Ireland Country Report

Ireland, also known as the Republic of Ireland, is a developed country in western Europe covering much of the island of Ireland surrounded by the North Atlantic, Celtic Sea and Irish Sea. The country shares a land border with the Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, but has had a difficult relationship with its northern neighbor in the past. Ireland has experienced rapid economic growth since the 1990s and developed into a European technology and financial services hub, becoming one of the most prosperous countries in the world. Although the country was hit hard by the 2008 financial crisis, the economy has since recovered and returned to strong growth.

Around a third of Ireland's population live in and around the capital, Dublin, which has become a highly developed European capital with excellent transport links and modern services. However, much of the rest of the country, particularly in the west, remains largely rural. The country generally has a temperate climate, although seasonal weather conditions and storms can affect rail and air travel services and result in localized disruption, particularly in coastal areas.

Although generally a low-risk environment, Ireland can pose some security challenges for foreign travelers. The most significant threat facing travelers is from criminal activity, although this is lower than in some other European and North American countries and relatively uncommon in rural areas. The majority of criminal activity takes the form of petty theft such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, with most violent crime occurring between rival gangs or drunk aggressors outside bars and nightclubs. Several Republican extremist groups remain active in the country and continue to pose a minor threat but many have now switched their focus to organized crime and rarely pose a threat to members of the public. Scares linked to small explosive devices left in public areas have continued to occasionally be reported but these have become increasingly rare in recent years, with the majority of incidents occurring during visits from government officials of the UK.

Criminal activity, particularly petty theft, has been on the increase in Ireland in recent years, albeit from a relatively low base, and is the main threat facing travelers in the country. Most criminal incidents involve pickpocketing and other petty theft in Dublin and other major cities, with the level of crime in rural areas remaining low.

Large demonstrations are held periodically in the capital and other large cities over a range of social, economic and political issues. Several such large demonstrations have been held in recent years over government austerity measures and controversial religious issues which have caused some localized disruption but protests are generally well policed and remain peaceful.

Several Republican extremist groups remain active and continue to pose a minor threat in some areas of Ireland, although the number of incidents related to these actors is small. Since the end of the troubles in Northern Ireland, many Republican groups have become involved in organized crime and shootings and targeted assassinations linked to gang rivalries occasionally occur in Dublin and other urban centers, although these rarely affect travelers.

Air travel is safe and in compliance with international safety standards.

Although road conditions are good, particularly in the east and urban areas, some roads in rural areas are narrow and winding and can be difficult for travelers to navigate.

The ports in Ireland are efficient according to international standards.

Ireland's utility infrastructure is modern and highly developed. Ireland uses Wet (water) Central Heating Systems.

There are increasing concerns over the threat of cyber attacks, particularly from Russia. Cybercrime remains the most prevalent type of fraud committed in Ireland and is three times more disruptive than the global norm.

Ireland has a temperate oceanic climate with mild summers and cool winters, although temperature extremes are limited. Rainfall is generally abundant, particularly in the west, and the country is frequently affected by storm systems moving in from the North Atlantic, which often bring high winds and a risk of flooding due to high rainfall. There is a particularly high risk of flooding during the winter months between December and February, and overland and air travel can see occasional disruption during this period.

The standard of healthcare in Ireland is high, and excellent medical care is widely available. Pharmacies are present in most towns and larger villages and are generally well-stocked with prescription medicine and over-the-counter drugs. Tap water is safe, secure, and potable.

Ireland is a unitary, multi-party parliamentary republic. The Prime Minister is the head of government, and the President is the head of state. Presidential elections take place once every seven years. The Prime Minister (Taoiseach), the Deputy Prime Minister (Tanaiste), and the cabinet form the government and exercise executive power. The parliament consists of the Dail Eireann, or House of Representatives (lower house), and the Seanad Eireann, or the Senate (upper house), and exercises legislative power. General elections take place at least once every five years, and snap elections can be called in response to political developments. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

Coalitions featuring a cross-section of political parties are typically required to form the government. Government collapses are rare. State institutions are competent and effective and provide reliable services across most of the country.