Travel to Ireland: Helpful Information for Your Next Adventure

If you’re planning a hiking adventure in Ireland, it’s important to have all the necessary information to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. From choosing the best mode of transportation to understanding the necessary travel documents, this guide will cover all you need to know before your trip to Ireland.

Travel to Ireland by Plane

When traveling to Ireland by plane, there are three main airports to choose from: Dublin, Belfast City Airport, and Belfast Airport. Aer Lingus is the main national airline in Ireland, but Ryan Air and Aer Arann Islands also offer flights and often have promotional airfares. It’s worth keeping an eye on their websites to find the best deal that suits your needs. Additionally, TUI Airways is another airline that offers flights to Ireland.

Before booking your flights, it’s essential to consider which airport is most convenient for you. This will make the journey to your first accommodation much easier and cheaper.

Travel to Ireland by Ferry or Boat

If you prefer to travel to Ireland by ferry or boat, there are several companies to choose from, including Irish Ferries, Stenaline, A Ferries, P&O Ferries, and Direct Ferries. Ferries depart from several British ports, such as Holyhead, Fishguard, Fleetwood, Stranraer, and Le Havre and Cherbourg in France to Dublin Port, Dun Laoghaire, Rosslare, and Cork.

If you plan on bringing your own car, you’ll need your motor registration book, a Green Card or insurance certificate, and a driving license. It’s important to note that an Irish resident must not drive your car except by a garage hand.

Public Transport in Ireland

In the last 20 years, public transport in Ireland has significantly improved, and so have the websites where you can find the best bus or train routes to your destination. For your walking holiday in the Republic of Ireland, an excellent website to consult is http://www.journeyplanner.transportforireland.ie/. Meanwhile, the website http://www.translink.co.uk covers all public transport options for Northern Ireland.

If you’re not sure about the best travel solution for your journey or if the websites don’t answer your query, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’d be delighted to verify any options you are considering.

Travel Documents Required for Ireland

Before traveling to Ireland, it’s important to understand what travel documents are necessary.

Passports To enter the Republic or Northern Ireland, you need a valid passport. Although e-passports are now commonly used, they are not a necessity to enter Ireland. UK citizens don’t require a passport to enter Ireland, but carriers by air or sea will need some form of identification with a photograph (usually a passport or driving license with a photo).

EU citizens must have a passport or national identity card, while citizens of other countries must have a valid passport. It’s essential to check what form of ID is required with your airline, ferry company, or travel agent before traveling.

Visas Citizens of the EEA member states and many other countries, including the USA, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, do not require visas to enter the Republic or Northern Ireland. However, citizens of all other countries should contact their local Irish Embassy or Consulate before traveling to Ireland.

Visitors to Northern Ireland should contact their local British Embassy, High Commission, or Consular Office. You can find the full list of countries whose citizens do NOT require a visa on this website: https://www.dfa.ie/travel/visas/visas-for-ireland/. You can also find Irish visa information on the Department of Foreign Affairs website and citizens information website.

Irish Embassies and Visa Contacts

If you need to contact an Irish Embassy, a full list is available on the Department of Foreign Affairs website, and you can reach them at +353 1 478 0822. For visitors to Northern Ireland, you can contact your local British Embassy, High Commission, or Consular Office, and you can find details on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website or by calling +44 207 008 1500.

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, it’s crucial to ensure that you have all the necessary information about travel documents and modes of transportation. By keeping this guide in mind, you can make the most out of your hiking adventure in Ireland, with no hassle or worry.