Travel Essentials › Ireland
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Type G, 230 V. Emergency: One number for everything 112 or 999. Tipping: About 10% in restaurants if no service charge; not expected in pubs. Tap water: Generally safe to drink tap water.
Type G, 230 V
| One number for everything | 112 or 999 |
About 10% in restaurants if no service charge; not expected in pubs.
Greetings. A firm handshake and warm, friendly small talk is the norm; the Irish value humor and self-deprecation in conversation.
Pub etiquette. Buying 'rounds' of drinks for your group is customary; if you're included in a round, it's polite to reciprocate.
Punctuality. Social gatherings tend to be more relaxed about timing than business meetings, where punctuality is expected.
Ireland is very safe for tourists; violent crime against visitors is rare, with petty theft in Dublin's busier areas (Temple Bar, public transport) being the main concern.
Overpriced Temple Bar venues. Bars in Dublin's Temple Bar district are notoriously expensive for tourists; check prices before ordering or head a few streets away for better value.
Unlicensed taxis. Unmetered or unlicensed taxis occasionally overcharge tourists at the airport or late at night; use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps.
Women travelers. Very safe overall; normal nightlife precautions apply in Dublin, but harassment is uncommon.
Legal · Safe
Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2015 (the first country to approve it by popular vote), with strong anti-discrimination protections; Ireland is consistently ranked among the more LGBTQ+-friendly travel destinations in Europe.
| Coffee (café) | €3.80 | $4.10 |
| Local bus or metro ride | €2.20 | $2.40 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | €25 | $27 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | €40 | $43 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | €150 | $163 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | €200 | $217 |
2026-09
Late spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) offer the best balance of mild weather, long daylight, and lower prices than the busy June-August peak.
Ireland visa requirements by nationality