Ireland
About Ireland
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Language | Irish and English |
| Capital | Dublin |
Ireland is an island, west of Great Britain and northwest of continental Europe. In 1921, Ireland began to demand its independence from Great Britain, leading to partitioning of the island. The Republic of Ireland shares the island with Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom. The Republic of Ireland encompasses about four-fifths of the island, and the population is about 4.5 million people.
The government of the Republic of Ireland is a parliamentary democracy with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government.
In the 19th century with the Great Famine, Ireland endured a mass emigration that continued until the 1980s. During the 1990s, however, that trend reversed, and Ireland experienced one of the most vibrant economies worldwide – the “Celtic Tiger” period. With the 2008 global economic crisis, Ireland is now experiencing recession and the return of high unemployment.
Recommended Vaccinations For Ireland
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Although there is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, the vaccination is still recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
Although the there is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, the vaccination is still recommended.
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Rabies Vaccine
**The rabies vaccination is recommended for those travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats.**
Recommended Medications For Ireland
There are no recommendations for Ireland at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Ireland
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a low risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Ireland through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B
There is a low risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Ireland.
For Some Travellers
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Measles
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Rabies
**Rabies has not been reported in Ireland and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.**
Safety & Security in Ireland
Personal Safety
Most travellers to Ireland do not experience any safety or security risks as the country is generally safe. However, petty crime can occur in major cities and other tourist areas. Travellers should secure their valuables and travel documents, especially passports. Car theft in Dublin can also occur, with rental cars being the most commonly targeted vehicles. Credit card scams are becoming more common. Violent crime in Ireland is rare but can occur in major cities.
Road conditions are generally good however rural roads may be narrow and winding. Drive on the left hand side of the road.
Same-sex sexual activity and marriage are both legal in Ireland and discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited.
Extreme Violence
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.
Political Unrest
Travellers are advised to avoid strikes, demonstrations, or large gatherings since these situations can escalate unexpectedly.
