Planning an unforgettable trip to Ireland? Find out everything you need to know about traveling in 2025: current entry regulations, tourist visa application, list of documents, tips on transport, currency and carrying things. A complete guide for travelers planning to discover the green island country

Ireland is an amazing country that attracts more and more tourists every year. The nature of Ireland shines with, perhaps, 40 shades of green, which is why the state is known as the “Emerald Land”. The elegant streets of Dublin, numerous historical monuments, romantic castle ruins, mysterious cliffs and diverse natural beauty – all this is about Ireland.

How to plan a trip to Ireland, what you need to know about this country, what documents to prepare – read further in the material.

Rules for entering Ireland in 2025

To enter Ireland, you must have a valid passport and visa (if the country does not have a visa-free regime).

Visa to Ireland

Ireland is part of the European Union, so citizens of the EU, Great Britain, the USA, Switzerland, Norway and several other countries have the right to enter the country without a visa. Tourists can stay in Ireland for up to 90 days on the basis of a visa-free regime.

If you are a citizen of a country with which a visa-free regime is not established, then before traveling you will need to apply for a short-term tourist visa type C. In particular, citizens of Morocco, Venezuela, Ecuador and Cuba must obtain a visa before traveling.

You can apply for a visa at the visa center, embassy or consulate of Ireland in the country of residence.

What documents are required to apply for a visa to Ireland?

An indicative list of documents: a valid passport, confirmation of the purpose of the trip (hotel reservation, invitation from a relative, air tickets), confirmation of sufficient funds for the trip, confirmation of no criminal record, etc.

More detailed information on the documentation required for a visit or tourist visa can be found on the website of the Immigration Service (ISD) and the Ministry of Justice.

When traveling to Ireland, take care of your safety and comfort in advance. Travel insurance will help you avoid unforeseen expenses in case of illness, injury or loss of luggage.

How to get to Ireland?

There are two ways to get to Ireland: by plane or by ferry. The fastest option is a plane. However, if you are traveling from the UK, you can consider traveling by ferry - this will save you money.

- To Ireland by plane

The Republic of Ireland has four major international airports: Dublin Airport (DUB), Cork (ORK), Shannon (SNN) and Ireland West Airport (NOC).

More than 40 international airlines fly to Dublin Airport every day: British Airways, Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, Emirates, Qatar, etc.

- By ferry to Ireland

One of the easiest ways to get to the Emerald Isle is to take a ferry from England to Ireland. There is only one ferry route, from Liverpool to Dublin. Every day, P&O Irish Sea operates about 17 flights. Therefore, a tourist can choose the most convenient time for travel, it can be both day and night. The duration of the ferry trip may vary depending on weather conditions, but it usually takes about 8 hours.

Restrictions on importing items to Ireland in 2025

All tourists who are going to travel to Ireland by plane should remember certain rules for transporting items. Among the items that are strictly prohibited from being taken on board are the following:

- weapons;

- sharp objects;

- tools;

- explosives and devices;

- any other item that can be used to cause harm.

There are also certain restrictions on hand luggage. Only small amounts of liquids (packed in one bag) can be carried in separate containers with a maximum capacity of 100 ml each. Such liquids include:

- water and other drinks, soups and syrups;

- gels;

- creams, lotions and oils;

- perfumes;

- pastes;

- mascara;

- foams and deodorants.

These restrictions apply only to hand luggage. However, you can take on board medicines and dietary products necessary for use during the trip. It is advisable to clarify more detailed information with the airline.

Is Ireland safe for tourists?

Ireland is a safe country for individual travel, most travelers do not experience any difficulties during their stay.

When is the best time to travel to Ireland?

The best time to visit Ireland is from March to May and from September to November. The weather is also quite comfortable in summer, but travelers may encounter a large number of tourists.

Ireland has a mild temperate climate and although it sometimes rains, you can plan a trip to the country all year round.

