Marriage Requirements
Generally, marriage by registrar’s certificate requires three months written notice of intention to wed. Birth certificates and a residency period may also be required for a West Ireland wedding. Divorce and death decrees are also required if applicable. Check with your Certified Destination Wedding Specialist for details.
Travel Information
Travel Documents
Passports are required for entry into Ireland. If you are a citizen of the US, visit travel.state.gov for more information on travel documents needed. For Canadian travelers, visit travel.gc.ca for relevant travel information.
Language
Gaelic is the first official language of Ireland, but English is widely spoken.
Currency and Tipping
The euro is the official currency of Ireland.
Climate & Beaches
Climate
West Ireland is generally windy and wet, with regional variation from the coast to the inland. Temperatures average around 50 degrees F.
Beaches
There are countless beaches running along western Ireland’s coastline. Galway is home to a number of excellent choices, including Carraroe Beach, Dogs Bay, and Silver Strand Beach. Mayo and Donegal also have shorelines that range from dramatic and rocky to quiet and shallow inlets. Connemara has a number of deserted beaches that you likely won’t have to share with another soul (unless you chose to of course).
Activities & Attractions
Activities
West Ireland is expansive, with a rugged and natural beauty. Must-sees include the rugged Connemara located in Galway county. Here you will find jet black glacial lakes amidst the rocky wilderness, perfect for avid hiking, biking and fishing enthusiasts. Nearby, Galway city is a large college town with a bohemian vibe and an epic music and summer festival culture. On the northern coast, the surreal and otherworldly Sligo is littered with monolithic rock cemeteries that are endlessly fascinating. Mayo is frequently voted one of the best places to live in Ireland, with a great sailing culture and cosmopolitan restaurants.
Nightlife