The first measures were put in place yesterday: Ireland is on lockdown until at least March 29, closing schools, canceling events and public gatherings, and shutting down local tourist sites. These measures will deeply impact tourism and raise an important question: should travelers keep or cancel their planned trips in March, April, and May? Should you cancel or confirm your trip to Ireland?

Traveling to Ireland Despite COVID-19

A Matter of Choice and Risk Assessment

Leo Varadkar, the Irish Prime Minister, and French President Emmanuel Macron have been clear: although air and ferry travel are still allowed, everyone is advised to stay home and limit travel and movement as much as possible.

Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to make an informed decision.

However, before deciding, it’s important to consider several facts:

Traveling carries the risk of spreading or catching the coronavirus

Even if you feel perfectly healthy, there’s no guarantee you aren’t an asymptomatic carrier of COVID-19. This means you could unknowingly transmit the virus on the plane, ferry, or within Ireland to locals and other tourists. Minimizing this risk is crucial to protect everyone from the coronavirus.

Additionally, by traveling, you expose yourself to the risk of contracting the virus, which can be dangerous for you and those around you.

On-site, you’ll experience a slowed-down Ireland

If you decide to go ahead with your trip to Ireland, expect a very different experience than usual.

Ireland is currently operating at a reduced pace: tourist sites are closed, many businesses have shifted to remote work, and locals are avoiding unnecessary travel, opting for confinement.

This situation means your visit will be very different from what you might expect. Furthermore, all St. Patrick’s Day celebrations have been canceled, so the country will be far less festive than in previous years.

To Go or Not to Go?

Choose Responsible and Reasonable Options

It’s hard to give a definitive answer during these uncertain health times. But one thing is clear: no law currently prohibits your trip to Ireland. You are free to decide based on your own comfort level with traveling.

We do, however, urge you to act with civic responsibility: opt for reasonable choices, even if that means postponing your trip. Rescheduling for a few months later will allow you to enjoy a much more relaxed and safe travel experience!