Security travel advice for the Republic of Ireland

How safe is Ireland?

Threat level:Low-Medium

The current travel advice for Ireland is to remain cautious, especially during times where political or religious tensions may be prominent in the region of both Northern and Southern Ireland. Most stays are trouble-free, and the levels of serious crime are low throughout Southern Ireland.

Republic of Ireland COVID-19 Update

Due to a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, Ireland implemented Level 5 COVID-19 restrictions on the 23rd of February which will be in effect until at least the 5th of April. Under new effective rules, people must stay at home unless going out for essentials including purchasing food, travelling to work, seeking medical assistance or exercising in the vicinity of their residence, and visits to other households are prohibited. Non-essential businesses are closed but eateries are allowed to do deliveries and provide takeaways, and people must work from home when and where possible.

International travellers from high risk countries arriving in the Republic of Ireland are subject to a 14-day quarantine period at one of 24 government-designated hotels across the country that can be booked online and for which they have to pay at least €1,875 (£1,614). They must also fill in a passenger locator formwithin 48 hours before travelling.They must also present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result on arrival, taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

Face-covering is compulsory on public transport including in buses, trams, trains, coaches, aircraft and ferries and people must maintain social distancing of at least 1 metre.

For more information on preventive measures to avoid contracting coronavirus, please refer to our healthcare section.

Security in Ireland

Please note that the UK government has heightened its terror threat for Northern Ireland dissident Republican Terrorism to “substantial” in May 2016. Although it is felt that British nationals would not be singly targeted within Southern Ireland, please be sensitive to the nature of the past conflict and understand that there is an underlying threat from terrorist factions.

Most stays in Ireland are trouble-free, and Ireland has a low incidence of serious crime. Petty crime is apparent as with all tourist destinations, please be mindful of pickpockets and car theft. However, if you carry out normal safety precautions, your stay should be trouble-free.

For the past decade, Intelligent Protection International Limited has provided both corporate and private clients with Security and Bodyguard services in the Republic of Ireland. If you are travelling to Ireland are require these services, please see our web page: Bodyguard services in the Republic of Ireland.

Ireland is a cultured country and as such, has a rich history; some of which has been plighted in turmoil: “the troubles”. During 1968 through to 1998, there was ongoing terrorist activities fuelled by territorial tensions within the country, and predominantly Northern Ireland, but also affected the United Kingdom, and as far afield as Gibraltar. During this time, there were over 3,600 fatalities and 50,000 injured.

Many attacks and countering offensives were undertaken. As such, since this, there are times in the region where risks may be heightened throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland. Prominent times are between April and August, especially leading up to the 12th July, where there are arranged marches, which can rapidly turn into civil disputes, and these parades can turn viciously violent without little warning.

As with all international cities, please be mindful in the late/early morning hours of being present on the street, the night clubs in the country can close between 2-4am and as such, some areas can become busy with persons who are intoxicated. This presents an enhanced security risk, as these localities can be areas where troubles can start.

There have been stabbings and other violent crimes in some areas of the country; Limerick is a known area for heightened crime during the evening hours, although in the majority, this is feud-related between existing rival ties in the area. Violent crime is rarely directed towards tourists, so your stay should remain a peaceful one if you are mindful of particular locations and times.

If you become a victim of crime whilst in Ireland, after contacting the relevant police authorities, please contact the Irish Tourist Assistance Service on 1890 365 700. The service can arrange accommodation, transportation and meals, and they liaise with many companies, such as travel insurance and financial institutions.

Ireland's International Relations

Ireland has good international links throughout the world. It has taken an independent stance with much of its foreign policy, with regards to its military involvement, and as such, is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). However, the Irish Defence Forces have taken part in many peace-keeping operations, such as the Congo crisis, Cyprus, Lebanon and Bosnia and Herzegovina. There has been previous controversy over the United States of America, using Shannon Airport as a transiting point for forces travelling onwards to Iraq. It is one of the smaller countries part of the European Union and was one of the founding members to carry the euro single currency.

Travelling around Ireland

When travelling by car in an EU country, British nationals do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) but a motor insurance green card issued by their car insurer is required to drive a UK-registered car in the EU.

Transport links throughout Ireland are good, however may suffer congestion at busier times in central areas, as with many international cities. In addition to this, ferry crossings may face delays due to weather conditions. Check with your provider on your itinerary before travelling. Our live map below provides comprehensive traffic updates on congested areas. Please see below for further information.

Some roads can be found to be rather narrow or have twists and turns, of which may be hazardous when driving in torrential or bad weather. Please heed caution when driving in the countryside.

Take great care when swimming, as the North Atlantic Ocean can easily pull swimmers out to sea, especially in the North West area of Ireland. Please note any information issued by the coastguard and the designated areas where it is safe to swim.

Hillwalkers should note that weather conditions can turn quickly and mists can roll in with temperatures dropping around the Sligo areas, please make sure you are aware of your surroundings, and have good equipment and protection for your travels.

Commercial Travel Risk Services

Emergency services in Ireland

Police emergency: 112
Fire emergency: 112
Medical emergency: 112

Ireland Overview

Capital: Dublin
Official languages: English, Gaelic
Religion: Christianity (Roman Catholicism)
Currency: Euro

Consular information for Ireland

U.S. Embassy
U.S. Embassy Dublin
42 Elgin Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Ireland
Telephone: +353 1 630 6200
Telephone: +353 1 668 8777

British Embassy
British Embassy Dublin
29 Merrion Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Ireland
Telephone: +353 1 205 3700

Visa requirements for Ireland

Not required for stays up to 90 days. Ireland is a member of the European Union, but it is not part of the Schengen area. A passport is required to travel between Ireland and other European countries, including the United Kingdom in the instance of providing photographic identification. Alternatively for the UK, a driver’s licence is also permitted.

As the UK is no longer part of the EU, British nationals can travel without a visa to countries in the EU for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, to stay longer than 90 days in Ireland whether for work, study, business travel or any other reasons, a visa will be required. Please note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days will be cumulative and will count towards the 90-day limit.

Healthcare and Immunisations

It is advised that visitors to Ireland are up-to-date with primary boosters, such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers also get a Tetanus vaccination. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

Water and sanitary conditions in Ireland are of a very high standard.

If you are a British citizen, your UK EHIC card remains valid when travelling to an EU country until it expires, providing access to state-provided healthcare in the Republic of Ireland. After that, British citizens must apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which will cover them for state-provided healthcare in the EU. Nevertheless, you will be required to show proof on arrival that you have travel insurance for your trip.