Travel Vaccines and Advice for Ireland
With its rolling green hills, Ireland is a country loved for its natural beauty and history. Its capital city, Dublin, was founded as a Viking settlement and is now a popular city famous for its universities and pubs. From charming countryside bed-and-breakfasts to ancient castles, Ireland offers gorgeous sites and fascinating new things.
Do I Need Vaccines for Ireland?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Ireland. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Ireland: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Ireland |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Ireland |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health Travel Vaccines for Ireland
“We were greeted warmly. We learned a lot about traveling to Ireland and were provided with all the information we need to have a safe and comfortable trip.”
“Very thorough, helpful and nice. Had everything we needed and all of the most current information for travel to our country of destination – Ireland.”
“This was my first time to a Passport Health location and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. After leaving the appointment I felt educated, knowleadgable, and prepared for our trip to Ireland. The atmosphere was comfortable and the man who ran our appointment was friendly, helpful, and able to easily explain what was needed for our trip.”
“The nurse that met with me was very friendly, knowledgeable, and had a sense of humor. She was interested in my trip, helped with immunization choices, and provided more indepth information on Ireland.”
Do I Need a Visa for Ireland?
No, travelers do not need a visa when traveling to Ireland for tourism for a period of three months or less. You should have a passport that is valid throughout the entire period of your intended trip.
Ireland Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Ireland? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Ireland and U.S. State Department
For more information contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What is the Climate Like in Ireland?
Ireland is famous for its rainy weather. While rain is most likely to occur during the winter months, weather can change quickly. Most rainstorms disappear as quickly as they arrive. This keeps the rain from disrupting most people’s plans.
The weather in Ireland tends to be fairly identical across the entire island. Because of Ireland’s position and the currents that warm its waters, it tends to have mild weather. The temperatures in the summer months are in the high-60’s. During the winter, temperatures are in the 40’s. The temperature rarely falls below freezing, and heavy snowfall is rare on the island.
Because of Ireland’s latitude, the sunset and sunrise times change greatly. Sunset in the summer can be well after 11 PM, while in the winter the sun may set as early as 4:30 PM.
How Safe is Ireland?
Ireland is a safe country for tourists in general. The country has a low rate of violent crime, but some petty crime is common. Pickpocketing is possible, so you should always keep an eye on your belongings. ATM crime may be a concern; always protect your PIN and check ATMs for signs of tampering.
Rental cars have also been targets for crime in recent years. These cars are distinguishable by stickers often placed in the rear windows. You should remove the sticker if possible, and always keep your rental car locked.
Kissing the Blarney Stone
Blarney Castle is a medieval castle built before the year 1200 located in County Cork. The castle was involved in a few different wars and sieges over the centuries. It has been rebuilt three separate times, the last time in 1446.
The castle is one of Ireland’s best-known and most popular tourist destinations. This is partially because of the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone. This stone has many legends to describe its origin. Some say it was the stone struck by Moses in the Bible that began to gush water. But, it is known for its mythical ability to give “the gift of gab”—or eloquence—to those who kiss it. Visitors from all over the world and of all walks of life come to Ireland to kiss the Blarney Stone.
What Should I Pack for Ireland?
To make the best of your Ireland trip, remember to bring all the essentials.
- Layers – Weather can change quickly in Ireland. Be sure to bring a variety of clothing that can cover many different circumstances.
- Rain Gear – Although the rain in Ireland does dissipate quickly, it’s always best to be ready in case you get caught in a downpour.
- Comfortable Shoes – Whether you are hiking through some of Ireland’s stunning nature or climbing its old castles, supportive shoes are a must.
U.S. Embassy in Ireland
The U.S. embassy to Ireland is located in the capital city of Dublin.
U.S. Embassy Dublin
42 Elgin Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Phone: +353 1 668-8777
Consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program before your trip to stay up-to-date on all important travel notifications in the country.
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Ireland?
Do I Need a Visa for Ireland?
What is the Climate Like in Ireland?
How Safe is Ireland?
Kissing the Blarney Stone
What Should I Pack for Ireland?
U.S. Embassy in Ireland
