For a small island, Ireland has a special place in the world. The evergreen island is famous for St.Patrick’s day celebrated as a national holiday which also spread to the US along with the Irish immigrants in the 19th century. It would be a crime to visit Ireland and not to try Guinness dry stout in a local Irish pub and take note it only tastes like that Éire. Ireland has truly a breathtaking landscape with some of the most beautiful sites in the world. Slieve League, the cliffs of Moher, Benbulben or the Giant’s Causeway are just some of the incredible places to see on the emerald island. Although Ireland has much to offer there are also hazards and important information for all visitors to beware of.

Traveling info

All visitors traveling to Ireland must have a valid passport or an ID card if traveling from a country within the EEA. (European economic area). The nationals of countries within the EEA do not require to obtain a visa in order to enter the country. There are several other cases which grant entrance without the requirement of a visa. The holders of 4 EU FAM, family members of EU citizens who have issued a “Residence card of a family member of a Union citizen” or hold a valid travel document issued in accordance to Article 28 of the Geneva convention. Nationals who were issued neither of these 3 or are not citizens of the EEA are required to obtain a visa in order to enter the country. (List of countries in sources). Visitors who decide to drive in Ireland are required to have their valid domestic license, vehicle registration documents and driving insurance with them at all times whilst driving. For non-residents passport or an ID card is also required. An international driving permit is optional although may come in handy if using a driving permit which is issued in a non-roman script. The left-hand side of the road is used for driving. Public transport is widely available in major cities however it might be scarce in rural areas.

Traveling hazards

Driving in Ireland is generally safe. Roads are in great condition and the traffic is generally lax with the exception of Dublin areas and lunchtime hours across the country. Highways and main roads are well paved, marked, signed and maintained. Country roads are mostly paved however these may get narrow at times. Farm animals wandering out onto the road pose the greatest danger. Such occurrences happen often and sometimes cause serious accidents, therefore, it is advised to stay vigilant while driving on the rural roads.

Environmental hazards

There are no land animals that would pose any threat to humans. The only hazard posed by land animals is them wandering out on the roads creating a potential risk of crashing. Swimming in the coastal waters of Ireland is generally safe. Tidal waves are the most dangerous part of swimming off of the Irish coast. Strong currents may carry even experiences swimmers away very quickly. Although dangerous sharks are very rare, do not panic if a 10-meter giant basking shark swims past. These are docile and feed on plankton. There are several fish which are not dangerous but might be traumatic in contact due to their size and appearance however giving a heart attack to an unsuspecting tourist is about the only danger these poses.
Ireland does not experience earthquakes nor does it have any active volcanoes however Ireland may experience heavy storms and flooding. Floods and storms may damage the local infrastructure and impede traveling around the country.

Health hazards

There are no outbreaks of any diseases or any required vaccines in order to enter Ireland. There are however several vaccinations which are recommended. These are the routine vaccines, hepatitis A and B and rabies vaccine. Because rabies is eliminated on the island bringing pets into the country may be difficult and will require several vaccinations before travel. Healthcare is on a European standard meaning it is among the best in the world. Both public and private facilities will provide a high quality of service with short waiting times. Make sure to purchase health insurance as healthcare is not free for expats. Nationals whose countries are part of the EU including Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein may use their European Health Insurance Card. (link in description).
In case of an emergency dial 112.

Crime

Ireland is a safe country. Although the infamous IRA reigned terror across the northern border, it was disbanded in the 90s and the insurgency entirely declined. Violent crime is extremely rare and it’s almost non-existent for tourists. Petty crime, however, is alive. Pickpocketing and theft of unattended goods is the most commonly reported crime. The country is safe to explore both at day and nighttime. To stay safe and to avoid falling a victim of criminals it is best to avoid wandering around secluded places at night and to stick to tourist areas. Wearing money belts helps to prevent pickpockets from stealing and helps to keep money out of sight. Even when feeling safe it is advised to stay vigilant of surroundings. Narcotics in the Republic are illegal and are usually punishable by fines rather than jail sentences.

Sources

(Visa)
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving_country/moving_to_ireland/coming_to_live_in_ireland/visa_requirements_for_entering_ireland.html
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/visa-required-countries
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/ireland
(EHIC)
http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=563&langId=en