Just a short hop across the Irish Sea from the UK, Dublin is a favorite destination for many people around the world, including lawyers and legal professionals who are looking to take a break from the grind.
Whether you’re interested in soaking up some history at Trinity College or the world-famous Guinness Storehouse, or you just want to enjoy some great food and drinks, the capital of the Republic of Ireland has something for everyone.
But what exactly do you need to travel to Dublin, Ireland? Read on to find out!
What Requirements Do You Need to Travel to Ireland?
It’s always a good idea to check about what you might need to bring with you before you travel anywhere abroad, as it could end up saving you a lot of time, effort, and money. Here’s some additional information about traveling to Ireland that you might want to consider before booking your flight to Dublin.
Should U.S. Citizens Apply for a Visa?
Thankfully, Ireland is a visa-free destination for U.S. citizens. This is because the United States belongs to several countries with a visa waiver program. As a U.S. citizen, you can stay in Ireland for up to 90 days by presenting only your U.S. passport.
However, the Immigration Officer you’ll present your passport to will be the one to decide if it’s possible for you to enter Ireland based on your intentions for visiting the country. While it’s few and far between, there have been some cases where U.S. citizens were declined to enter Ireland. Some of the reasons for this include having an unclear purpose of the visit, having an obvious illness, and having the intention to travel to Great Britain or Northern Ireland when they’re not supposed to.
Can U.S. Green Card Holders Enter Ireland?
Green card holders from the U.S. can still enter Ireland if they have their required documents ready. However, unlike American citizens, green card holders do need to apply for an Irish visa.
Required Documents to Travel to Ireland
- Valid Passport
Though there’s no minimum passport validity for Americans, it’s still important to consider the length of your stay in Ireland. If you’re planning to travel around the United Kingdom or across other European countries during your visit overseas, it’s important to keep your passport’s expiration in mind.
- Boarding Pass
It’s a good idea to keep your boarding pass or plane ticket inside your passport, as you’ll need to show this to Immigration Officers.
- Itinerary or Travel Plans
While not necessarily required, having a printed copy of your itinerary on hand will not only make your trip run smoother, but it’ll also give you a way to prove your intentions for visiting Ireland in case the Immigration Officer has any questions about your trip.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds
If you need to apply for an Irish Visa, you’ll need a bank statement or two in order to prove that you have enough funds for your stay in Ireland. On the other hand, if you’re a U.S. citizen who’s visiting for less than 90 days, you won’t need these documents.
- Proof of Health Insurance
No matter what your health insurance is like in the States, it’s always a good idea to purchase travel insurance just in case. This additional insurance should cover the length of your stay in Ireland. Having your health insurance documents on hand during your time abroad could wind up coming in handy.
- Accommodations
Similar to traveling with a copy of your itinerary, having a copy of your accommodations on hand, such as a printout of your hotel reservations, can serve as proof in case an Immigration Officer has questions about your stay.
- Other Documents
It’s also important to keep with you any invitations or letters that could help explain why you’re visiting Ireland.
- Entry Visa, if Necessary
And of course, if you do need an entry visa, you’ll want to make sure you have this document with you when you travel to this beautiful destination.
As of December 2022, you no longer need a Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination when traveling to Ireland. Also, you don’t need a Covid-19 Passenger Locator Form anymore, either.
Still, if you experience Covid-19 symptoms when it’s time to travel, it’s important to take a test and isolate yourself until your symptoms subside and you test negative for the virus.
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Travel Checklist: What Do You Need to Travel to Dublin, Ireland?
Here are some travel tips to help you pack wisely so you can make the most out of your Dublin, Ireland trip:
1. Face Coverings
In today’s world, it’s always best to bring an extra mask or two on trips, especially if you plan to do any traveling via public transportation. Plus, you might also be required to use face coverings in some areas, especially inside hospitals or healthcare facilities.
2. Travel Documents
For safety, it’s wise to always keep a copy of your passport with you when traveling abroad. Of course, it’s probably best to keep your actual passport safely tucked away in your hotel room or rental, but bringing a photocopy of it with you on excursions could come in handy. Your tourist visa or any required visa should also have copies that are kept on your person.
3. Credit Cards and Money
In Ireland, it’s best to bring and plan to use a Visa or Mastercard, and to not plan on using an American Express very much. Also, it might be useful to know that traveler’s cheques are not usually accepted and banks in Ireland typically won’t exchange them.
Of course, it would be wise to always have spare cash with you, just in case. There are still plenty of instances in Ireland where a store will only accept cash payments. Plus, you should note that the currency of the country of Ireland is the euro (€), but Northern Ireland’s currency is the pound sterling (£).
4. Adapters
We recommend that you always bring a handy travel adapter for electric outlets whenever traveling to another country. Ireland’s plugs have the same three-pronged design as outlets in the UK, and they use 230V.
5. The Right Clothes
The Irish weather is known to be a bit unpredictable, so you might thank yourself later if you choose to pack for any and all types of weather. In Ireland, you might wake up to a warm and sunny morning, then the next thing you know you’re freezing by the afternoon. It’s always better to be prepared!
Additionally, you’ll want to always bring a waterproof jacket with a hoodie during your day trips in case you encounter some surprise rain. You can also dress up in layers, just to be sure you stay comfortable no matter how the temperature fluctuates during your vacation.
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What Can Visitors Expect When Traveling to Dublin, Ireland?
There’s so much to do and see in Dublin that you might want to take a second look at your travel plans to make sure you’ve included everything you want to experience while in the Land of Saints and Scholars.
To start, there’s Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison that was once home to many famous Irish revolutionaries who were imprisoned and executed there. Within the Dublin City Centre, you can find gems like Trinity College and it’s breathtaking library, Dublin Castle, and the National Museum of Ireland, to name a few.
Of course, make sure you don’t miss out on the local pubs! We recommend checking out the Long Hall, one of Ireland’s longest-operating pubs in Dublin. Surprisingly, this pub has retained most of its original interior since its opening in 1766.
For food in Dublin, try checking out Admiral Restaurant. This hotspot may be hidden behind what looks like an old fishing boat and fake windows framing marine life aquariums, but its extraordinary cuisine pays homage to authentic dishes from all over Europe, without sacrificing quality or creativity.
Dublin is also a great destination for lawyers who would like to complete their continuing legal education requirements while on vacation! With a Destination CLEs trip to Dublin, you’ll get to learn about international law, taxation, Irish criminal courts, and so much more while also networking with other legal professionals.
This trip has already sold out, but you can still get on the waitlist in case a spot opens up for you.
For more information, check out our free downloadable brochure.
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Conclusion
If you’re looking for an amazing international destination to explore, look no further than Dublin, Ireland! With plenty of activities and attractions to keep you busy as well as a rich culture and history to discover, this city is sure to please everyone traveling with you.
And as if that’s not enough incentive to travel to Dublin already, make sure you check out the Eduvacation℠ being offered here by Destination CLEs!
The 2023 trip to Dublin is currently sold out, but you can still join the waitlist for a chance to experience professional development in one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
Have you been to Dublin yet? If so, what was your favorite part? Tell us in the comments below!
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