Below you can find my latest posts about my experiences of plus-size travel in the Republic of Ireland! Plus scroll down for practical information on travelling to the R.O.I., including entry requirements, luggage storage, how to use the public transport, and more.
Latest Posts
Republic of Ireland Travel Advice
Practical information to plan your trip
Entry Requirements
If you are an EU national and own a valid passport, you are able to stay in Ireland for up to 6 months.
Coronavirus
Passengers arriving in Ireland currently do not need to show proof of COVID vaccination, a negative COVID test, or a certificate of recovery from COVID.
VISA
If you are not an EU citizen, you may need to apply for a VISA if you intend to travel to Ireland. You can read more information on the requirements and whether you need to apply for one here.
ETIAS Waiver
From Mid-2025, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe and the UK will need to register with ETIAS. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will become a mandatory entry requirement.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you’re entering the UK as an EU resident, you can apply for an EHIC. It is completely free, and entitles you to essential medical care during a temporary stay in the UK. You can apply for one within your home country.
Ireland Weather
These are the average highs and lows of the temperature in Ireland throughout the year:
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin | 4° / 8° | 3° / 8° | 4° / 10° | 5° / 12° | 8° / 14° | 10° / 17° |
| Shannon | 4° / 9° | 4° / 9° | 5° / 11° | 6° / 13° | 8° / 16° | 11° / 18° |
| Sligo | 3° / 8° | 4° / 8° | 4° / 9° | 6° / 11° | 8° / 14° | 10° / 16° |
| City | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin | 12° / 19° | 12° / 19° | 10° / 17° | 8° / 14° | 6° / 11° | 4° / 9° |
| Shannon | 13° / 19° | 13° / 19° | 11° / 17° | 8° / 14° | 6° / 11° | 4° / 9° |
| Sligo | 12° / 17° | 12° / 17° | 11° / 15° | 8° / 13° | 6° / 10° | 4° / 8° |
When to visit
The best time to visit the Republic of Ireland is from March to May and September to November, when the weather is still warm and it’s not as crowded as it is in Summer. You can expect rain all year round, so be prepared for that!
Getting around in Ireland
Children under 5 travel for free. Visitors to Dublin can purchase a Leap Visitor Card which offers 1, 3 or 7 days of unlimited travel on services in the Short Hop Zone and Dublin Bus (including Airlink 747). It costs €8 for 24 hours, €16 for 72 hours, or €32 for 168 hours.
The Trekker Four Day ticket gives four consecutive days of unlimited travel on all services in Ireland for €88, and can be bought from train station ticket offices.
Trains
Irish Rail operate the train network in Ireland, covering Belfast, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Kerry, Mayo, Sligo, Waterford, Wexford and more. You can save money on tickets by purchasing them online more than 7 days in advance of your journey.
There is an electric rail system called DART in Dublin that offers a quick and easy way to get around the city, operating every 10 minutes. You can calculate the fares and see the area it covers here.
Buses
There are plenty of bus routes that operate in Ireland, connecting villages with towns and cities. Board the bus through the front entrance and pay the driver for your ticket by cash or card. Depending on the bus, you will need to either exit by the front entrance again, or by a side entrance.
Taxis
Taxi fares vary wildly depending on where you are and the time of day or week it is, and in general are reasonably expensive. The majority of taxis will take card as well as cash, but always check with them before you set off. The easiest way to take a taxi is to either walk to a taxi rank, or contact a taxi company directly by app, online, or by phone. Uber is a popular option.
Luggage storage
Dublin Airport has numerous left luggage counters, in T1 Departures and Arrivals open from 5am-9pm, and in T2 Departures open from 6am-1:30pm. For current prices, check left-baggage.co.uk.
Other useful luggage storage solutions in Ireland include Vertoe, Stasher, Nannybag, Luggage Hero, and Radical Storage, who all offer different locations and pricing options.
Further practical information for travelling in Ireland
What language is mainly spoken in Ireland?
Irish (Gaeilge) is the official language of Ireland, but the main language spoken is English.
What is the main currency of Ireland?
The currency of Ireland is the Euro (€).
What is the emergency number in Ireland?
If you need emergency services in Ireland, you can dial 999 and ask for an ambulance, the fire service, or the police. In a non-emergency, you can call 101 to report a crime.
What kind of plug adapter do I need in Ireland?
You will need a Type G system adapter for plugs in Ireland. Ireland operates on a 230V supply voltage & 50Hz.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Ireland?
Yes, the tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Ireland.
Are public toilets free in Ireland?
Generally, public toilets are free to use in Ireland, but can sometimes cost a small amount. It’s worth carrying around a little pocket change just in case.
Is there free public wi-fi in Ireland?
There are lots of free wi-fi spots in Ireland. Look for it in places like stations, museums, parks, cafes and other public locations.
Is tipping expected in Ireland?
Tipping isn’t expected in Ireland, but if you feel you’ve had an exceptional service, a usual tip is around 10% of the total bill.
What is the drinking age in Ireland?
The legal drinking age is 18 in Ireland, although 16 and 17 year olds can drink beer, wine or cider with a meal at a restaurant or pub if accompanied and bought by an adult.
Are there are venomous or dangerous animals in Ireland?
There are no animals of concern in Ireland, but always research the area you’re travelling to, to see if there’s anything there that might pose a threat to you.
Updated 14/06/2024
Looking to book a hotel in the Republic of Ireland? Use Booking.com to browse hundreds of hotels in the area you want to stay, using filters like price range, star rating, facilities and much more to find your ideal room. By signing up to their free loyalty program, the more you travel, the more you save, with exclusive discounts, free breakfasts, free room upgrades and more.
Alternatively, Expedia and Hotels.com also offer hotels comparisons, with handy apps which offer exclusive discounts on thousands of hotels, and other rewards when you book.
Check out where else I’ve travelled in the British Isles!