Has Ireland Opened for Tourism?

By Alice Nichols

Have you been dreaming of visiting the Emerald Isle? Wondering if Ireland has finally opened its doors to tourism amidst the ongoing pandemic? Let’s dive in and find out.

Travel Restrictions in Ireland

As of July 2021, Ireland has implemented a color-coded system for international travel restrictions. This system categorizes countries as either green, orange, or red based on their level of COVID-19 risk.

  • Green: No quarantine required, but travelers must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival.
  • Orange: Quarantine is required for unvaccinated travelers for ten days with a PCR test taken on day five. Vaccinated individuals are exempt from the quarantine requirement but must present a negative PCR test.
  • Red: Only Irish citizens and residents can enter from red-listed countries. A mandatory hotel quarantine is required for any arrivals from these countries.

Vaccination Requirements

While vaccination is not mandatory to enter Ireland, it does make travel easier and more accessible. Fully vaccinated individuals are exempt from quarantine requirements when arriving from orange-listed countries.

The EU Digital COVID Certificate

Ireland also recognizes the EU Digital COVID Certificate, which shows proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result. This certificate allows for seamless travel within the EU and makes entry into Ireland much easier.

Tourist Attractions Reopening

With restrictions easing up and vaccination rates increasing, many tourist attractions in Ireland have reopened their doors to visitors. From the Cliffs of Moher to Dublin’s famous Guinness Storehouse, visitors can now once again enjoy all that Ireland has to offer.

However, it’s important to note that individual attractions may have their own restrictions and guidelines in place, so it’s best to check ahead of time before making any plans.

Conclusion

In summary, Ireland has indeed opened its doors to tourism, with travel restrictions in place based on COVID-19 risk levels. Vaccination can make travel easier, and many tourist attractions have reopened. While there may still be some hurdles to overcome, a trip to Ireland is now more possible than ever before.