Emergency Information for Travelers in Ireland

Essential contacts and procedures for road emergencies

Emergency Preparedness in Ireland

While Ireland is generally a safe country to travel in, emergencies can happen anywhere. Being prepared and knowing what to do in case of an emergency can make a significant difference, especially when driving in an unfamiliar country.

This guide provides essential emergency information for travelers in Ireland, including emergency contact numbers, procedures for road accidents, breakdown assistance, and general safety tips.

Important Emergency Numbers

  • All Emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112 or 999
  • Garda (Irish Police) - Non-emergency: 01 666 0000
  • Irish Coast Guard: 112 or 999 and ask for Coast Guard
  • Tourist Assistance Service: 01 661 0562

Note: 112 is the European emergency number and works on all mobile phones, even without a SIM card or if you're outside your provider's coverage area.

Road Emergencies

In Case of an Accident

  1. Stop your vehicle in a safe place and turn on hazard lights
  2. Check for injuries - call 112 or 999 immediately if anyone is hurt
  3. Move to safety - get everyone out of the vehicle and to a safe location if possible
  4. Place warning triangle (if available) at least 45 meters behind your vehicle
  5. Exchange details with other drivers involved (name, address, phone, vehicle registration, insurance information)
  6. Collect evidence - take photos of the scene, damage, and road conditions
  7. Report to Gardaí (police) if there are injuries or significant damage
  8. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible
  9. If in a rental car, follow the rental company's accident procedure

Note: In Ireland, it is a legal requirement to report an accident involving injury to the Gardaí.

Vehicle Breakdown

  1. Move your vehicle off the road if possible
  2. Turn on hazard warning lights
  3. Wear high-visibility vest if you have one (required by law in many European countries)
  4. Place warning triangle if available
  5. Call breakdown assistance (see contact numbers below)
  6. Stay with your vehicle in a safe position, ideally behind the crash barrier on motorways
  7. If on a motorway, use emergency roadside phones if available as they provide exact location information

Breakdown Assistance Services

  • AA Ireland: 0818 66 77 88 or +353 1 649 7414 (from abroad)
  • RAC Ireland: +44 330 159 1111
  • Car Rental Breakdown: Check your rental agreement for the specific contact number

Medical Emergencies

  1. Call 112 or 999 for serious medical emergencies
  2. Clearly state your location - road name, junction number, or nearest landmark
  3. Describe the emergency and number of people affected
  4. Follow dispatcher instructions while waiting for help

For Less Urgent Medical Care

  • Hospital Emergency Departments: Available for serious conditions
  • Out-of-Hours GP Services: Available in most areas (look up local contacts)
  • Pharmacies: Can provide advice for minor ailments

EU Citizens: Bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for access to necessary healthcare during temporary stays.

Non-EU Visitors: Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended as healthcare can be expensive.

Lost or Stolen Property

If you've had items stolen:

  1. Report to local Garda station to file a police report
  2. Request a report copy for insurance claims
  3. Contact your bank immediately if cards were stolen
  4. Contact your embassy if your passport was stolen

For lost property on public transport:

  • Dublin Bus: 01 873 4222
  • Irish Rail: 01 836 6222
  • Luas (Dublin Tram): 1850 300 604

Major Hospitals with 24-Hour Emergency Departments

  • Dublin Area
  • West Ireland
  • South Ireland
  • Northern Ireland

St. James's Hospital

Address: James's Street, Dublin 8

Phone: 01 410 3000

Mater Misericordiae University Hospital

Address: Eccles Street, Dublin 7

Phone: 01 803 2000

Beaumont Hospital

Address: Beaumont Road, Dublin 9

Phone: 01 809 3000

Tallaght University Hospital

Address: Tallaght, Dublin 24

Phone: 01 414 2000

University Hospital Galway

Address: Newcastle Road, Galway

Phone: 091 524 222

Mayo University Hospital

Address: Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Phone: 094 902 1733

University Hospital Limerick

Address: St Nessan's Road, Dooradoyle, Limerick

Phone: 061 301 111

Cork University Hospital

Address: Wilton, Cork

Phone: 021 492 2000

University Hospital Waterford

Address: Dunmore Road, Waterford

Phone: 051 848 000

Kerry University Hospital

Address: Tralee, Co. Kerry

Phone: 066 718 4000

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital

Address: Drogheda, Co. Louth

Phone: 041 987 4000

Cavan General Hospital

Address: Lisdarn, Cavan

Phone: 049 437 6000

Letterkenny University Hospital

Address: Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Phone: 074 912 5888

Weather-Related Emergencies

Flooding

Parts of Ireland are prone to flooding, especially during heavy rainfall. If you encounter flooding while driving:

  • Do not attempt to drive through flood water if depth is uncertain
  • As little as 6 inches (15cm) of water can cause loss of control or engine damage
  • If trapped in rising water, abandon your vehicle and move to higher ground
  • Be aware that roads may be closed during flooding - follow official diversions

Strong Winds

Ireland can experience severe wind storms, particularly on the west coast. During high winds:

