We highly recommend that as you're planning your trip, you purchase travel health insurance for Ireland or travel insurance. Travel insurance primarily provides coverage for prepaid, non-refundable expenses in situations like emergency medical care, trip interruption, lost luggage, emergency cash transfers, rental car coverage, and flight accidents. Travel medical insurance protects against financial loss from any illness or injury that may occur while abroad. Standard benefits include coverage of trip interruption, emergency medical evacuation / repatriation, return of mortal remains, accidental death & dismemberment, as well as ancillary benefits like ID theft assistance, terrorism, and natural disaster relief. Be sure to read your plan thoroughly so you know what situations are covered.
Ireland is the westernmost island of the British Isles and contains two political entities. The Republic of Ireland covers about five-sixths of the island and had a population of about 5 million as of July 2018. Its capital is Dublin, and the country's official languages are English and Gaelic. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom; its capital is Belfast, and its population was a little more than 1.8 million in 2018. Cultural and political relations among Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and the UK have been sensitive during the past fifty years, although overt conflict is commonly considered to have ended with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
Ireland Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers — FAQs
Illnesses and injuries don’t go on vacation just because you do. If you require medical treatment while visiting Ireland, you could be stuck with a massive bill if you do not have insurance coverage. This is why it is always recommended that you purchase travel medical insurance.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Ireland?
From a legal standpoint, travel medical insurance is not required to visit Ireland. However, from a practical standpoint, travel medical insurance is essential. You can get hurt or sick anywhere, and a travel medical insurance policy is the only way you can protect your finances from unpredictable medical costs.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Ireland?
A missed step that results in a broken ankle, a bad case of food poisoning, or even a viral infection; any of these things can leave you seeking medical attention. However, when you’re outside your home country, your domestic health insurance is unlikely to be accepted or sufficient.
While you will have access to excellent healthcare in Ireland, it can be very expensive. This is where travel medical insurance steps in. You can use it to receive necessary medical care during your trip, and have the peace of mind of knowing you won’t be stuck with an unexpected bill.
Ireland Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers — FAQs
There are a lot of moving parts to an international trip. Flights, hotels, ground transportation, reservations, and tickets to attractions all must be booked ahead of time. However, what would happen to all the money you’ve spent on these bookings if you were forced to cancel your trip to Ireland? With trip cancellation insurance, you can book your Irish vacation without worry.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Ireland?
No matter how much you’re looking forward to a trip, cancellation is unavoidable sometimes. A sudden family emergency, illness, natural disaster, or public health risk could leave you sitting at home.
There’s just one problem. Remember all that money you’ve already spent on your flights, lodging, and other trip expenses? Most of the time, it is nonrefundable. If you cannot take your trip, you could still end up paying for it.
Luckily, trip cancellation insurance can prevent this scenario. If you are forced to cancel your trip due to a reason covered by the policy, you can file a claim for reimbursement of your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses.
What can be covered under trip cancellation insurance for Ireland?
In addition to trip cancellation coverage, Ireland travel insurance can offer coverage for:
- Trip interruption
- Flight delay
- Loss of baggage
- Emergency medical evacuation
- The option to cancel for any reason, with certain plans
Not all travel insurance offers the same coverage. So, be sure to read the policy documents carefully before making a purchase. This way, you’ll have a thorough understanding of the coverage and exclusions, and can purchase the best travel insurance for Ireland to suit your needs.
Things To Do for Travelers in Ireland
Dublin
Dublin, today the capital of the Republic of Ireland, was founded further back than modern historians can accurately pinpoint; archaeologists debate whether it was established in or before the 7th century A.D. The city has played home to some of the greatest literary minds of modern times, from W.B. Yeats to James Joyce to Bram Stoker to Oscar Wilde. Dublin was even named a UNESCO City of Literature in 2010. Indulge your inner book nerd with a trip to Trinity College in the heart of the city. The school's permanent exhibitions include the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript from the 9th century, as well as the 18th-century Long Room, which holds more than 200,000 books and inspired the design of the library from the Harry Potter film series.
