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Ireland Facts & Figures

Facts About Ireland

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Facts About Ireland

Key Takeaways: Ireland Facts And Figures in 2026

A visa authorizes landing subject to conditions.
Certain nationalities require a pre-entry visa.
Stays under 182 days can avoid tax liability.

Ireland is a country with a long and interesting history. Ireland has influenced many other countries and cultures, and today there are many interesting facts to be found about Ireland.

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Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord

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Fact #1: Ireland is called Éire in Irish, but you will most often hear it referred to as the Republic of Ireland officially in English.

Fact #2: There are 4 provinces in Ireland: Connacht, Leinster, Munster, and Ulster.

Fact #3: The world’s oldest yacht club, The Royal Cork Yacht Club, was founded in Cork, Ireland, in 1720.

Fact #4: The official language of Ireland is Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge), even though English is more widely spoken.

Fact #5: The Republic of Ireland accounts for roughly five-sixth of the island of Ireland, with the remaining one-sixth of the island being made up of Northern Ireland (United Kingdom).

Fact #6: Just under a quarter of Ireland’s population lives in the country’s capital city, Dublin.

Fact #7: Arthur Guinness founded Guinness, one of the world’s most famous breweries, in Dublin, Ireland, back in 1759.

Fact #8: The most popular sports in Ireland are hurling and Gaelic football.

Fact #9: The national symbol of Ireland is the shamrock. You will often see the shamrock alongside a harp, which together are a registered trademark of the country.

Figures On Ireland


Metrics For Ireland	Figures
Population	5,255,017 (Oct. 2024 est.)
Gross Domestic Product PPP (GDP)	US$564 Billion (est. 2024)
GDP Per Capita	$92,885 (2024 est.)
Inflation Rate	1.2% (2024 est.)
Currency	Euro
Exchange Rate Versus U.S. Dollar	0.93 euro per U.S. dollar (Oct. 2024)
Language	English (official, the language generally used), Irish— Gaelic or Gaeilge (official, spoken mainly in areas along the western coast).
Capital	Dublin
Population of Capital City	1.285 million (metropolitan area) (2024 est.)
Time Zone	UTC +5 (five hours ahead of Washington during Standard Time)
Seasons	Temperate maritime—modified by North Atlantic Current. Mild winters, cool summers. Consistently humid and overcast about half the time.
International Dialing Code	353
Electricity	230, 50 Hz
System of Government	Republic, Parliamentary Democracy
Current Leader	President Michael D. Higgins
Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Property	None
Local Chamber of Commerce	7 Clare Street Dublin Tel. 353-1-644-7200
American Chamber of Commerce	6 Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland Tel. 353-1-661-6201
Primary Exports	Machinery, computers, pharmaceuticals, food products, medical devices, chemicals, data processing equipment, petroleum, textiles, clothing.
Residency and Visa Requirements	People from certain countries need a valid Irish entry visa before arriving in the State, whether by air, sea or land. An Irish visa is a certificate placed on your passport or travel document to indicate that you are authorized to land in the State subject to any other conditions of landing being fulfilled. This means that you will still be subject to immigration control at the point of entry to the State even if you have a visa. You may also need to register with the immigration authorities.
Special Benefits for Foreign Residents or Retirees	If you want to avoid having to pay tax in Ireland, then you’ll want to keep your stay to 182 days or less. (You will, though, have to pay property tax on any Irish property that you own).
National Airline

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Ireland Facts & Figures- FAQs

What's the best way to travel in Ireland?

Ireland’s public transport is a reliable way to travel between key cities and within city limits. And, if you’re visiting Dublin, the best way to get around is by using public transport.