Ireland: The Country

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To enjoy your trip to the fullest, it helps to understand a little bit about the “lay of the land.” While Ireland and the UK are neighbors, they are entirely separate sovereign nations. Think of them like the US and Canada — neighbors with shared history, but very different rules.

The Big Distinction: Two Countries, One Island

The island of Ireland is actually divided into two different political entities:

  1. The Republic of Ireland (Where we are going!): This is an independent, sovereign country. It is not part of the United Kingdom. Its capital is Dublin, its currency is the Euro, and its head of state is a President. The Republic of Ireland is part of the European Union.
  2. Northern Ireland: This is a part of the United Kingdom (along with England, Scotland, and Wales). Its capital is Belfast, and its currency is the British Pound.

Pro Tip You need a passport (and a sort-of-visa) to travel between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Learn more in Entry Requirements

”Are we in the UK?”

No. When you are in Dublin, you are in the Republic of Ireland. Referring to the Republic as “part of the UK” or “British” is a common tourist mistake. The Irish are very proud of their independence, which was hard-won in 1922.

Important Definitions

  • The Republic of Ireland: The 26 counties that make up the independent nation.
  • Northern Ireland: The 6 counties in the north that remain part of the UK.
  • The British Isles: A purely geographical term for the group of islands (Ireland, Great Britain, etc.). Many people in Ireland dislike this term because it implies a political connection that no longer exists.
  • Great Britain: The large island to the east (containing England, Scotland, and Wales). Ireland is not part of Great Britain.

Civics 101: Life in the Republic

  • The Government: Ireland is a parliamentary democracy. The head of government is called the Taoiseach (pronounced TEE-shuck).
  • The Language: Ireland has two official languages: Irish (Gaelic) and English. While everyone speaks English, you will see Irish on all road signs and government buildings.
  • The EU: Ireland is a proud member of the European Union. However, unlike France or Italy, it is not part of the “Schengen Area.” This is why you still have to show your passport when flying in from other European countries.

The “Open” Border (With a Catch!)

There is no “hard border” (no fences or passport booths) between the Republic and Northern Ireland. You can drive, bus, or train across without being stopped.

However, for our US guests: Because you are technically entering a different country (the UK), you are legally required to have your Passport on you and a valid UK ETA (the digital travel authorization we mentioned on the Important Dates page). Learn more in Entry Requirements

  • The Rule: Just because there isn’t a police officer standing there doesn’t mean the rules don’t apply.
  • The Sign: The only way you’ll know you’ve crossed the border is that the road signs change from Kilometers (km/h) to Miles (mph).

Pro Tip If you are going from the Republic of Ireland to any other country (England, Wales, Scotland, etc.) you will definitely encounter passport control checks at the border.