English (official) is the language generally used, Irish (official) (Gaelic or Gaeilge) spoken mainly in areas located along the western seaboard

Roman Catholic 88.4%, Church of Ireland 3%, other Christian 1.6%, other 1.5%, unspecified 1%, none 3.5%.

Ireland is a highly developed democracy with a modern economy.

Irish Defense Forces (Oglaigh na h-Eireann): Army (includes Naval Service and Air Corps)

A passport is necessary, but a visa is not required for tourist or business stays of up to three months.  Visit the Embassy of Ireland web site for the most current visa information, or contact the Embassy at 2234 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC  20008, tel: 1-202-462-3939, or the nearest Irish consulate in Boston, Chicago, New York or San Francisco.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website.  For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information Sheet.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Ireland.

Airports:  36, Airports w/paved runways:  15

Dublin Airport (DUB/EIDW)
Dublin Airport, Ireland, Aer Rianta, Dublin, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Tel: +353 (0)1 814 1111, +353 (0)1 814 4092
Fax: +353 (0)1 814 4364
Website:  www.aer-rianta.ie
Customs, hours: 24 hours
Tel: +353 (0)1 808 0400

Ireland remains largely free of terrorist incidents. There have been spates of violence in Northern Ireland associated with paramilitary organizations.  These incidents have the potential for some spillover into Ireland. Several Americans have reported incidents of verbal abuse and one reported a physical assault apparently in reaction to U.S. policy on the war on terrorism. Americans are advised to avoid public demonstrations in general and to monitor local media when protests occur. Although Ireland has historically had a low rate of violent crime, it is increasing, and there have been a limited number of incidents in which foreigners and tourists have been victims of assault, including instances of violence toward those who appear to be members of racial minority groups.

Infant MR total:  5.5 deaths/ 1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:  TOTAL 77.36  (male 74.74/ female 80.15)

Required:  None

Recommended:  Hep A & B
Boosters:  MMR, DPT, poliovirus

In 2004-2005 there has been a marked increase in reported cases of mumps in the United Kingdom. As of mid-December 2006, the number of reported mumps cases in the United Kingdom had declined compared with the same period in 2005.

Modern medical facilities and highly skilled medical practitioners are available in Ireland. Because of high demand, however, access to medical specialists can be difficult and admissions to hospitals for certain non-life threatening medical conditions may require spending significant periods of time on waiting lists. Those traveling to or intending to reside in Ireland who may require medical treatment while in Ireland should consult with their personal physicians prior to traveling.

Variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob (in animals bovine spongiform encephalopathy/mad-cow disease) cases have been reported primarily from the United Kingdom. Also, see “Infectious Disease Concerns”.

Country Calling Code:  +353

Internet Country Code:  .ie