfast in the North may save you up to €350 compared to Letterkenny in Donegal.

The economic position was reversed just a few years ago, when the Celtic Tiger was still very much alive and thriving.

Throughout Ireland, ATMs are extensively accessible. It is doubtful that you would be unable to locate an ATM even in tiny communities. In contrast to the UK, many businesses and bars will have an ATM on site, and they will cost the same to use as’regular’ ATMs on the street. In-store ATMs, on the other hand, are somewhat more likely to run out of cash and become ‘Out of Service.’

MasterCard, Maestro, and Visa are all widely accepted. American Express and Diners Club are also commonly accepted these days. The Discover card is seldom accepted, therefore it’s not a good idea to depend only on it. Most ATMs accept major credit cards and globally branded debit cards for cash withdrawals.

Ireland, like the rest of Europe, utilizes “chip and PIN” credit cards. Signature-only credit cards, such as those in use in the United States, should be accepted anywhere a chip and PIN card with the same brand logo is accepted. The personnel will have a portable device and will require you to place your card close to it and enter your PIN. Instead, they’ll swipe your card and ask for your signature on the paper receipt that comes out of it. Normally, this passes without a hitch, but some employees in regions with a small number of foreigners may be perplexed or believe the card cannot be accepted without a chip. Even if you think you’ll be able to pay with a credit card later, having cash on hand may help you avoid uncomfortable circumstances.

Tipping isn’t a common practice in Ireland. The basic regulations are the same as they are in the United Kingdom. It is not common to tip a percentage of the entire amount; nevertheless, a few tiny coins are frequently sufficient. In the Netherlands, like in the rest of Europe, it is customary to round up to the closest note (for example, paying €30 for a bill of €28).

Tipping is customary at restaurants of 10-15%, but for big parties or special events (weddings/anniversaries/conferences with banquets), tipping becomes a part of the entire event’s exuberance and may be much higher, even significant. Tipping is not required at bars or pubs, and in the unusual bar or ‘Superpub’ with restroom attendants, it is superfluous. For short citywide trips, cab fares are rounded up to the next euro, although this is more discretionary than in restaurants. When checking out of a hotel, a tip may be added to the bill, but some customers choose to pay specific waiters or room attendants personally or by leaving a little tip in the room.

The tip should always reflect pleasure with the quality of service received.

If you are a visitor from outside the EU, you may be eligible for a partial VAT refund (which currently stands at 23 percent .) Unlike several other nations, however, there is no uniform system through which a visitor may receive this reimbursement. The manner of reimbursement is entirely at the discretion of the merchant, therefore visitors should inquire about receiving a VAT refund before making a purchase.

Private (non-government) VAT refund agents are one method used by merchants that cater to visitors. The shopper gets a magnetic stripe card that records the amount of purchases and VAT paid each time a transaction is made, and then claims the VAT back at the airport, less the VAT refund agent’s fee, which is frequently very considerable. Because there are so many of these VAT refund agents, you may need to bring several cards and submit various claims at the airport. However, you should be aware that a VAT refund agent representative may not be present at the airport or particular terminal from where you will be leaving, or that the office may be closed at the time you leave. In such scenario, obtaining a refund may be more difficult since you’ll have to contact with a VAT refund representative in your home country.

If the shop does not participate in the VAT refund agent program, they may inform you that all you have to do is take the receipt to the airport and collect the refund at the airport’s VAT refund office. This, however, is wrong. Tourists do not get any VAT refunds from Irish Revenue. Tourists must get their receipts stamped by customs, either in Ireland or in their home country, and then submit these receipts as evidence of export straight to the Irish merchant, who is obliged to provide a VAT refund to the tourist. As an example, if you made ten distinct purchases at ten different merchants, you will need to file ten individual refund requests with each retailer. It’s worth noting, though, that some shops don’t participate in the program at all, so you may not be able to receive a VAT refund from them. If you want to get a VAT tourist refund on your purchases in Ireland, you need be cautious about where you buy and which return program they use, if any.

The paper Retail Export Scheme (Tax-Free Shopping for Tourists) contains further information about VAT tourist reimbursements.

Ireland’s public holidays are listed below. In Ireland (like in other countries), public holidays may celebrate a particular day or event, such as St. Patrick’s Day or Christmas Day. Most businesses and schools are closed on public holidays (sometimes known as bank holidays – a colloquialism). Other services, such as public transportation, continue to function, albeit with modified timetables.

