Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland occupies most of the island of Ireland. It includes 26 of the island’s 32 historic counties, while the other six form Northern Ireland, which belongs to the United Kingdom.

From the streets of Dublin to the landscapes of Connemara, from the cliffs of Clare to the peninsulas of Kerry, the country offers a remarkable diversity of cities, archaeological sites and natural areas. This page lets you explore its counties and plan a journey through Ireland’s different regions.

Republic of Ireland, Ireland or Southern Ireland?

Understanding the different names

Under the Irish Constitution, the official name of the state is Éire in Irish and Ireland in English. The term Republic of Ireland is an official description of its political system, used in particular to avoid confusion with the island as a whole.

The name “Southern Ireland” is still used in everyday language, but it is geographically and politically inaccurate. The Republic of Ireland also includes areas in the north of the island, notably the counties of Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan.

The country became independent from the United Kingdom in stages. The Irish Free State was created in 1922, the current Constitution came into force in 1937, and the Republic was officially proclaimed in 1949.

Visiting the Republic of Ireland

A country of cliffs, bogs and lively cities

The diversity of its landscapes is one of the country’s great attractions. The west coast includes the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the peninsulas of Kerry, Connemara and the uplands of Donegal. These areas are linked by the Wild Atlantic Way, a long tourist route following the ocean for around 2,500 kilometres.

The east has a different identity. Around Dublin, the Boyne Valley and the Wicklow Mountains are megalithic sites, abbeys, historic estates and several medieval towns. Brú na Bóinne, which includes Newgrange, preserves Neolithic tombs older than the pyramids of Giza.

Central Ireland reveals a gentler landscape of pastureland, bogs, rivers and large lakes. The Shannon, the longest river in Ireland and the United Kingdom, flows through part of these regions before reaching the Atlantic.

Must-see cities in the Republic of Ireland

Dublin, Cork, Galway and major urban stops

Dublin is the country’s main gateway. The capital is home to Trinity College, Dublin Castle, the Guinness Storehouse and numerous national museums. Temple Bar remains its best-known tourist district, but Stoneybatter, Smithfield, Portobello and the Docklands offer other sides of the city.

Cork, in the south, stands out for its centre built between the branches of the River Lee, its English Market and its food scene. It is an excellent base for exploring Cobh, Kinsale and the West Cork coast.

Galway is one of the main stops in western Ireland. Known for its festivals, pubs and music, it is the gateway to Connemara and the Aran Islands.

Other cities are also worth a stop, including Kilkenny for its medieval heritage, Waterford for its Viking legacy, Limerick for its castle and the banks of the Shannon, and Sligo for its links with the poet W. B. Yeats.

The 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland

Areas grouped into four historic provinces

The Republic of Ireland has 26 historic counties. They remain essential geographical and cultural reference points, even though today’s administrative organisation does not always correspond exactly to their former boundaries.

The counties are traditionally divided among four provinces. Leinster covers much of the east and includes Dublin, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Meath and Wexford. Munster occupies the south, with Cork, Kerry, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford.

Connacht extends across the west around Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon. Finally, three counties of the historic province of Ulster belong to the Republic: Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan. Ulster’s nine historic counties should therefore not be confused with Northern Ireland’s six counties.

Each county has its own landscapes, traditions and visitor sites. The list higher up on this page provides direct access to the destinations and places to discover in each of them.

A history visible throughout the country

From Neolithic tombs to monuments of independence

Irish history can be read directly in the landscape. Megalithic tombs, dolmens and stone circles bear witness to human presence going back several millennia. The monastic sites of Glendalough, Clonmacnoise and Monasterboice then recall the importance of Christian Ireland in the early Middle Ages.

Norman castles, Gaelic tower houses and grand country houses tell the story of the island’s conquests and political transformations. In Dublin, Kilmainham Gaol, the General Post Office and several museums help visitors understand the 1916 Easter Rising, the War of Independence and the creation of the Irish state.

This history is not confined to monuments. It is found in the language, Gaelic sports, traditional music, literature and stories passed down in every region.

Discovering Irish culture

Music, the Irish language and living traditions

Irish, or Gaeilge, is the country’s first official language, while English is the language most commonly used in everyday life. In areas known as the Gaeltacht, especially in parts of Donegal, Connemara, Kerry, Cork, Mayo, Meath and Waterford, Irish remains a living community language.

Traditional music holds an important place, whether played during an impromptu pub session or on a festival stage. Hurling and Gaelic football are also widely followed and make a major contribution to county identity.

Irish pubs are not simply places to drink a pint. In villages and cities alike, they may serve as restaurants, music venues and meeting places. Not all of them offer music every evening, however: the most authentic sessions often depend on local musicians and the establishment’s schedule.

Planning a trip to the Republic of Ireland

Currency, driving and required documents

The Republic of Ireland is a member of the European Union and uses the euro. Bank cards are widely accepted, although it can be useful to keep some cash in rural areas and small shops.

Driving is on the left. Unlike in Northern Ireland, distances and speed limits are shown in kilometres. Electrical sockets are Type G, with three rectangular pins, so an adaptor is required for French appliances.

Ireland belongs to the European Union but is not part of the Schengen Area. French citizens must present a valid passport or national identity card on arrival. They do not need a UK ETA when staying only in the Republic of Ireland.

An ETA may nevertheless be required if the journey continues to Northern Ireland. The absence of systematic checks at the land border does not remove the obligation to comply with UK entry rules.

As travel requirements may change, visitors can check the required documents on the official Irish immigration website.

Frequently asked questions about the Republic of Ireland

Essential answers for planning your stay