Ireland
Visas and entry
British citizens can live, work and travel in Ireland freely under the Common Travel Area. There's no time limit.
Passport
British citizens don't legally need a passport to enter from the UK, but airlines and ferry companies ask for photo ID. A passport is the simplest choice.
At the border
No Entry/Exit System and no travel authorisation needed for British citizens.
Health cover
Your UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) covers state healthcare here at the same cost as a local resident. It is not travel insurance: you still need a policy for private treatment, repatriation and cancellation.
Useful to know
| Currency | Euro (€) |
|---|---|
| Plugs | Type G (same as UK), 230V |
| Drives on the | left |
| Emergency number | 112 or 999 |
| Language | English and Irish |
When to go
May to September, though the weather can change in any month.
Tip for grandparents
UK plugs, driving on the left and English everywhere make Ireland one of the easiest trips. The euro is the currency, though, not sterling.
Check your cover before you go: travel insurance in your 60s, 70s and 80s.