Is Ireland a good country to visit?

Question

I have never traveled outside the states and I am planning to visit Europe soon. I have always have respected the Irish culture and found a fascination with it.

Answer 1

Ireland is one of the most prettiest place you can find, there are a lot of historical sites, beautiful landspaces. and lots of go bars and resturants, it is a wonderland place

Answer 2

Here's the US State Department's official word about travel to Ireland.

Ireland is a highly developed democracy with a modern economy.  Tourist facilities are widely available.  Read the Department of State Background Notes on Ireland for additional information.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:  A passport is necessary, but a visa is not required for tourist or business stays of up to three months.  See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on Ireland and other countries.  Visit the Embassy of Ireland web site at http://www.irelandemb.org for the most current visa information, or contact the embassy at 2234 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel: [phone], or the nearest Irish consulate in Boston, Chicago, New York or San Francisco.

Find more information about Entry and Exit Requirements pertaining to dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction.  Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs regulations.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Ireland remains largely free of terrorist incidents.  Voters in Ireland ratified a peace agreement for Northern Ireland on May 22, 1998.  While the ceasefire that came into effect at that time is officially holding, there have been spates of violence in Northern Ireland associated with paramilitary organizations.  These incidents have the potential for some spillover into Ireland.  Travelers to Northern Ireland should consult the Consular Information Sheet for the United Kingdom and Gibraltar .

Several Americans have reported incidents of verbal abuse and one reported a physical assault apparently in reaction to U.S. policy on the war on terrorism.  As elsewhere in Europe, there have been public protests, which for the most part are peaceful and well policed.  Americans are advised, nonetheless, to avoid public demonstrations in general and to monitor local media when protests occur.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site, where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.  For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet “A Safe Trip Abroad.”

CRIME:  Although Ireland has historically had a low rate of violent crime, it is increasing, and there have been a limited number of incidents in which foreigners and tourists have been victims of assault, including instances of violence toward those who appear to be members of racial minority groups.  There is a high incidence of petty crime, mostly theft, burglary, and purse snatching in major tourist areas.  Thieves target rental cars and tourists, particularly in the vicinity of tourist attractions, and some purse and bag snatching incidents in these areas have turned violent, especially in Dublin.  Extra caution should be taken to safeguard passports and wallets from pickpockets and bag snatchers.

There has been an increase over the last year in the number of crimes involving credit cards and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).  The use of skimmers to record credit card details has increased, and these recorded details are being sent elsewhere to program false and stolen credit cards.

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME:  The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  If you are the victim of a crime while in Ireland, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the U.S. Embassy in Dublin for assistance.  The Embassy staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred.  Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

See our information for Victims of Crime.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION:  Modern medical facilities and highly skilled medical practitioners are available in Ireland.  Because of high demand, however, access to medical specialists can be difficult and admissions to hospitals for certain non-life threatening medical conditions may require spending significant periods of time on waiting lists.  Those traveling to or intending to reside in Ireland who may require medical treatment while in Ireland should consult with their personal physicians prior to traveling.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/countries/irl/en/.  Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

MEDICAL INSURANCE:  The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.  Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:  While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.  The information below concerning Ireland is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in every particular location or circumstance.

As driving is on the left side of the road in Ireland, motorists without experience in left drive countries should be especially cautious.  Tourists driving on the wrong side of the road are the cause of several serious accidents each year.  Turning on red is not legal in Ireland.  The vast majority of the rental cars are stick shift; it can be difficult to find automatic transmission rental cars.  Road conditions are generally good, but once off main highways, country roads quickly become narrow, uneven and winding.  Roads are more dangerous during the summer and on holiday weekends due to an increase in traffic.  More information on driving in Ireland can be found on the U.S. Embassy in Dublin’s webpage at http://dublin.usembassy.gov/ireland/driv...

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.  For specific information concerning Irish driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please visit the official tourism guide for Ireland at http://www.tourismireland.com.  For information about the conversion to metric speed limits in effect since January 20, 2005, visit http://www.gometric.ie/roadsystem.html.

Taxis are reasonably priced but availability varies with time of day and where you are in the country.  Bus service in the cities is generally adequate, though many buses are overcrowded and frequently late.  Inter-city bus and train services are reasonably good.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Ireland as being in compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards for oversight of Ireland’s air carrier operations.  For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s website at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initi...

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:   Most Irish banks will not accept U.S. $100 bills.  Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are widely available, but some ATMs, particularly in rural areas, may not accept U.S. bank ATM cards.  Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Ireland.

Please see our information on customs regulations.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES:  While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.  Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.  Persons violating Irish laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.  Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Ireland are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.  Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in Ireland and the United States.  Please see our information on Criminal Penalties .  

CHILDREN'S ISSUES:  For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues website .

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION:   Americans living or traveling in Ireland are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Dublin through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Ireland.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Dublin.  By registering, Americans make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.  The U.S. Embassy is located at 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, telephone (353)-(1)-668-8777, after hours number: (353) (1) 668-9612, fax: (353) (1) 668-8056, and on the Internet at http://dublin.usembassy.gov.

Answer 3

I say visit and find out for yourself!

Answer 4

It is a great 'starter' country for you're first time to Europe.  No language barrier nor difficulties with menus.

Dublin has a great hop on/off bus that will get you around to all the key sites.  Don't spend more than a couple of days there - get out to the countryside.  I'm a big fan of the West coast of Ireland and totally recommend Galway, Westport, Aran Isles and southwest to Cork, Ring of Kerry & Kinsale.  Unless you're really comfortable with a stick shift car look into a bus tour or use the trains.  If you're younger and into backpacking there is a backpacker's bus that's pretty good  - you can either ride around the country in a loop or stay in a town for a couple days till the next bus comes thru.

Don't kiss the Blarney Stone, locals pee on it.

Answer 5

My HOME!!!!!!!Yes--BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...