Card and cash

The main currency in Ireland is the euro. You can exchange money at any local bank, airport or hotel. You can pay with both cash and credit cards. However, before traveling, make sure that your bank card can be used at Irish ATMs.

How to get around Ireland?

- Public transport

Dublin is operated by TFI (Transport for Ireland) – a public transport system that includes buses, trams (Luas), suburban trains and other services.

For tourists, the TFI Leap Visitor Card is available – a special card that allows unlimited travel on public transport in Dublin for a selected period.

Trains (Irish Rail) connect key cities and regions, especially useful for travel between Dublin, Cork, Galway, etc.

- Car rental and travel by car

In Ireland, traffic is on the left – be careful if you are not used to this style of driving.

Many tourists find renting a car convenient for a more flexible route, especially if you are traveling in rural areas.

When renting, you should check whether the insurance covers road conditions, whether mileage restrictions are included, etc.

Top 6 Amazing Places to Visit in Ireland

Ireland has so many attractions and landmarks that it can be difficult for a tourist to decide which ones are a must-see. The top 6 most popular tourist attractions in Ireland are below.

- Cliffs of Moher, Clare

The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction, welcoming over 1 million visitors each year. The cliffs, which are 8 kilometres long and over 250 metres high, offer breathtaking views of Galway Bay, part of Connemara National Park and the Aran Islands.

- Dublin

If you only have one day in Ireland, be sure to spend it in Dublin. Dublin is the political, cultural and musical centre of the country. It is also the easiest place to get to one of Ireland’s main attractions – Blarney Castle. After exploring the city’s culture and architecture, spend the evening as the Irish do – enjoy a pint at the popular Guinness Storehouse or the most visited bar, Temple Bar.

- Galway

Galway is known as the festival capital of Ireland, hosting an average of 122 festivals and events per year. Architecture lovers should stroll through the lively Latin Quarter, then explore historical landmarks such as the Spanish Arch and St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church. Tourists who prefer an active holiday should head outside the city to see the many natural attractions, including Salthill Quay and the Wild Atlantic Way – a scenic route that runs right through Galway.

- Killarney

The city is surrounded by evergreen hills and valleys on all sides, allowing you to feel as close to nature as possible. Most tourists visit Killarney National Park, home to Ireland's highest mountain range, MacGillicuddy Rex. You can also enjoy the picturesque lakes or visit one of Killarney's centuries-old churches or castles.

- Cork

After Dublin, Cork is the largest city in Ireland. It is located in the southern part of the country. The city of over 200,000 inhabitants is famous for being home to the Blarney Stone. According to local legend, the stone will grant you the gift of eloquence if you dare to kiss it. In Cork you will also find churches from the 18th and 19th centuries, Cork City Gaol (a former prison converted into a museum) and the lush Fitzgerald Park, among many other attractions.

- Aran Islands

You can experience a taste of ancient Ireland in the Aran Islands, which are home to many important historical monuments and unspoilt landscapes. While all three islands offer interesting attractions, plan to spend most of your time on Inis Mór, home to Dun Aongasa, a historic fortress listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ireland is a wonderful country that can captivate a tourist from the first minutes. So choose the most convenient route, familiarize yourself with the rules of entry, purchase medical insurance and set off on an unforgettable journey.

Want to get even more practical information to prepare for a trip to Ireland? We have prepared a detailed travel guide that will become your reliable assistant. In the guide you will find:

- step-by-step instructions for applying for a tourist visa: from filling out the application form to the interview;

- information about the visa fee and application processing times;

- an example of a tourist visa photo;

- rules for correctly filling out the application form;

- a complete list of documents required to obtain a visa;

- life hacks and tips for a comfortable stay in Ireland.

With our guide, preparing for the trip will become simple and understandable, and the journey itself will be as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Reminder! Ireland attracts millions of tourists from all over the world with ancient haunted castles, luxurious estates, emerald meadows with sheep, rocky cliffs and cheerful noisy pubs. It is very easy to get lost in such a variety of attractions. Read here about the TOP-10 must-see places in Ireland for tourists.