The following are the nine public holidays observed in Ireland each year:

Even if a public holiday occurs on a Saturday or Sunday, or overlaps with another public holiday, it is usually celebrated (as a day off work) on the following available weekday. An employee is entitled to at least one of the following (as determined by the employer): a day off within a month, an extra day of paid yearly leave, or an additional day’s salary under such circumstances. The standard procedure is to provide a day off on the following available weekday.

The Irish are one of the finest nations in the world, according to visitors visiting Ireland. However, whether or not locals will offer useful advise depends depend on the area you are in. If you get lost, which is likely since the road signs are very different from those in other countries, get assistance from a local store and be as precise as possible about where you are attempting to go. Don’t be scared to ask for more precise instructions if the directions are given by a local landmark. Tourist regions are often friendlier than other locations.

If you go by someone in a tiny town or hamlet, particularly on a rural road, it is traditional to say hi. They may also inquire, “How are you?” or anything like. A simple greeting or “how are you?” or a weather remark would work! Try something along the lines of “Grand day!” assuming it isn’t pouring, of course. “It is indeed, thank God,” will be the most common answer. In certain rural regions, though, a stranger’s welcome may be regarded with suspicion if you do not wait for them to address you first, which is considered more courteous and respectable.

When traveling on rural roads, especially when another vehicle has pull over to allow you to pass, it is traditional to raise your hand from the steering wheel and wave a thank you to the other driver. When there are no traffic signals and a motorist allows you to cross the road, this also applies.

After the initial offer of the item, a courteous rejection (such as “no, really you shouldn’t”) is typical when receiving presents. This is usually followed by a demand that the present or offer be accepted, at which time your response is more likely to be noticed. Some individuals, on the other hand, may be very persuasive – this isn’t intended to be overbearing, but rather polite.

“It was nothing” or “not at all” is how the Irish typically reply to a “thank you.” This isn’t intended to imply that they didn’t strive hard to please; rather, it’s meant to imply that “I was glad to do it for you, therefore it wasn’t a big deal” (even if it was!). This may also indicate that they anticipate to be able to ask for a favor from you at some time or that you owe anything to the person who helped you. In Irish culture, there is a considerable degree of you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.

Locals on both sides of the border usually avoid public or semi-public conversations regarding religious differences, political beliefs, and twentieth-century problems. Individual opinions are so polarized and uncompromising that most moderate Irish people have become used to just avoiding the subjects in polite conversation, particularly in small towns where nearly everyone knows each other.

The Irish are known for their sense of humour, but it may be difficult to comprehend for those who are inexperienced with the language. While the Irish are prone to making jokes about other cultures or themselves, and while they may seem to be tolerant of non-nationals making jokes about them, they are often upset.

Most Irish people are tolerant of same-sex couples, but overt public demonstrations of love are uncommon outside of Dublin and, to a lesser degree, Cork City. Ireland legalized same-sex marriage in 2015 after introducing civil partnerships in 2011. Conservative beliefs are still prevalent in Ireland, particularly among the elderly. Younger generations, like those in many other nations, are more tolerant. Anti-discrimination laws exist in Ireland, although they are mostly focused on the workplace, and just a few cases have been taken forward. In all cases, common sense should prevail. However, in recent years, acceptability has grown significantly. In the run-up to the marriage equality vote in 2015, opinion surveys consistently indicated that around 75 percent of Irish people favored homosexual marriage rights.

Ireland’s culture combines elements of ancient peoples’ cultures, subsequent immigrant cultures, and transmitted cultural influences (chiefly Gaelic culture, Anglicisation, Americanisation and aspects of broader European culture). Ireland, along with Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and Brittany, is considered a Celtic country in Europe. The complex patterns known as Irish interlace or Celtic knotwork reflect this mix of cultural influences. These may be observed in the decoration of both sacred and secular works from the Middle Ages. The style, like the unique style of traditional Irish music and dance, is still popular in jewelry and graphic art today, and has come to symbolize contemporary “Celtic” culture in general.

Since ancient times, religion has played a major part in the island’s cultural life (and since the 17th century plantations, has been the focus of political identity and divisions on the island). Following Saint Patrick’s missions in the 5th century, Ireland’s pre-Christian history merged with the Celtic Church. Beginning with the Irish monk Saint Columba, the Hiberno-Scottish missions brought the Irish image of Christianity to pagan England and the Frankish Empire. During the Dark Ages that followed the collapse of Rome, these missions introduced written language to an illiterate populace of Europe, giving Ireland the moniker “island of saints and scholars.”

