Ireland is truly one of the great sightseeing destinations. The local people are wholehearted in their welcome, there is an abundance of charming natural landscapes and historical sights, and the Guinness really tastes better here at the source. The country also has a wider significance for many American visitors whose ancestors came from these shores in great numbers.

Although there are must-see attractions like Blarney Castle, Trinity College and the soaring cliffs of Moher, the real magic of Ireland lies in the unexpected encounters with the local people and unplanned evenings in country pubs where impromptu gigs can set your soul alight.

Winter is not the best time to visit as it is cold and rainy so plan your trip for the summer months between April and September when Ireland is at its best. The ideal way to get around is by rented car (although petrol prices are among the highest in the world), and by bicycle which you can use to explore the photogenic country lanes.

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.

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.

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.

Smoking in pubs, cafes and restaurants is illegal. Visitors should refrain from forcing discussions of political and religious differences, and show respect if the topics are brought up.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

A 10% tip will be welcomed in restaurants and cafes, but tipping is not usual in bars and pubs. Tipping is not common for other services.