Practical information Ireland

French, Belgian, Swiss and Luxembourgish nationals do not need a visa for the Republic of Ireland, which is part of the European Union but not Schengen. A valid national identity card is sufficient for French and Belgian citizens, but we strongly recommend a passport, especially if you plan to travel to Northern Ireland, which became a British territory post-Brexit. The authorised length of stay is 90 days without formalities. Ensure your document is valid for the entire duration of your stay. For other nationalities, consult the Irish immigration service website or contact our team in Dublin, who can advise you according to your situation.

No vaccines are required to enter Ireland. We simply recommend keeping up to date with standard vaccinations from the French vaccination schedule: diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, whooping cough, and MMR. Vaccines against hepatitis B and seasonal flu may be useful depending on your health profile. There is no malaria, no dengue, and no particular infectious risk associated with the destination. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. The Irish health system is of good standard, and the European health insurance card is accepted in the Republic of Ireland. We nonetheless advise taking out travel insurance with repatriation coverage, as private healthcare can be expensive.

Expect between €120 and €180 per person per day excluding international flights, based on a trip for two with accommodation in a B&B or 3-star hotel, car rental and meals included. A double room in a B&B costs around €90 to €130 per night, a 4-star hotel in Dublin between €180 and €280. A meal in a pub costs €18 to €25, a restaurant dinner €35 to €55. Renting a compact car costs €35 to €60 per day depending on the season, fuel around €1.85 per litre. Entry fees to attractions (Giant's Causeway, Newgrange) range around €15 to €25 per adult. July and August see prices increase by 20 to 30%.

May, June and September offer the best compromise: temperatures of 14 to 18°C, long days, green landscapes and moderate crowds. June enjoys 17 hours of daylight per day in the west, ideal for hiking and coastal drives. July and August are the hottest months, but also the most crowded and wettest. April and October remain practical with changeable weather and shorter days. From November to March, the country empties out, days are brief (sunrise 8:30 am, sunset 4:30 pm), many coastal sites close, but Dublin, Galway and the pubs retain all their vitality. Rain can fall each month, so plan for appropriate gear.

A rental car is the most suitable mode of transport outside major cities, essential for Connemara, Kerry and the Antrim coast. Left-hand driving, main roads are decent, but numerous narrow lanes in the west where you should expect an average speed of 50 km/h. The train connects Dublin to Cork, Galway, Belfast and Killarney with good comfort, useful without a car. Bus Éireann covers areas not served by rail at reasonable rates. For the Aran Islands or Skellig Michael, daily ferries in season. Avoid planning more than 250 km per day – the landscapes deserve frequent stops.

Ireland is among Europe's safest destinations, whether in the Republic or the North. Petty crime exists in certain areas of Dublin and Belfast (pickpocketing, vehicle break-ins), so take standard precautions: don't leave anything visible in your car, keep your belongings close in crowded pubs. Rural areas are completely peaceful. Belfast has moved past the conflict since 1998; historically tense neighborhoods are now accessible and well-documented. On the roads, be cautious with left-hand driving and livestock in rural areas. Our Dublin team remains available 24/7 during your stay for any questions or unexpected issues.