Since the twentieth century, Irish pubs throughout the globe have become outposts of Irish culture, particularly those providing a complete variety of cultural and culinary attractions.

The Abbey Theatre, which opened in 1904, is the Republic of Ireland’s national theatre, while An Taibhdhearc, which opened in Galway in 1928, is the national Irish-language theatre. Internationally famous playwrights include Seán O’Casey, Brian Friel, Sebastian Barry, Conor McPherson, and Billy Roche.

In all areas of literature, Ireland has produced a significant contribution, especially in the English language. Irish poetry is among Europe’s oldest vernacular poetry, with the earliest instances going back to the 6th century. Jonathan Swift, generally referred to as the English language’s greatest satirist, was well-known in his day for works such as Gulliver’s Travels and A Modest Proposal, while Oscar Wilde is best known for his widely cited witticisms.

Ireland had four Nobel Prize winners for Literature in the twentieth century: George Bernard Shaw, William Butler Yeats, Samuel Beckett, and Seamus Heaney. Despite the fact that he did not receive the Nobel Prize, James Joyce is generally regarded as one of the most important authors of the twentieth century. Joyce’s book Ulysses, published in 1922, is widely regarded as one of the most significant works of Modernist literature, and his birthday, June 16, is commemorated in Dublin as “Bloomsday.” Through authors like John McGahern and poets like Seamus Heaney, modern Irish literature is often linked to its rural background.

Since ancient times, music has been present in Ireland. Although the church was “very unlike its counterpart in continental Europe” in the early Middle Ages, there was significant exchange between monastic communities in Ireland and the rest of Europe, which led to the development of Gregorian chant. Outside of religious institutions, early Gaelic Ireland’s musical genres were referred to as a trio of crying music (goltraige), laughing music (geantraige), and sleeping music (sleeping music) (suantraige). Oral transmission of vocal and instrumental music (for example, for the harp, pipes, and different string instruments) was common, but the Irish harp was so important that it became Ireland’s national emblem. Classical music based on European models emerged first in urban areas, in Anglo-Irish rule establishments such as Dublin Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and Christ Church, as well as in the country houses of the Anglo-Irish ascendancy, with the first performance of Handel’s Messiah(1742) among the baroque era’s highlights. Public concerts in the nineteenth century made classical music accessible to people from all walks of life. However, Ireland was too tiny for many artists to make a livelihood for political and economical reasons, thus the names of the better-known Irish composers of the period belong to immigrants.

Since the 1960s, Irish traditional music and dance has grown in popularity and received international attention. Traditional music had gone out of favor, particularly in metropolitan areas, as Irish culture modernized in the middle of the twentieth century. However, in the 1960s, groups like The Dubliners, The Chieftains, The Wolfe Tones, the Clancy Brothers, Sweeney’s Men, and individuals like Seán Riada and Christy Moore spearheaded a resurgence of interest in Irish traditional music. Horslips, Van Morrison, and Thin Lizzy, for example, integrated aspects of Irish traditional music into modern rock music, and the line between traditional and rock artists faded in the 1970s and 1980s, with many musicians frequently switching between the two forms of performing. Artists such as Enya, The Saw Doctors, The Corrs, Sinéad O’Connor, Clannad, The Cranberries, and The Pogues have all followed this pattern in recent years. Since then, a variety of musical fusions have emerged, including folk metal and others, although other current music groups have stayed true to the “traditional” sound.

Neolithic sculptures discovered at sites such as Newgrange are the oldest known examples of Irish graphic art and sculpture, which is tracked via Bronze age objects and medieval religious carvings and illuminated manuscripts. During the 19th and 20th centuries, painters such as John Butler Yeats, William Orpen, Jack Yeats, and Louis le Brocquy established a rich legacy of painting. Sean Scully, Kevin Abosch, and Alice Maher are notable contemporary Irish visual artists.

Johannes Scotus Eriugenawa, an Irish philosopher and theologian, was regarded as one of the most influential thinkers of the early Middle Ages. An Irish explorer named Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton was one of the most important characters in Antarctic exploration. He and his team were responsible for the first climb of Mount Erebus and the finding of the South Magnetic Pole’s approximate position. Robert Boyle was a natural philosopher, chemist, physicist, inventor, and early gentleman scientist who lived in the seventeenth century. He is widely recognized as one of the founding fathers of modern chemistry, and is best known for developing Boyle’s law.

The Tyndall effect was discovered by John Tyndall, a 19th-century scientist. Professor of Natural Philosophy at Maynooth College, Father Nicholas Joseph Callan is most known for inventing the induction coil and transformer, as well as discovering an early technique of galvanisation in the 19th century.

