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Ireland

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description Ireland Overview

Ireland, also called the Republic of Ireland, occupies about five-sixths of the island of the same name in the North Atlantic; the remainder, Northern Ireland, is part of the United Kingdom. Dublin is the capital, Irish and English are the official languages, and the country joined the European Union in 1973. A Gaelic cultural inheritance, a temperate oceanic climate and a strong literary tradition associated with writers such as James Joyce, W. B.

Yeats and Samuel Beckett are defining features.

help Ireland FAQ

Is Ireland part of the United Kingdom?

No, the Republic of Ireland has been independent since 1922, when the Irish Free State was established. Only Northern Ireland, the remaining sixth of the island, is part of the United Kingdom.

What currency does Ireland use?

The Republic of Ireland uses the euro, which it adopted when euro cash launched in 2002. Note that Northern Ireland uses the pound sterling, so travelers crossing the border should carry both currencies.

Do you need a passport to cross from Ireland into Northern Ireland?

No, under the Common Travel Area arrangement, which dates back to the 1920s, there are no routine passport checks on the land border. The border has remained open even after Brexit, though carrying ID is recommended when flying.

What are the official languages of Ireland?

Irish and English are both official, with Irish recognized as the first official language under the Constitution. English dominates daily life, but Irish is taught in all schools and appears on road signs and official documents.