Briefing de orientação Irlanda

As tribos celtas chegaram à Irlanda entre 600 e 150 a.C. As invasões nórdicas, que começaram no final do século VIII, terminaram por fim quando o rei Brian BORU derrotou os dinamarqueses em 1014. As invasões normandas começaram no século XII e deram origem a mais de sete séculos de luta anglo-irlandesa, marcados por rebeliões ferozes e repressões severas. A Grande Fome irlandesa de meados do século XIX provocou um declínio de quase 25 por cento da população da ilha, devido à fome, às doenças e à emigração. A população da ilha continuou a diminuir até à década de 1960 mas, nos últimos 50 anos, a elevada taxa de natalidade da Irlanda tornou-a, do ponto de vista demográfico, uma das populações mais jovens da UE.

O Estado irlandês moderno tem as suas origens na Insurreição da Segunda-Feira de Páscoa de 1916, malograda, que galvanizou o sentimento nacionalista. A guerra de guerrilha que se seguiu conduziu à independência do Reino Unido em 1921, com a assinatura do Tratado Anglo-Irlandês e a criação do Estado Livre da Irlanda. O tratado foi profundamente controverso na Irlanda, em parte porque contribuiu para consolidar a partição do país, ficando seis dos 32 condados no Reino Unido, como Irlanda do Norte. A divisão entre os partidários e os opositores do Tratado deu origem à Guerra Civil Irlandesa (1922-23). Os partidos políticos tradicionalmente dominantes na Irlanda, o Fine Gael e o Fianna Fáil, são, de facto, descendentes dos lados opostos do debate sobre o tratado. A Irlanda declarou-se república em 1949 e saiu formalmente do Domínio britânico.

A partir da década de 1960, as profundas divisões sectárias entre as populações católica e protestante e a discriminação sistémica na Irlanda do Norte deram origem a anos de violência conhecidos como os Troubles. Em 1998, os governos da Irlanda e do Reino Unido, juntamente com a maioria dos partidos políticos da Irlanda do Norte, alcançaram o Acordo de Belfast/Sexta-Feira Santa, com o apoio dos EUA. Este acordo ajudou a pôr fim aos Troubles e deu início a uma nova fase de cooperação entre os governos irlandês e britânico.

A Irlanda foi neutra na Segunda Guerra Mundial e mantém a sua política de neutralidade militar. A Irlanda aderiu à Comunidade Europeia em 1973 e à união monetária da zona euro em 1999. Os anos de prosperidade económica do Celtic Tiger (1995-2007) assistiram a um crescimento económico rápido, que terminou abruptamente em 2008, com o colapso do sistema bancário irlandês. Enquanto pequena economia aberta, a Irlanda tem-se destacado na atração de investimento direto estrangeiro, sobretudo de multinacionais norte-americanas, o que contribuiu para a recuperação económica após a crise financeira e a protegeu, em certa medida, dos choques económicos da pandemia de COVID-19.

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.