Ernest Walton, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1951, is another famous Irish scientist. He and Sir John Douglas Cockcroft were the first to artificially divide the nucleus of the atom and contributed to the creation of a new wave equation theory. The absolute temperature unit, the Kelvin, is named after William Thomson, often known as Lord Kelvin. Sir Joseph Larmor was a physicist and mathematician who made significant contributions to the fields of electricity, dynamics, thermodynamics, and the electron theory of matter. Aether and Matter, a treatise on theoretical physics released in 1900, was his most important work.

In 1891, George Johnstone Stoney coined the word electron. John Stewart Bell was the creator of Bell’s Theorem and a study on the Bell-Jackiw-Adler anomaly, for which he was nominated for a Nobel Prize. Sir William Rowan Hamilton is a renowned mathematician who is known for his work in classical mechanics and the creation of quaternions. The Edgeworth Box, invented by Francis Ysidro Edgeworth, is still important in neo-classical microeconomic theory, whereas Richard Cantillon influenced Adam Smith and others. John B. Cosgrave was a number theorist who, in 1999, found a 2000-digit prime number and, in 2003, a record composite Fermat number. John Lighton Synge made significant contributions to a variety of disciplines, including mechanics and geometrical techniques in general relativity. One of his pupils was mathematician John Nash. Kathleen Lonsdale was the first female president of the British Association for the Advancement of Science. She was born in Ireland and is most known for her work in crystallography.

There are nine universities in Ireland, seven in the Republic of Ireland and two in Northern Ireland, including Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin, as well as many third-level colleges and institutes and an Open University in Ireland branch.

In most sports, the island of Ireland fields a single international team. Association football is one noteworthy example, however both organizations fielded international teams under the name “Ireland” until the 1950s. The Setanta Cup, an all-Ireland club soccer tournament, was established in 2005.

With over 2,600 clubs throughout the country, Gaelic football is the most popular sport in Ireland in terms of match attendance and community participation. It accounted for 34% of all sports attendances at events in Ireland and overseas in 2003, followed by hurling (23%), soccer (16%), and rugby (8%), and the All-Ireland Football Final is the most viewed athletic event in the calendar. Soccer is the most popular team sport on the island, and in Northern Ireland, it is the most popular. The sports with the greatest levels of involvement include swimming, golf, aerobics, soccer, cycling, Gaelic football, and billiards/snooker. The sport is also noteworthy for having distinct international teams for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Two World Snooker Champions have come from Northern Ireland.

Basketball, boxing, cricket, fishing, greyhound racing, handball, hockey, horse racing, motor sport, netball, show jumping, and tennis are among the numerous sports that are practiced and watched.

Ireland’s food and cuisine are influenced by the crops produced and animals raised in the island’s temperate environment, as well as the social and political conditions of the country’s history. While cattle herding remained the primary aspect of the Irish economy from the Middle Ages until the advent of the potato in the 16th century, the amount of animals a person possessed was linked to their social status. Herders would avoid killing a milking cow in this way.

Pork and white meat were thus more prevalent than beef, and thick fatty strips of salted bacon (or rashers) and the use of salted butter (a dairy product rather than cattle) have been a staple of the Irish diet since the Middle Ages. The Maasai tradition of bleeding cattle and combining the blood with milk and butter was widespread, and black pudding, which is prepared from blood, grain (typically barley), and spice, is still a morning staple in Ireland. All of these effects may be observed today in the “breakfast roll” craze.

The potato’s arrival in the second part of the 16th century had a significant impact on subsequent cuisine. Poverty pushed people to eat on a subsistence basis, and by the mid-nineteenth century, the overwhelming majority of the population could get by on a diet of potatoes and milk. A normal household of a man, wife, and four children would consume 18 stone (110 kg) of potatoes each week. As a result, national foods like Irish stew, bacon and cabbage, boxty, a kind of potato pancake, or colcannon, a mashed potato and kale or cabbage dish, show a basic lack of expertise in the kitchen.

With the re-emergence of affluence in Ireland in the latter part of the twentieth century, a “New Irish Cuisine” based on traditional ingredients and integrating foreign influences has developed. Fresh vegetables, fish (particularly salmon, trout, oysters, mussels, and other shellfish), traditional soda breads, and the vast variety of hand-made cheeses currently being produced throughout the nation are also staples of this cuisine. The “Dublin Lawyer,” lobster cooked in whiskey and cream, is an example of this new cuisine. The potato, on the other hand, remains a staple of Irish cuisine, with the Irish consuming the most potatoes per capita in Europe. Traditional regional cuisines may be found all across the nation, such as coddle (a kind of sausage) in Dublin and drisheen (a type of sausage) in Cork, or blaa (a doughy white bread unique to Waterford).

