Ireland, fondly called The Emerald Isle, an island in north-western Europe with a population of over 6 million. This country has a rich history which can be seen all over Ireland. Not to be missed when visiting Europe. 

Get in: 

Citizens of EU and EEA countries, most of North and South America, Japan, Israel, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa to visit Ireland. Citizens from other countries should best check with the Irish Embassy with regards to visas. Because of an informal agreement between the United Kingdom and Ireland, known as The Common Travel Area, there are no passport controls in effect for UK citizens travelling to Ireland. On arriving in Ireland from the UK, however, you may be asked for valid official photo-identification such as a passport or driving licence which shows your nationality. This is to prove you are an Irish or UK citizen who is entitled to avail of the Common Travel Area arrangements.

Dublin, Shannon in County Clare, Cork and Ireland West, Knock in County Mayo have the four international airports with flights coming in from all over the world. There are also several smaller airports usually for domestic flights.

By train, the only cross-border train is the Enterprise service jointly run by Irish Rail and Northern Ireland Railways from Belfast Central to Dublin Connolly.

Cross border services are operated by Ulsterbus and Bus Éireann while Eurolines operate services to Great Britain and beyond in conjunction with Bus Eireann and National Express.

When getting in by boat, Ireland is served by several companies offering ferries to and from Great Britain and France.  

Get around: 

Car rentals are available in Ireland at the airport and downtown. Best to get one outside of the airport and save some money.

If you're taking a cab, try calling in advance. You can usually find one easily in Dublin but when you're in smaller towns, it gets a bit harder.

Biking is a great way to get around and enjoy the scenery.

Other ways to get around are by boat, tram, train and bus. The buses by the way are great.  

See: 

• OPW Heritage Card
• Blarney Castle
• Cliffs of Moher
• Ring of Kerry and Skellig Michael
• West Cork

• Biking
• Hiking
• Sightseeing
• Tours
• Eat

Other European destinations are nearby and are easily accessible.