Despite being separate countries, traveling between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland is relatively easy. The island of Ireland is divided into two countries: the Republic of Ireland, which covers the majority of the island, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.
In this post, we will cover everything you need to know about traveling from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland.
What counties consist of Ireland and Northern Ireland?
The Republic of Ireland consists of 26 counties, while Northern Ireland consists of 6 counties. The Republic of Ireland includes counties such as Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Kerry, while Northern Ireland includes counties such as Antrim, Down, Derry, and Fermanagh.
A full list of the counties that make up both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland:
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Republic of Ireland:
- Carlow
- Cavan
- Clare
- Cork
- Donegal
- Dublin
- Galway
- Kerry
- Kildare
- Kilkenny
- Laois
- Leitrim
- Limerick
- Longford
- Louth
- Mayo
- Meath
- Monaghan
- Offaly
- Roscommon
- Sligo
- Tipperary
- Waterford
- Westmeath
- Wexford
- Wicklow
Northern Ireland:
- Antrim
- Armagh
- Down
- Fermanagh
- Londonderry/Derry (the county is officially named Londonderry, but many people refer to it as Derry)
- Tyrone
Together, these 32 counties make up the island of Ireland.
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Do I need a visa to travel between Ireland and Northern Ireland?
If you are a citizen of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, you do not need a visa to travel between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. However, if you are a citizen of a country outside of these regions, you may need a visa to enter the Republic of Ireland or the UK, depending on your nationality. It is important to check with the relevant embassy or consulate before you travel to ensure that you have the correct visa.
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Is there a border check between the two countries?
Since both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are part of the Common Travel Area, there are no border checks between the two countries. This means that you can travel freely between the two countries without having to show your passport or go through any customs procedures.
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Brexit: UK and Ireland discuss travel permit changes
UK and Irish officials are discussing possible changes to the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.
The ETA is a permit that non-British and non-Irish citizens will need before entering the UK.
As it stands legal residents of Ireland who are not Irish citizens will need an ETA to cross the border into Northern Ireland.
The talks are focused on providing an exemption for that group of people.
Irish citizens will not require an ETA due to the long-standing migration agreement between the UK and Ireland, known as the Common Travel Area (CTA).
However, a legal Irish resident, such as a Polish or French person, would need an ETA to cross the border into Northern Ireland even for a brief shopping trip.
What transport method is good?
There are several ways to travel between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. One of the most popular methods is by car. The journey from Dublin to Belfast, for example, takes around two hours and is a scenic drive through some of Ireland’s most beautiful countryside. Alternatively, you can take the train or the bus. Irish Rail operates a regular service between Dublin and Belfast, while Bus Éireann and Translink operate regular bus services between cities in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. If you prefer to fly, there are several flights each day between Dublin and Belfast.
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Frequently asked questions about the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland
What is the currency in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland?
The Republic of Ireland uses the euro as its currency, while Northern Ireland uses the pound sterling.
What language is spoken in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland?
The official languages of the Republic of Ireland are Irish (Gaeilge) and English, while in Northern Ireland, English is the main language spoken, with Irish and Ulster Scots also recognized as minority languages.
Do I need a passport to travel between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland?
If you are an EU citizen, you do not need a passport to travel between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. However, it is always a good idea to carry a valid form of ID with you, such as a passport or driver’s license.
Is there a time difference between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland?
No, both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are in the same time zone, which is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
What is the weather like in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland?
The weather in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland is typically mild and wet, with temperatures ranging from around 5-15 degrees Celsius (41-59 degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter, and 15-25 degrees Celsius (59-77 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer.
What is the emergency phone number in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland?
In the Republic of Ireland, the emergency phone number is 999 or 112, while in Northern Ireland, the emergency phone number is 999 or 112.
Is it easy to travel between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland?
Yes, it is relatively easy to travel between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, with no border checks required due to the Common Travel Area agreement between the two countries. There are several transport options available, including by car, bus, train, and plane.
Conclusion: Traveling from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland is a straightforward and easy process. With no border checks and a range of transport options, it’s never been easier to explore both countries and experience all that the island of Ireland has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, there’s something for everyone in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
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