What You Need to Know Before You Go

Health & Safety in Ireland

Ireland is a very safe destination for travelers, with low levels of violent crime. However, as in any popular tourist destination, petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur, particularly in busy areas, like Dublin’s Temple Bar, public transportation hubs, and tourist attractions.

For security reasons, you should always keep a sharp eye on your valuables, avoid displaying expensive items, and be mindful of your surroundings, particularly when withdrawing money from ATMs.

Ireland does not come with any novel or significant disease risk for travelers. However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) always recommends being up-to-date on routine vaccinations before international travel, including measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), tetanus, influenza, and hepatitis A and B.

For travel tips and the most up-to-date information on Ireland health and safety, you should always consult the U.S. Department of State’s country information page and the CDC’s country-specific guidance for U.S. travelers before your trip abroad, just in case.

Ireland is very popular with travelers, due in part to its extraordinary natural beauty, which includes rugged coastlines, rolling green hills, and scenic hiking trails. While there are no serious wildlife concerns, travelers should always be cautious when exploring Ireland’s landscapes.

Take special care on Ireland’s coastal cliffs and paths, which are unstable and can be hazardous if you’re too close to the edge. When hiking in coastal areas, strong winds and rapid changes in weather mean you need to be prepared for all weather conditions, even if things look favorable when you set out. Ireland’s waters can also be unpredictable — swimmers and surfers should check local conditions and only enter the water at designated safe areas.

Fortunately, Ireland doesn’t typically experience any major natural disasters, like earthquakes or hurricanes. However, severe storms and flooding do occur, particularly in winter. Travelers should check weather forecasts and be cautious of flood warnings, especially in coastal and low-lying areas.

In case of emergencies, it’s always a good idea for U.S. travelers to register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) ahead of a trip to Ireland. This will enable the State Department to reach out in the event of a natural disaster or other crisis, and keep you in the loop on any health, weather, safety, and security news both before your departure and once you arrive.

If you plan to drive while in Ireland, be aware that the country drives on the left side of the road. Roads can be small and winding, and U.S. drivers may find navigating them difficult. In rural regions, high winds and heavy rain can make driving hazardous, so extra caution is advised.

If you rent a car, you may want to make sure it has automatic transmission, as most cars in Ireland are manual. If you don’t plan to drive, public transportation, including buses and trains, is generally safe and reliable.

Insurance Benefits & Coverage for a Trip to Ireland

The components of any good travel insurance policy are the same. Before you purchase travel insurance, you’ll want to make sure your plan includes each type of coverage benefit listed below. That way you’ll be covered, no matter what unforeseen circumstances might come your way in Ireland.

Redpoint has a selection of travel insurance plans that offer crucial coverage for every type of trip to Ireland, no matter your activity level or travel needs.

For adventure travelers looking to explore Ireland’s rugged green landscapes and winding coastal roads and clifftops, Ripcord is an extensive travel plan with high coverage limits and enhanced coverage.

If you’re sticking to the culture of Ireland’s great cities, like Dublin and Cork, Redpoint’s other policies provide comprehensive and tailored trip protection for a wide range of situations. Cavalry is particularly suited for urban travel and luxury experiences, while Harbor offers robust coverage for the budget-minded leisure traveler backpacking across Europe.

You can buy travel insurance for a single trip to Ireland, or purchase an annual policy for multiple trips. Check out our plan options and get a quote today.