Grafton Street features, shops, cafes, buskers, street merchants, performance artists, and more. This area of the city especially has embraced the "café culture" of Europe at large. Bewley's Oriental Café, founded in 1927, is the ideal spot to sit outside, enjoy a classic Irish breakfast, and watch the life of the city unfold. Whether you're inclined to spend the day exploring the streets and alleyways or designer shopping at Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, Grafton Street is a must-see.
Cork
Cork, the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland after Dublin, lies on the island's southern coast. Cork Harbour and the nearby coastline give the city a strong tradition of seafaring and trading. The English Market, a roofed food market, has been in business since 1788 and is the perfect spot to find homemade Artisan bread, fruit, and fresh seafood. Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain herself visited the market during her first state visit to the Republic of Ireland in 2011. Just a couple minutes' walk away lies St. Patrick Street, the main shopping center of Cork. In addition to the legendary department store Brown Thomas, the area serves as a social gathering place for the city's residents.
Galway
The medieval city of Galway sits on Ireland's western shore and is known for its arts, music, and culinary scenes. Eyre Square is a popular gathering spot for pedestrians. Also known as John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, it's a common thoroughfare between the city and a popular shopping center. St. Nicholas' Church was built in the 1300s and features gargoyles, tombs, and memorials. It's rumored that Christopher Columbus attended church there during a visit to the city in 1477. Similarly, Galway Cathedral overlooks the River Corrib and is the youngest grand stone cathedral in all of Europe, built in the late 1950s.
The Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher must be seen to be believed. Their image is plastered on every postcard, guidebook, website, and more about Ireland, but in person, they're still guaranteed to take your breath away. The Cliffs of Moher are the most visited natural attraction in Ireland. Located on the Atlantic shore of the island, they rise more than 700 feet at their highest point and feature O'Brien's Tower, a round stone tower built in 1835. The visitor center near the cliffs recorded almost 1.5 million visits in 2016 alone. Another popular pastime is the 11-mile Cliff Walk, the perfect hike to enjoy the scenic beauty of Ireland.
Irish Cuisine
Irish cuisine is a blend of Ireland's different cultures, primarily the English and the Irish, as well as the types of crops and animals cultivated in its temperate climate. Irish stew is traditionally made with lamb, mutton, or beef. Boiled bacon and cabbage is another iconic Irish meal, as are boxty (potato pancakes), coddle (skillet-fried sausage, bacon, potato, and herbs), and colcannon (mashed potatoes and kale or cabbage). A popular snack is Irish soda bread with butter and a pint of stout beer, usually Guinness.
Top Tips for Tourists visiting Ireland
Embrace the Weather
Ireland can be rainy, cool and foggy throughout the year. But this isn’t any reason to stay inside. After all, it’s Ireland’s unique climate that makes it so green and lush. Instead, pack clothes that allow you to wear layers, along with a waterproof jacket, shoes, and maybe an umbrella. By dressing in layers, you’ll be able to add and remove them as needed based on the changing temperature and your activities.
Don’t Just Stick to Dublin
While Dublin is a captivating city with a rich history, the true beauty of Ireland lies in its rich countryside. Immerse yourself in the ancient ruins, quaint villages, and incredible landscapes of this fascinating country.
Engage With the Locals
You may be a tourist, but that doesn’t mean you should stick to hotels and tourist attractions. Stop by a local pub and chat with a local. They can clue you in on the hidden treasures of their town that you’d never find in a guidebook. Embrace the Irish spirit of "céad míle fáilte," which translates to "a hundred thousand welcomes," and allow yourself to be captivated by the unique charm of this Emerald Isle.
Before You Travel to Ireland, Do This
- Pack an umbrella or raincoat. It rains as many as 225 days a year in some parts of Ireland.
- Book in advance. If you’re staying at an inn or rental in a small village, be aware that they can book up far in advance.
- Protect yourself with travel medical insurance or travel insurance.