First, find the island of Eire on a map

You possibly can see the place precisely the island of Eire is right here on Google Maps.

There are two international locations on the Island of Eire. The nation of Northern Eire, a part of the UK (UK), is within the northeast nook of the island.

Situated to the south of Northern Eire is the nation of the Republic of Eire, unbiased from British rule since 1922, which occupies a lot of the island of Eire and shares a border with Northern Island.

Eire is a part of the European Union’s 27 member international locations, whereas Northern Eire is not a part of the European Union, after the UK’s departure on January 31, 2020.

You possibly can obtain a free map of Eire at Eire.com, which incorporates distances and journey routes. (Eire.com gives a number of useful digital brochures.)

Map of Eire from Ireand.com

Irish household historical past, family tree

I encounter many individuals eager to rapidly work out their Irish household historical past or family tree again to a selected townland or county, a number of generations faraway from migration from the island of Eire, but they’ve little to no household particulars.

The opposite group of individuals I encounter are focused on touring to Eire, however simply don’t know the place to start out, or unsure the place Eire is positioned in Europe.

My recommendation is to start out your seek for your Irish ancestors at residence, not in Eire, as you’ll have little or no time to splice collectively just a few hundred years of misplaced household historical past. It is best to return ready with particular particulars of your Irish ancestors, together with dates, names and areas, if potential.

Listed here are a few of my ideas for bringing your Irish family tree search.

(This can be a video I created in April 2011, trying to find household roots in Knockanarroor Townland, positioned simply east of Killarney in County Kerry. Knockanarroor, pronounced “knock-on-a-roar”, is an unmarked filth street the place my Foley household lived and labored earlier than the Nice Famine in Eire. The opening views within the video are on a horse and cart experience by means of the Hole of Dunloe, Killarney.)

Frequent questions on Eire and journey

I am a citizen of america, do not have a passport, and wish to journey to Eire. What do I do?

United States residents ought to contact the US Division of State for passport assist.

My grandparents are from Eire. Can I get an Irish passport and Irish citizenship?

Yow will discover out particulars on the Division of International Affairs Eire. 

How do I get to Eire?

You’ll possible arrive by airplane or ferry, until you’re swimming over to Eire. See areas of all airports in Eire. If you’re unsure the place to start out, contact a good journey agent in your space, and one you may go to in individual. 

The place ought to I’m going once I arrive in Eire?

After you could have cleared passport management, begin exploring! Researching actives and locations, and start planning now, see Eire.com. Dublin Airport has a taxi rank on the curb as you depart the airport, otherwise you inquire a few bus to get you to your resort. Go to the Shannon Airport web site about transportation.

What ought to I pack, together with clothes and electronics for journey to Eire?

See the packing guidelines by Tourism Eire.

When in Eire, what foreign money will I take advantage of?

Use the foreign money of the nation you’re visiting. The island of Eire has two international locations and two currencies. Within the nation of Eire, the Euro is used, whereas Northern Eire makes use of pound sterling, as a part of the UK. Be taught extra concerning the foreign money utilized in Eire at Eire.com. 

Flights to Eire

I’ve questions on my flight and baggage allowances. When do I must arrive on the airport? Contact your airways instantly. Here is a hyperlink to Aer Lingus.

What can I do with my baggage once I arrive in Dublin or Shannon, and might’t verify into my resort room till later within the day?

Verify along with your resort or the place you’re renting a room should you can drop your baggage off early. Take a look at areas the place you would possibly have the ability to retailer baggage in Dublin. 

What are all of the modes of public transportation in Eire?

See map at Eire.com for automotive rental, bus, prepare, taxi, ferry, bicycle. 

Irish motion pictures – The place can I discover areas for motion pictures filmed in Eire, together with “The Quiet Man,” “The Banshees of Inisherin,” and extra?

There’s a fantastic listing of flicks filmed in Eire at Eire.com.

Is it troublesome to drive a automotive in Eire?

That is one thing to consider if in case you have not pushed right-side drive vehicles, US and Canada are left-side drivers. If unsure, depart the driving to the professionals. United States residents with a sound driver’s license, learn particulars at US Embassy Eire. 

Can I get married in Eire?

Discover out instantly from the official web site from the Authorities of Eire. See extra particulars on weddings in Eire.

How do I discover leprechauns in Eire? 

I’m unsure, however please let me know, or go to the specialists on the Nationwide Leprechaun Museum, Dublin. There’s little question guests in Eire are actually trying to find leprechauns, attempting to catch them together with their pots of gold to assist pay for his or her journey to Eire!

*Jannet L. Walsh of Murdock, Minnesota is a photographer, author, and educator. She is the writer of the forthcoming artistic nonfiction quest narrative “Higgledy-Piggledy Stones: Household Tales from Eire and Minnesota,” scheduled for publication in 2023 by Shanti Arts Publishing. Walsh is the recipient of a Southwest Minnesota Arts Council Development Grant funded by the McKnight Basis, 2022-2024. You possibly can observe Walsh on Fb and Twitter, and on her different social media channels, with the hashtag #IrishFamilyHistoryDetective.