Currently, Ireland has just extended its lockdown until May 5, 2020. This extension aims to better contain the epidemic wave. However, many questions remain unanswered: when will it be safe to consider traveling to Ireland again? Should upcoming trips already be canceled?

Here, we share our initial insights—of course, to be taken with caution.

Traveling to Ireland: Is an End to the Crisis Near?

Many Unknowns for Now… But Summer Could Be More Promising

At the time of writing, Ireland is running at a slow pace. The island has nearly 10,000 confirmed cases and over 330 deaths, all due to the new coronavirus. The current situation has completely frozen tourism activities: flights to Ireland have almost stopped, ferries as well. Tourist sites are closed, many festivals canceled, and accommodations are largely empty.

This raises a recurring question: when will Europeans be able to travel to Ireland again?

Many experts are starting to mention this summer (but keep in mind this remains a hypothesis and depends on how the pandemic evolves in the coming weeks in Ireland and across Europe). Firstly, because the lockdown is expected to last until the end of May, and it will take some time to redefine travel rules within Europe and reopen borders.

We therefore advise against planning a trip to Ireland before mid-July or August. Stay vigilant and, if possible, take out cancellation insurance to minimize losses should the situation suddenly change.

Travel might be possible around those dates, but it will likely be necessary to follow safety measures even once there… You may need to maintain social distancing, wear masks, and stay cautious. However, it’s still difficult to be precise or guarantee that everything will proceed smoothly.

Let’s stay positive: Ireland and the rest of Europe have shown encouraging signs in recent days, indicating that the current lockdown is reducing the virus’s impact on the population. With the lockdown extended until May 5, Ireland is ensuring sustainable protection for its people. The government has pledged to work on a gradual return to normal life, prioritizing everyone’s safety—including that of foreign travelers.

It’s still a bit early to schedule a trip to Ireland… But let’s keep our fingers crossed: summer might bring a different outlook!