Capital: Dublin
Population:  4.641 million
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Languages: English
Drives on the: Left
Time zone: IST (UTC +1) in summer; GMT (UTC 0) in winter

There are no health precautions or requirements to enter Ireland. Food and tap water are safe to consume. 

Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization

Overall, Ireland has a mild but mercurial oceanic climate with few extremes. In Ireland, you may indeed experience 'four seasons in one day', so pack accordingly and keep up-to-date with the latest weather forecast. No matter the weather, expect it to be a topic of conversation amongst the locals. You may notice slight differences in temperature between the north and south of the country, and more rain in the west compared with the east.

Regardless of when you visit Ireland, even in the middle of the summer, you will more than likely experience rain, so if you intend being outdoors, a waterproof coat is recommended. However, since weather can be unpredictable and to be sure you are comfortable during your trip and prepared for all types of weather possibilities, we suggest that you carry a small folding umbrella and take with you a light jacket or sweater. If you have two pairs of comfortable (broken in, not brand new) walking shoes, by all means, take both pairs. Packing to dress in layers is another way to prepare for a variety of weather conditions. Finally, remember that comfort and convenience should dictate your wardrobe for the tour, and casual clothes are in order for most every occasion as you travel.

The local currency in Ireland is the Euro, and in Northern Ireland it is the pound sterling. Credit cards are the most convenient way to pay for items you purchase as you travel. Be sure to call your credit card providers to let them know you will be traveling abroad, the places you’ll be visiting and the dates of your trip. This is important for your own protection. Your hotel will be able to exchange your cash for local currency. You may also use the ATM machines to get cash in local currency. Traveler’s checks are no longer widely accepted. If you intend to use traveler’s checks, please verify that they are accepted in the countries visited on this tour.

Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card while traveling.

Some of the most popular items sold in Ireland are Waterford Crystal, Irish Whiskey, Butler's Candies, traditional Irish music, Celtic crafts & artwork. 

230 volts. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit.

Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad.

Cameras and video recorders are permitted. Memory cards for digital cameras will be available in major cities. Bring an extra battery for your camera, as not every type of camera battery is always available as you travel.

• The Aran sweater was designed for more than just comfort. Their patterns have deep roots in Irish life, and were used to differentiate clans and identify fisherman who died at sea.  
• There is a statue commemorating an iconic scene from the movie, The Quiet Man in County Mayo.
• The national symbol is the harp.
• Blame it on the fairies! These mythical creatures are a major part of Irish folklore, and some people still claim that fairies are the reason for misfortune. 
• Ireland had their own version of the Olympics, the Tailteann Games, which actually began centuries before the first Olympics. The games disappeared in the 12th century after the Normans invaded Ireland, but experienced a brief revival in the 1920s – 1930s.