At the turn of the twentieth century, Ireland controlled the global whiskey industry, generating 90% of the world’s whiskey. Bootleggers in the United States during prohibition (who sold poor-quality whiskey with Irish-sounding names, eroding the pre-prohibition popularity for Irish brands) and tariffs on Irish whiskey across the British Empire during the Anglo-Irish Trade War of the 1930s, however, sales of Irish whiskey worldwide fell to a mere 2% by the mid-twentieth century. According to a study conducted by the Irish government in 1953, 50% of whiskey consumers in the United States had never heard of Irish whiskey.

According to research conducted by the American broadcaster CNBC in 2009, Irish whiskey is still popular in Ireland and has gradually risen in worldwide sales over the last several decades. Irish whiskey isn’t as smokey as Scotch whisky, but it’s also not as sweet as American or Canadian whiskies, according to CNBC. Traditional cream liqueurs, like as Baileys, are made with whiskey, and the “Irish coffee” (a coffee and whiskey drink allegedly created at Foynes flying-boat station) is perhaps the most well-known Irish cocktail.

Stout, a kind of porter beer, is most often associated with Ireland, but it was previously more closely linked with London. Porter is still extremely popular, even though lager has surpassed it in sales since the mid-twentieth century. Cider, especially Magners (marketed as Bulmers in the Republic of Ireland), is a popular beverage. Red lemonade is a soft drink that may be enjoyed on its own or as a mixer, especially with whiskey.

The police force is known as An Garda Sochána, or simply “Garda,” and police officers are known as Garda (singular) and Garda (plural, pronounced Gar-dee), but the English word Guard(s) is used colloquially. Although the word “police” is seldom used, it is well understood. They are polite and accessible regardless of what you name them. Unlike the police force in Northern Ireland, uniformed personnel of the Garda Sochána do not carry weapons. However, detectives and police assigned to Regional Support Units and the Emergency Response Force (ERU), a tactical unit akin to SWAT, are allowed to carry firearms. If you’re traveling alone, police security checks at Shannon Airport may be arduous.

By most European measures, crime is quite low, although not by much. Late-night streets in major towns and cities, like everywhere else, may be hazardous. Don’t wander alone in desolate parts of Dublin or Cork after dark, and make sure you have a plan for returning home, ideally in a cab. Fortunately, most violent crime is caused by alcohol or drugs, so just avoiding the obviously intoxicated will keep you out of most trouble. If you need the services of the Garda, an ambulance, a fire department, the coast guard, or mountain rescue, call 999 or 112 from a landline or cell phone.

In the rare event that you are approached by a thief, keep in mind that Irish thieves in general are not afraid to fight. Surrender whatever valuables they request and do not resist, since hooligans are likely to be armed with either sharp or blunt weapons. If you have been the victim of a crime, you should report it right away. Cities and municipalities have significant CCTV camera coverage, and a quick phone call may help you recover your missing items.

Many of the country’s roadways are small and twisting, and traffic density has recently increased. Ireland is constantly improving its roads, however many potholes are not repaired in a timely way owing to budgetary limitations. If you’re driving a rental vehicle, keep an eye out for any imperfections in the road, since even the tiniest of dents may cause a rollover or an accident.

In Ireland, almost all enclosed workplaces, such as pubs, restaurants, and cafés, are classified as smoke-free. Ireland was the first European nation to prohibit smoking in bars and restaurants. Smoke-free rooms are not required by law in hotels or bed and breakfast businesses. Owners of these businesses are allowed to enforce the prohibition if they want, even though they are not required to do so. Most hotels have classified certain guestrooms or floors as smoking and others as non-smoking, so you should indicate your choice at the time of booking. The smoking prohibition extends to the communal spaces of buildings. This implies that the legislation applies to the hallways, lobby spaces, and reception areas of structures such as apartment complexes and hotels.

A (covered) outside smoking area, sometimes with heating, is available at most bigger pubs and cafés. This is a fantastic method to meet people from the area. Smirting is a novel idea that combines the terms “smoking” and “flirting.” If none exists, be aware that drinking alcohol on the street is prohibited, so you may have to leave your drink in the bar.

Anyone found guilty of violating the smoking prohibition in the workplace may face a fine of up to €3,000.