Ireland, also known as the Republic of Ireland, is a sovereign country located in northwestern Europe. It is a member of the European Union and the United Nations, and its capital is Dublin.

Ireland has a rich history and culture that dates back thousands of years. The country is known for its stunning landscapes, music, literature, and sports. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland include the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, the Guinness Storehouse, and the Blarney Stone.

Ireland has a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers. Rain is common throughout the year, so it's important to bring appropriate clothing when visiting.

The official languages of Ireland are Irish and English, and the country has a rich literary tradition in both languages. Irish is a Celtic language that is still spoken by some people, especially in the Gaeltacht regions of the country.

The currency used in Ireland is the Euro, and the country has a modern infrastructure with good transportation links. Visitors can easily travel by car, bus, train, or plane to explore the country.

Ireland is also famous for its hospitality, and visitors can enjoy a warm welcome from the friendly locals. The country has a diverse range of accommodation options, including traditional bed and breakfasts, hotels, and self-catering apartments.

Overall, Ireland is a wonderful destination for visitors looking to explore a unique and vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly people.

Telephone Code
353

Local Emergency Phone
112, 999

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Temperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild winters, cool summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the time

Currency (Code)
Euros (EUR)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G

Major Languages
English (the language generally used), Irish (Gaelic or Gaeilge)

Major Religions
Roman Catholic 78.3%, Church of Ireland 2.7%, other Christian 1.6%, Orthodox 1.3%, Muslim 1.3%

Potable Water
Yes

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Left

Tourist Destinations
Cliffs of Moher; Dublin (includes Dublin Castle, Trinity College & Book of Kells, Grafton Street, Kilmainham Gaol); Killarney National Park & Muckross House & Gardens; Ring of Kerry; Kilkenny Castle; Blarney Castle; Bru na Boinne; Powerscourt Estate

Major Sports
Soccer, golf, rugby

Cultural Practices
Hands should remain visible while eating; try to not let your elbows rest on the table.

Tipping Guidelines
In restaurants, tip 10-15% of the bill if no service charge is included. Leave 1-2 euros at bars. Taxi drivers do not expect tips and many drivers often round down the bill, especially on longer fares, but you may round up the fare. Tip bellhops 1-2 euros per bag and leave housekeeping 1-2 euros per night.

Souvenirs
Hand-woven wool and other knitwear, pottery, crystal; silver and gold Claddagh, Celtic cross, and trinity knot jewelry; liquor, shamrock-themed items

Traditional Cuisine
Irish Stew — mutton stew with potatoes, onions, carrots, and parsley

Geography
Area
total: 70,273 sq km
land: 68,883 sq km
water: 1,390 sq km

Climate
temperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild winters, cool summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the time

Natural resources
natural gas, peat, copper, lead, zinc, silver, barite, gypsum, limestone, dolomite

People and Society
Population
5,323,991 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Irish 82.2%, Irish travelers 0.7%, other White 9.5%, Asian 2.1%, Black 1.4%, other 1.5%, unspecified 2.6% (2016 est.)

Languages
English (official, the language generally used), Irish (Gaelic or Gaeilge) (official, spoken by approximately 39.8% of the population as of 2016; mainly spoken in areas along Ireland's western coast known as gaeltachtai, which are officially recognized regions where Irish is the predominant language)

Religions
Roman Catholic 78.3%, Church of Ireland 2.7%, other Christian 1.6%, Orthodox 1.3%, Muslim 1.3%, other 2.4%, none 9.8%, unspecified 2.6% (2016 est.)

Population growth rate
0.91% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
parliamentary republic

Capital
name: Dublin

Economy
Economic overview
strong, export-based EU economy; multinational-business-friendly environment known for resilience, even amid COVID-19 disruptions; real wage growth beyond other OECD members; high livings standards; strong social equity and cohesion; aging labor force

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$515.88 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$102,500 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
milk, barley, beef, wheat, potatoes, pork, oats, poultry, mushrooms/truffles, mutton

Industries
pharmaceuticals, chemicals, computer hardware and software, food products, beverages and brewing; medical devices

Exports
$677.028 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
United States 28%, Belgium 10%, Germany 10%, UK 9%, China 5%, Netherlands 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
medical cultures/vaccines, nitrogen compounds, packaged medicines, integrated circuits, scented mixtures (2019)

Imports
$477.544 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
United Kingdom 31%, United States 16%, Germany 10%, Netherlands 5%, France 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
aircraft, computers, packaged medicines, refined petroleum, medical cultures/vaccines (2019)