Ireland is a fascinating country that attracts tourists with incredible scenery. Find out more about how to get to Ireland and the top places to visit

Ireland is an amazing country that attracts more and more tourists every year. Ireland's nature shines with perhaps 40 shades of green, which is why the country is known as the "emerald land". The elegant streets of Dublin, numerous historical sights, romantic castle ruins, mysterious rocks and nature of diverse beauty - all this is about Ireland.

Modern and diverse Ireland will be a great place for a vacation.

Entry rules, routes and top amazing locations in our material.

Rules of entry into Ireland

To enter Ireland, you must have a valid passport and visa (if the country does not have a visa-free regime).

• Visa to Ireland

Ireland is part of the European Union, so citizens of EU countries, Great Britain, USA, Switzerland, Norway and several other countries have the right to enter the country without a visa. On the basis of a visa-free stay, tourists can stay in Ireland for up to 90 days.

If you are a citizen of a country that does not have a visa-free regime, then before traveling you will need to apply for a short-term tourist visa type C. Find out if you need a visa to travel to Ireland by following the link.

You can apply for a visa at a visa center, embassy or consulate of Ireland in the country of residence. An approximate list of documents: a valid passport, confirmation of the purpose of the trip (hotel reservation, invitation from a relative, airline tickets), confirmation of the availability of sufficient funds for the trip, confirmation of the absence of criminal records, etc.

The cost of a one-time tourist visa to Ireland is 80 euros, multiple - 100 euros.

Ireland is not part of the Schengen Agreement, so a Schengen visa is not valid for travel to Ireland. It is also not possible to enter the country on the basis of a British visa.

In more detail, the rules to enter Ireland and the procedure for obtaining a visa can be found at the link.

• Quarantine restrictions on travel to Ireland

As of March 6, 2022, all travel restrictions to Ireland due to the COVID-19 epidemic have been lifted. You no longer need to fill out a passenger form, nor will you need proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test.

• Security in Ireland

Ireland is a safe country for individual travel, most travelers do not experience any difficulties during their stay.

• Travel insurance

It is also important to take out travel insurance before your trip, as this will allow you to save money in an emergency.

How to get there Ireland?

There are two ways to get to Ireland: by plane or by ferry. The fastest and best way to travel to Ireland option will be a plane. However, if you are traveling from the UK, you can consider taking a ferry - this will save you money.

• To Ireland by plane

The Republic of Ireland has four major international airports: Dublin Airport (DUB), Cork (ORK), Shannon (SNN) and West of Ireland Airport (NOC). More than 40 international airlines fly to Dublin Airport every day: British Airways, Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, Emirates, Qatar, etc.

• Ferry to Ireland

One of the easiest ways to get to the Emerald Isle is to take a ferry from England to Ireland. There is only one ferry route, from Liverpool to Dublin. P&O Irish Sea operates around 17 flights daily. Therefore, the tourist can choose the most convenient time for the trip, it can be both day and night. The duration of the ferry ride can vary depending on weather conditions, but usually takes around 8 hours.

What is the best time to travel to Ireland?

The best time to visit Ireland is from March to May and from September to November. In summer, the weather is also quite comfortable, but travelers may encounter a large number of tourists.

Ireland has a mild temperate climate and although it sometimes rains here, you can plan a trip to the country all year round.

Top 6 best tourist locations in Ireland

There are a lot of sights and places of interest in Ireland, so it can be difficult for a tourist to decide which ones are a must-see. The top 6 most popular tourist attractions in Ireland are below.

• Cliffs of Moher, Claire

The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland's most popular tourist attraction, welcoming more than 1 million visitors each year. The cliffs, 8 kilometers long and more than 250 meters high, offer breathtaking views of Galway Bay, part of Connemara National Park and the Aran Islands.

• Dublin

If you only have one day in Ireland, be sure to spend it in Dublin. Dublin is the political, cultural and musical center of the country. It is also the easiest way to get to one of the main attractions of Ireland - Blarney Castle. After getting to know the culture and architecture of the city, spend the evening as the Irish do - enjoy a beer at the popular Guinness Storehouse or the most visited bar Temple Bar.

• Galway

Galway is known as the festival capital of Ireland, hosting an average of 122 festivals and events per year. Connoisseurs of architectural monuments should take a stroll through the lively Latin Quarter, and then explore such historical landmarks as the Spanish Arch and the Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas. Active holidaymakers are better off venturing outside the city to see the many natural attractions, including the Salthill Promenade and the Wild Atlantic Way, a scenic route that runs right through Galway.

• Killarney

The city is surrounded by evergreen hills and valleys on all sides, which allows you to feel the maximum unity with nature. Most tourists visit Killarney National Park, home to Ireland's highest mountain range, McGillicuddy Rex. You can also enjoy the picturesque lakes or visit one of Killarney's centuries-old churches or castles.

• Cork

After Dublin, Cork is the largest city in Ireland. It is located in the southern part of the country. The city of over 200,000 is famous for being home to the Blarney Stone. According to local legend, the stone will grant you the gift of eloquence if you dare to kiss it. In Cork you will also find 18th and 19th century churches, Cork City Gaol (a former prison turned museum) and the lush Fitzgerald Park and many other attractions.

• Aran Islands

You can feel the taste of ancient Ireland precisely on the Aran Islands, where many important historical monuments and untouched landscapes are located. While all three islands offer interesting sights, plan to spend most of your time on Inis Mór, home to Dún Aongasa, a historic UNESCO World Heritage Site fortress.

Ireland is a wonderful country that can captivate a tourist from the first minutes. Therefore, choose the most convenient route, familiarize yourself with the rules of entry, purchase medical insurance and go on an unforgettable trip.