What is the emergency number in Ireland, and when should I use 112 or 999?
Both numbers work, and both are free. In the Republic, 112 and 999 connect you to the Gardai, the fire service, an ambulance or the Coast Guard. In Northern Ireland, 999 is the main number and 112 works as well. Use them for a genuine emergency: a crime in progress, a fire, a serious injury or illness, a person in danger on land or in the water. The operator will ask which service you need and where you are, so have the address or Eircode ready and stay on the line. For everything short of an emergency, use the local Garda station number, an out of hours doctor or a pharmacy instead, and keep 112 clear for the calls that cannot wait.
Useful pages: Money and tipping in Ireland · Shopping in Ireland · Packing checklist · Travel notices · Healthcare and emergencies · Irish weather · Festivals and events · Dublin · Ireland dos and don'ts · Solo travel in Ireland · First time visitor tips
Sources
- HSE: healthcare for visitors to Ireland and treatment with an EHIC, hse.ie; Citizens Information: health services and public holidays, citizensinformation.ie
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