Travel to Ireland

Ireland used to be an agricultural society but since it joined the European Community in 1973, it has reached its full potential until eventually becoming a modern, high-economy nation. The long history of emigration and rich literary tradition has helped Ireland reach an international presence in terms of its culture (and despite being a small country). Travel to Ireland to experience its beautiful attractions and sights.

Travel to Ireland

The earlier settlements in Ireland (the Gaelic kingdoms) were invaded by Norman England during the 12th century. Eventually, the English ruled all of Ireland in the 16th century. Despite the English’s efforts to spread Protestantism in Ireland, the majority of its population remained staunch Christians.

When it comes to the Irish economy, tax cuts, negotiated pay restraint and deregulation during the late 1980s helped to curtail problems of unemployment. The economic boom in Dublin during the 1900s contributed to the overall growth of its economy. The mass emigration that was fast becoming a trend in the country was reversed – more people are encouraged to work in or live in Ireland, producing a new layer of multiculturalism. The vibrant literary tradition is one of the most famous aspects of the Irish culture; in fact, several notable writers are Irish including James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and George Bernard Shaw, among others.

Currency: Euro

Official Language: Irish and English are the two official languages of Ireland.

Wi-Fi Availability: Public Wi-Fi access points are available in most restaurants, cafes, bars, and hotels in Ireland. Most commuter trains are also equipped with a Wi-Fi connection. Mobile broadband is fast and reliable in Ireland.

Travel to Ireland

Airport/s: Dublin International Airport and Belfast International Airport are the top two international airports for those who travel to Ireland.

Visa Required: Tourists coming from certain countries require a visa to travel to Ireland. Transit visas might also be required depending on which country you are traveling from. For official information on visa requirements for travel to Ireland, visit here: https://www.dfa.ie/travel/visas/visas-for-ireland/

Driving: In Ireland, you must drive on the left side of the road.

International Driver’s License Accepted? Ireland, like many European countries, recognizes a US driver’s license. But if you are from another country and your driver’s license is written in another language, make sure to bring an international driver’s license.

Crime: In general, Ireland is a safe country. Any reported crimes are limited to theft and other related offenses. Violent crimes are uncommon.

Electrical Adapters: The electrical voltage used in Ireland is 230 volts with an electrical frequency of 50 Hertz.

Trivia: Many Irish family names start with “Mc” or “O”. This originates from the Gaelic language, which means son or grandson of.

Irish Cuisine

Travel to Ireland

The most traditional features of Irish cuisine is its use of simple flavors and the focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. If you would like to experience the best that the cuisine has to offer, these are a few of the most notable Irish dishes:

Family Irish Stew

There is probably no other cuisine that features stew more prominently than Irish does. It is one of the most traditional recipes from Ireland.

Soda Bread

This is another classic Irish recipe that has developed over time with new variations. The recipe might also vary depending on which region in Ireland they’re made. This is a no-fuss style of bread that goes so well with a warm bowl of soup.

Roast Lamb

Like the soda bread, there are several recipes used to cook a roasted lamb. However, the most popular one in Irish cuisine is rosemary and garlic roast lamb. Both herbs are excellent for bringing out the natural flavors of lamb meat.

Irish Apple Crumble Cake

This dessert is a favorite homemade recipe for a lot of Irish. It is a popular dessert in festivals and social or family gatherings in Ireland.

Travel to Ireland: Notable Tourist Attractions

Cliffs of Moher – The world-famous cliffs in Moher is one of the most popular attractions in Ireland. The cliffs are named after an old fort that stood on Hag’s Head, which represents the southernmost part of the cliffs. The cliffs rise up to 120 meters above the Pacific Ocean. There are over 1 million visitors to the Cliffs of Moher each year.

Skellig Michael – This is an island located in the Atlantic Ocean. This island was home to a Christian monastery from the 6th to 8th centuries until it was completely abandoned at the turn of the 12th century. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 for its cultural importance as an example of early religious settlement.

Giant’s Causeway – This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located at the foot of basalt cliffs that were formed along the coastal edge of Antrium plateau. The site is made up of over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns.

Ireland Online Resources

Travel to Ireland
Skellig Michael