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Mini-Guide To Ireland

The third largest island in Europe, the Emerald Isle, as it is sometimes known, is renowned for its beautiful countryside, colourful history and its national drink. Ideal for if you want to enjoy nature or explore the nightlife, Ireland has enough big cities and small towns to satisfy everyone.

Or view the list of airports in Ireland.

Travelling in the Republic of Ireland can be done relatively easily. Cars can be hired, although Ireland does not accept third party collision damage insurance coverage on rented cars. Some of the motorways have toll sections, however the tolls are relatively low. Most of the major roads are very well maintained, however some of the lesser roads are not very well signposted. Domestic flights are also run out of Dublin, Donegal and Cork, amongst others, and Ryanair operates flights between Dublin and Cork which rival the rail service. There is currently a modernisation of the rail service in progress, introducing many new train lines – at present most services run to and from Dublin. Tickets can be bought online and at the station, with more discount offers available at the station, such as family rates. Citizens of the UK and Northern Ireland do not require passports to cross the border between Northern Ireland, and as such there are no passport controls at land border crossing points, to the point where the border is often not even signposted, making it difficult to tell when you have crossed. Occasionally random checkpoints are set up, but tourists can usually pass through easily. When you arrive in an Irish airport from the UK, you are required to show a photo ID to prove you are an Irish or British citizen. Dublin has a two-line tram system which operates from the city centre, tickets for which can be bought from machines before boarding. There is also a citywide bus service, along with various bus routes and services which can take you across the country. English is spoken everywhere, although Irish is the first official language, and most road signs are printed in both languages. The national currency is the Euro, and cash machines are widely available, as well as cards being accepted throughout most of the country.