  • Avoid travel if possible during severe wind warnings
  • Be particularly careful on exposed bridges or high open roads
  • Watch for falling debris, especially trees and power lines
  • Larger vehicles like camper vans are more susceptible to being blown off course

Snow and Ice

While heavy snow is relatively uncommon in Ireland, it does occur and can cause significant disruption:

  • Check weather forecasts before traveling in winter
  • Mountain roads may be closed during snowfall
  • Reduce speed and increase following distance on icy roads
  • Some rural roads may not be gritted (salted) during icy conditions

Fog

Fog is common in Ireland, especially in valleys and coastal areas:

  • Use fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced
  • Reduce speed and increase following distance
  • Be especially cautious at junctions and crossroads
  • Don't use high beams as they reflect back and reduce visibility further

Weather Information Resources

Recommended Emergency Kit for Your Vehicle

Whether you're driving your own vehicle or a rental car in Ireland, having these essential items can help during an emergency:

Safety Items

  • Warning triangle
  • High-visibility vest
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher (small)
  • Emergency blanket

Weather Preparedness

  • Ice scraper (in winter)
  • De-icer (in winter)
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Umbrella
  • Extra warm clothing
  • Waterproof shoes/boots

Vehicle Recovery

  • Jump leads/cables
  • Tow rope
  • Basic tool kit
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Spare bulbs and fuses

Other Essentials

  • Map/road atlas (backup for GPS)
  • Mobile phone charger/power bank
  • Water and non-perishable snacks
  • Notebook and pen
  • Emergency contact numbers
  • Cash in small denominations

Note: Rental cars typically include a warning triangle and may include other safety items. Check what's provided when you pick up your rental.

Foreign Embassies in Ireland

If you lose your passport or need consular assistance, contact your country's embassy or consulate:

United States Embassy

Address: 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

Phone: +353 1 668 8777

Website: ie.usembassy.gov

British Embassy

Address: 29 Merrion Road, Dublin 4

Phone: +353 1 205 3700

Website: gov.uk/british-embassy-dublin

Canadian Embassy

Address: 7-8 Wilton Terrace, Dublin 2

Phone: +353 1 234 4000

Website: canada.ca/en/embassy-ireland

Australian Embassy

Address: Level 3, 47-49 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2

Phone: +353 1 664 5300

Website: ireland.embassy.gov.au

German Embassy

Address: 31 Trimleston Avenue, Booterstown, County Dublin

Phone: +353 1 269 3011

Website: dublin.diplo.de

French Embassy

Address: 66 Fitzwilliam Lane, Dublin 2

Phone: +353 1 277 5000

Website: ie.ambafrance.org

For other countries, check the Department of Foreign Affairs diplomatic list for contact information.

Essential Emergency Phrases

While English is widely spoken throughout Ireland, knowing a few emergency phrases can be helpful:

Calling for Help

  • Help! - "Cabhair!" (pronounced: "cow-ir")
  • I need help - "Tá cabhair uaim" (pronounced: "taw cow-ir oo-im")
  • Call an ambulance! - "Glaoigh ar otharcharr!" (pronounced: "glee ar o-har-car")
  • Call the police! - "Glaoigh ar na Gardaí!" (pronounced: "glee ar nah gar-dee")
  • There's been an accident - "Tharla timpiste" (pronounced: "har-la timp-ish-ta")

Medical Emergency

  • I'm hurt - "Tá mé gortaithe" (pronounced: "taw may gur-ti-ha")
  • I need a doctor - "Tá dochtúir uaim" (pronounced: "taw doch-toor oo-im")
  • Heart attack - "Taom croí" (pronounced: "tame cree")
  • Allergic reaction - "Frithghníomh ailléirgeach" (pronounced: "frih-gneev al-air-gach")
  • Hospital - "Ospidéal" (pronounced: "os-pi-dale")

Road Emergency

  • My car broke down - "Bhris mo charr síos" (pronounced: "vrish muh khar sheece")
  • I had an accident - "Bhí timpiste agam" (pronounced: "vee timp-ish-teh ah-gum")
  • Flat tire - "Bonn pléasctha" (pronounced: "bown play-sk-ha")
  • I'm lost - "Tá mé caillte" (pronounced: "taw may kyle-cha")
  • Where is the nearest garage? - "Cá bhfuil an gharáiste is cóngaraí?" (pronounced: "kaw will on gar-awsh-ta iss kong-ar-ee")

Downloadable Emergency Resources

Emergency Contact Card

Printable card with essential emergency numbers in Ireland. Print and keep in your wallet or glove compartment.

Download PDF

Vehicle Accident Report Form

A template form to collect all necessary information in case of an accident. Print and keep in your vehicle.

Download PDF

Medical Phrases Translation Sheet

Common medical terms and phrases in English and Irish. Useful in emergency situations.

Download PDF

Be Prepared for Your Irish Journey

Check out our other guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Ireland.

Driving in Ireland Guide Weather & Driving Conditions