Ireland Travel Guide

🇺🇸 US State Department Advisory

Reissued after periodic review without changes. Exercise normal precautions in Ireland. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Ireland. If you decide to travel to Ireland: Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  X/Twitter . Review the  Country Security Report  for Ireland. Visit the CDC ...

🚨 Emergency Numbers

ℹ️ Both 999 and 112 work for all emergencies. Garda (police) non-emergency: 01-666-9000 (Dublin). Coast Guard: 112 or VHF Channel 16. Mountain Rescue: 112.

🏥 Healthcare Summary

Major public hospitals in Dublin and Cork are well-equipped. Wait times at public emergency departments can be very long (4-12+ hours for non-critical cases). Private hospitals have shorter waits but are expensive.

Insurance: Travel insurance recommended for non-EU visitors. EU citizens should carry EHIC. Private health insurance speeds access to care and avoids long public ER wait times.

💊 Medication Restrictions

Ireland allows travelers to bring a reasonable personal supply of prescription medications (typically up to 3 months) in original packaging with a valid prescription or doctor's letter. For controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, carry your prescription and a doctor's letter explaining the medical necessity. Cannabis and cannabis-derived products (including most CBD oils with any THC) are controlled substances in Ireland. Keep all medications in their original labeled containers for customs inspection.

• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) — RESTRICTED: Prescription required. Carry original packaging and doctor's letter. Controlled under Misuse of Drugs Act.
• Adderall / amphetamines — RESTRICTED: Controlled substance. Allowed with valid prescription. Carry doctor's letter, original packaging, and max 3-month supply for personal use.
• Cannabis / CBD — CAUTION: Cannabis is illegal for recreational use. Medical cannabis access programme exists for residents. CBD products with <0.2% THC are legal.
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) — RESTRICTED: Controlled substance. Allowed with valid prescription. Carry original packaging and doctor's letter.
• Codeine / opioids — RESTRICTED: Low-dose codeine available OTC (co-codamol). Stronger opioids require prescription. Carry original packaging.

🙏 Cultural Tips

Tipping: 10-15% is standard in restaurants for good service. Not expected in pubs when ordering at the bar. Taxis: round up or add a euro. Hotel porters: €1-2 per bag.

Cultural taboos to avoid:

• Commenting negatively about Irish culture, sport, or history to locals
• Mistaking Irish people for British
• Referring to the Republic as 'Southern Ireland' — it is simply 'Ireland'
• Being unfriendly or aloof — Irish social culture expects warmth

🎭 Tourist Scam Guides

Common scams to watch out for in Ireland: