When a U.S. citizen leaves Ireland after 90 days, how can that 90 day stay be "renewed" without a visa?

Question

It is clear to me that as a U.S. citizen I may enter and exit Ireland without anything more than a round trip ticket and a passport. What is not clear is how the Irish government stands regarding an American being in the country for more than the 90 days during the same calendar year or twelve month period or seventh month for that matter. Here is a scenario to lend clarity to my question. I show up in Ireland on January 1 with no visa to extend my stay past the 3 months allowed. What has to happen for me to get my 3 months "renewed" without a visa of any kind on or before April 1? Do I go to England and then return immediately or or do I have to back to the states and then return immediately or am I up a creek until Jan1 of the following year? Or maybe on April 1st I can take a nice trip to France and when I return on the 10th of April the Irish Authorities will stamp my passport, renewing my stay in Ireland for another 90 days or until July 10th. I don't know. Does anyone?

Answer 1

Your question as far more detail than is really necessary and the answer is very simple.

As an U.S. citizen you may enter Ireland without a visa for 90 days. After this 90 period you must either continue on your journey or return to your country of residence.

After the 90 day period, if you take a trip to the United Kingdom, Europe or anywhere else for that that matter you will not be allowed to re-enter Ireland, you must return to your country of residence before you return to Ireland. The 90 day period cannot be extended or renewed by leaving Ireland to go to another country and then returning, however if you may apply for an extension of stay.*

Also, if you enter Ireland without a visa and for example spend 20 days there, then spend a further 20 days in the United Kingdom, you may return to Ireland for the remaining 50 days of your stay. It is 50 days because anytime spent outside of Ireland counts towards your original 90 days.

To answer you other question, there is no limit as to how many times you can visit Ireland in a 3, 7,12 , 24 (or whatever) month period, providing neither stay exceeds 90 days.

You may stay for longer than 90, if you apply for a visa. A tourist visa will give you 6 months but you must be able to prove that you can financially support yourself for the duration of your stay in Ireland.

Answer 2

Ah, a common question for MANY countries  that offer visa free travel for 90. They days never seem to address the question ov extensions on their websites.  The first webpage below gives info on applying for a visa if you have already entered Ireland and now want to stay longer than 90 days.  The 2nd page gives contavc phone number you may call with questions.