VISA REQUIREMENTS

South African Passport holders do not need a visa to enter The Republic of Ireland and receive a visa on entry. They must be in possession of a valid full South African passport with at least six (6) months’ validity remaining on the passport from the date they intend to leave The Republic of Ireland. Temporary passports or other types of travel documents are not acceptable.However should you want to visit Northern Ireland, please note a visa is required.

Visa Cost: N/A

Compulsory Vaccinations Required: No.

Please note: Visa and vaccination information is correct at time of publish and are subject to change

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

Winter sports: September/February and March

Summer sports: June/July

Cultural: September will be the best time due to less crowds and best rates

AREAS TO VISIT AND THEIR MAIN ATTRACTIONS

DUBLIN

As one of Europe’s most historically important cities, Ireland’s capital packs enough art, culture and character to fill a month-long itinerary and still leave you wanting more. Plus, the city’s almost entirely walkable. Dublin continues to entice visitors with its blend of Irish hospitality and lively nightlife. One of Dublin’s most famous tourist attractions, Trinity College (also known as the University of Dublin) sits proudly on extensive grounds right in the centre of the city on College Green.

Visits to Dublin Castle, built in honour of the patron saint of Ireland’s, St Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Ireland. Built in 1204, Dublin Castle was the seat of power for British rule for over 700 years. In April 1684, a fire ripped through the castle, destroying much of the structure. A stunning Georgian palace was built in its place. Since 1938, all of Ireland’s presidents have been inaugurated in St Patrick’s Hall, one of the many grand State Apartments. The manicured castle gardens are a highlight, with this guided tour explaining their history. The tour also includes an excursion to Dublin’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head.

One of the most visited attractions in the city, the Guinness Storehouse, which has been the home of the famous black stuff since the 1700s.

Gaelic Games is also part of the Dublin history and a fun activity for all to join in. This tour gives you the chance to try hurling and Gaelic football.

One of the easiest monuments to spot from afar, The Spire stands proudly in the center of O’Connell street towering approximately 120 meters above ground.

GALWAY

A city streaked with canals on the Corrib River, Galway is affectionately called the “City of the Tribes”. Galway is a hotbed of traditional Irish music, as you’ll find out walking the lively pedestrian streets of the Latin Quarter, where buskers abound and there’s always music and dancing in the pubs.

Galway city’s high street – full of arty independents stores, buskers, street paintings and houses that look like they’ve been here generations – is just better than your typical shiny corporate-shopping stop off. Original souvenirs and a colourful buzz (as well as local seafood and ageing pubs) make it worth your time.

Eyre Square: Galway’s main square is likely to be your first real glance at the city, with both the bus and train station nearby. It’s a large open plaza often home to mini festivals and buskers, plus it also stars artworks depicting the traditional ‘hooker’ boats and one of the city’s great loves, John F Kennedy.

A left-field exception to Ireland’s near-endless supply of 1000-year-old churches, Galway’s Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed Into Heaven is a 60s faux-renaissance offering with a huge green dome and a mural of John F Kennedy on its walls.

LIMERICK

A city of many contrasts, it has managed to successfully blend the modern with the historic. It offers many cultural attractions, including cinema, theatre, museums, concerts, walking tours, boat rides and a wide variety of sports amenities.

King John’s 13th Century fortress on the banks of the Shannon River was recently renovated to better explain its history, which includes medieval battles, a siege and, naturally, a lot of inter-kingdom trade. With a self-led tour and lots of interactive displays to explore, it’s also home to the best view of the river you’ll find.

Munster, the iconic rugby team representing Ireland’s south province, plays the majority of its home games at this smart, modern stadium. Thomond Park also hosts the occasional gig and colourful storytelling tours for non-event days. Munster is at the very core of Limerick life, making this an essential stop off.

BELFAST

Although this forms part of Northern Ireland it is a great city to explore. Here you will find the stunning Titanic exhibition. You will need a visa to enter this part of Ireland if you are a South African citizen and the currency is now in pounds.

ADD ON DESTINATIONS

SCOTLAND

Consider Scotland, if just for a moment, and it’s more than likely you’ll conjure up images of the Loch Ness Monster, tartan kilted Highlanders, blaring bagpipes, magnificent scenery, shaggy Highland cattle, ghostly castles, and of course, the birthplace of golf. Scotland offers a great opportunity for sporting tours.

EDINBURGH

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, and a vibrant city full of culture, history, and beautiful landscapes. Edinburgh has been an important city for centuries, with a focus on education and art. Today, it is home to 500,000 people. Edinburgh Castle is a key component of the city’s skyline. The castle sits atop a tall rock, making it visible from many parts of the city. One of the first places you will visit after arriving in Edinburgh is the historic Princes Street. This main thoroughfare has been the heart of the city since 1770, and is now one of Edinburgh’s most popular retail hubs. Mary King’s Close is part of Edinburgh’s Old Town, which consisted of a number of winding and narrow alleyways called ‘Closes’. Today, Mary King’s Close is a warren of underground passages and streets, having partially collapsed centuries ago. St Giles’ Cathedral is the principal church in Edinburgh and a key feature of the city’s skyline.