The lure of Ireland lies in its landscapes and its people, and it is through involvement with both that visitors get to experience the soul of this ancient land of saints and scholars.

Ireland's hills are a walker's paradise, not only because of the extensive network of trails, but because by being on foot one gets to appreciate the lakes and rivers, the coastal views and ever-changing sky-scapes that are so much part of the Irish landscape. Watersports such as angling, sailing and surfing are popular too, and many visitors come for the golf, but the real passion of the Irish is horses - there is a potential Derby winner in every valley and a packed betting shop in every high street.

The Irish weather is not the most predictable in the world, but then much of the beauty of the Irish landscape is due to its climate and there has to be a price tag on being nicknamed the 'Emerald Isle'. Poor weather has had positive influences on the Irish way of life. Music and song plays an integral part in daily life and visitors are able to experience this in the many pubs so characteristic of the social landscape of Ireland.

Over the years, Ireland has survived invasions, famine and civil war, but has recently come into its own, benefiting from peace in the North, support from the EU and a new vitality which has caused the country to be dubbed the 'Celtic Tiger'. There has never been a better time to visit.

Ireland has a temperate climate and is cold and damp much of the year. Summer (May to September) is the warmest and driest season and is the best time to visit, though attractions can get crowded in July and August. Winter is characterised by short, wet, foggy days and long night, but the temperature rarely gets below freezing due to the tempering Gulf Stream winds that buffet the west coast of Ireland. Some attractions are only open in summer.

English, Irish (Gaelic) is spoken in some Western areas.

GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR). Currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change and ATMs are widely available. Credit and debit cards, as well as travellers cheques, are widely accepted.

All foreign passengers to Ireland must be able to show proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the county. Additionally, passengers should hold return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, as immigration officers might demand that they demonstrate proof of their intention to leave Ireland. If the traveller's passport bears a British inadmissable stamp, unless the immigration officer is convinced that they will NOT travel on to the United Kingdom, entry may be refused to Ireland. Note that all visitors need to contact the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), if their stay in Ireland exceeds their visa-free period, or their stay is longer than the period for which their visa is valid. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

United Kingdom

British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Ireland. Passport exemptions apply to holders of proof of nationality issued to nationals of Ireland and British subjects, for travel between Ireland and Great Britain and Northern Ireland only. No visa is required for holders of British passports endorsed British Citizen, British National (Overseas) or British Overseas Territories Citizen.

British Embassy, Dublin: +353 (0)1 205 3700.

United States

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Ireland. No visa is required.

United States Embassy, Dublin: +353 (0)1 630 6200.

Canada

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Ireland. No visa is required.

Canadian Embassy, Dublin: +353 (0)1 234 4000.

South Africa

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Ireland. No visa is required.

South African Embassy, Dublin: +353 (0)1 661 5553.

New Zealand

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Ireland. No visa is required.

New Zealand High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7930 8422.

Australia

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Ireland. No visa is required.

Australian Embassy, Dublin: +353 (0)1 664 5300.

There are no special health requirements for visitors to Ireland. Health insurance is advisable unless from the UK or other EU countries, most of which have reciprocal agreements with Ireland. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should be obtained before departing for travel to Ireland. Medical facilities are good, and payment for treatment is usually required in cash.

Most visitors to Ireland enjoy a fairly high level of personal safety. However, travellers should take sensible precautions against petty theft. Terrorism is no more a threat than in other Western countries.

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin and round three-pin plugs are in use.

The Irish are very sociable and although the usual elements of business etiquette apply (punctuality, formal wear, a courteous manner), expect good conversation and a rather relaxed air. Handshakes are customary on introduction, and take the lead from the host with regards to using first names or surnames. Business hours are usually from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, with a lunch break from 1pm to 2pm.

The international access code for Ireland is +353 (do not dial the first zero of the area code). The outgoing code is 00, or 048 for Northern Ireland, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. 1 for Dublin. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main tourist areas.

Travellers over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, 250g tobacco or a proportional mix of these; 1 litre spirits with more than 22% alcohol volume, or 2 litres dessert wine with a maximum 22% alcohol content, or a proportional mix of these products, and 2 litres table wine; perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods for personal consumption to the value of EUR175 per adult or EUR90 for children under 15 years. Prohibited items include meat or dairy products or raw vegetables.