Orientation briefing in Ireland

Celtic tribes arrived in Ireland between 600 and 150 B.C. Norse invasions that began in the late 8th century finally ended when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes in 1014. Norman invasions began in the 12th century and set off more than seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellions and harsh repressions. The Irish famine of the mid-19th century caused an almost 25-percent decline in the island's population through starvation, disease, and emigration. The population of the island continued to fall until the 1960s, but over the last 50 years, Ireland's high birthrate has made it demographically one of the youngest populations in the EU.

The modern Irish state traces its origins to the failed 1916 Easter Monday Uprising that galvanized nationalist sentiment. The ensuing guerrilla war led to independence from the UK in 1921 with the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty and the creation of the Irish Free State. The treaty was deeply controversial in Ireland, in part because it helped solidify the country's partition, with six of the 32 counties remaining in the UK as Northern Ireland. The split between pro-Treaty and anti-Treaty partisans led to the Irish Civil War (1922-23). The traditionally dominant political parties in Ireland, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, are de facto descendants of the opposing sides of the treaty debate. Ireland declared itself a republic in 1949 and formally left the British Dominion.

Beginning in the 1960s, deep sectarian divides between the Catholic and Protestant populations and systemic discrimination in Northern Ireland erupted into years of violence known as the Troubles. In 1998, the governments of Ireland and the UK, along with most political parties in Northern Ireland, reached the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement with the support of the US. This agreement helped end the Troubles and initiated a new phase of cooperation between the Irish and British Governments.

Ireland was neutral in World War II and continues its policy of military neutrality. Ireland joined the European Community in 1973 and the euro-zone currency union in 1999. The economic boom years of the Celtic Tiger (1995-2007) saw rapid economic growth that came to an abrupt end in 2008 with the meltdown of the Irish banking system. As a small, open economy, Ireland has excelled at courting foreign direct investment, especially from US multi-nationals, which has helped the economy recover from the financial crisis and insulated it somewhat from the economic shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.     

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Ireland

Terrorist attacks in Ireland cannot be ruled out.

Demonstrations 

Demonstrations, political gatherings, or marches can take place with little or no warning, particularly in cities.  

Whilst most demonstrations are peaceful, they can cause disruption, including to transport routes. If you’re near areas where they are taking place, you should remain aware of what is happening around you and follow the advice of the police and local authorities.

Crime

Take precautions to reduce the risk of bag-snatching or pickpocketing. Avoid carrying valuables and large amounts of money. Lock your vehicle and park where possible in a secure car park. Most incidents occur in the larger cities.

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs

Possession of even small quantities of drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties.

You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport. Do not offer to carry any items for anyone else when entering or leaving Ireland.

Airports in Ireland have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Ireland, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Ireland guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of. 

If you are visiting Ireland, you may be able to use your Blue Badge in some circumstances. Check local parking rules.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 or 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Ireland
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Ireland.

Medication

You can use a UK prescription to get medicines, including special food required for medical reasons, from pharmacies in Ireland. You will have to pay in full for any prescription medicine.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. If you have questions, contact the Irish Embassy in the UK.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Ireland       

British people who live in the UK can access state healthcare when visiting Ireland. See guidance for visitors on healthcare in Ireland. FCDO has a list of medical providers in Ireland.

See guidance on healthcare if you’re living or studying in Ireland.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.