It’s rather unfortunate, but it can happen: with the Irish weather, no one is immune to catching a heavy cold during a trip! Sore throat, runny nose… The panoply of symptoms can quickly poison your stay, and leave you completely knocked out! But don’t panic: in Ireland, it’s pretty easy to get medical care thanks to the many pharmacies located all over the country!
Need throat lozenges, nasal spray or fever medication? Find out where to get them, and more importantly… how to ask for them!
If you’re European, American or Australian, you won’t feel out of place: Ireland, like Northern Ireland, has countless pharmacies, in big cities and small villages alike.
Some are even open late into the night for emergencies.
Note that some supermarkets sell a few health products over the counter (such as bandages, disinfectant, etc.), but these are not regulated or prescription drugs.
For this, you’ll need to go to a traditional pharmacy.
And finding them couldn’t be easier! Grab your smartphone, go to Google Map and type in “Pharmacy” nearby. The application will list the nearest establishments, with their opening times.
The app will even give you directions on how to get there (whether on foot or by car!).
It’s as simple as that, isn’t it?
For the common cold, the medicines available in pharmacies are generally identical to those in Europe and the United States. But the easiest way is to trust your pharmacist.
There’s still one big problem: making yourself understood when you’re not at ease with English can be a real challenge!
But don’t panic, there are solutions!
For starters, don’t forget to download a translation app onto your smartphone. Google Translate or Deepl will do the job for you, allowing you to write out your request in advance and present it to the pharmacist.
If, however, you would like to try your hand at Shakespeare’s language, here are a few basics you should know:
Above all, don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist for advice: he or she will be able to guide you according to your symptoms.
Last but not least, the pharmacy is the place to go for supplementary treatment for a minor cold. If your illness is more severe, don’t hesitate to consult a general practitioner.
Ask your pharmacist which practitioners are available in your area… or go to the hospital for an emergency consultation.
