Ireland is politically stable. Democratic traditions are well established, and the threat of an unconstitutional change of government is very low. While coalition governments are common, serious political instability is rare. The country is a member of the EU and the eurozone, but maintains political neutrality and is not a member of NATO. Ireland is a republic and a parliamentary democracy. Parliament consists of the Dail Eireann (House of Representatives, or lower house) and the Seanad Eireann (Senate, or upper house). The Dail has greater legislative power. It is elected for a five-year period using a proportional representation system. Membership of the Seanad is decided partly by the taoiseach (prime minister) and partly by panels representing various aspects of Irish life. The president is elected for a seven-year term, but the role is largely ceremonial. The last elections to the Dail took place in February 2020 and the next must be held by February 2025. The next presidential election is scheduled to take place in 2025.

Ireland – as an EU member – is subject to EU regulation, ensuring a stable business environment regardless of which government is in power. Companies and individuals have recourse to EU institutions if they believe that any regulations are not being properly upheld. The economy will remain open and focused on attracting foreign investment. The 12.5% corporation tax rate – a source of significant resentment among fellow EU members – is now a symbol of Irish independence. Both main political parties claim that they will defend it vociferously, even at the cost of removing technical measures that made Ireland an attractive domicile for corporate tax purposes. Ireland is keen to present itself as attractive to businesses considering leaving the UK over Brexit concerns, and is likely to ensure that its regulatory framework remains attractive, particularly to the financial services sector.

Ireland is considered a Full Democracy in the 2020 Democracy Index, developed by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), where the country ranks 6 out of 167 countries scored.

The country ranks 2 at the 2020 Human Development Index developed by the United Nations Development Programme.

Rapid economic expansion in the 1990s and 2000s created a robust and modern environment for business. Successive governments have sought to prioritise the attraction of inward investment to Ireland, for example through a low corporate tax rate, and this policy is unlikely to change. Although some scope remains for labour disputes in light of continuing austerity measures, extensive strike action or militant protests against the government's austerity policy are unlikely. Infrastructure is generally good, though roads in and around the capital Dublin and other large cities are severely short of capacity and traffic delays are frequent. Bureaucracy is generally efficient and transparent. However, the planning process can be time-consuming and subject to legal challenges. Businesses are unlikely to encounter low-level corruption. 

Public transportation is efficient and safe. Most major cities are well-served by an extensive bus network. Dublin has two train stations, Heuston Station and Connolly Station, each linking the capital to western/southern regions, and to northern regions (including Northern Ireland) respectively. Dublin International Airport (DUB), as well as Cork (ORK) and Shannon (SNN) airports, offer regular flights to most European and American cities throughout the year.

Dublin counts around 13,000 taxis; they all feature yellow "for hire" signage on the roof that reads "taxi" or "tacsi." Most of them are equipped with meters. Although it is considered safe to hail a taxi off the streets, it is recommended to book one in advance from a licensed taxi company.

Overall, Ireland ranks 24 out of 190 countries scored at the 2020 Doing Business Index by the World Bank and 20 out of 198 at the 2020 Corruption Perception Index by the Transparency International Organization.

Ireland has a good security environment, with few threats to assets or personnel. The capital Dublin is relatively safe by the standards of Western European cities and foreign businesses are unlikely to become victims of serious crime. Criminal elements are often engaged in long-running disputes and regularly use small explosive devices and arms against each other, though these groups pose little threat to legitimate business. Ireland is an unlikely target for an Islamist extremist attack because the country is historically neutral and lacks the global political significance of countries that have experienced attacks.

The probability of larger demonstrations has declined with the restrictions in place to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, but protest activity has recently begun to pick up again. Overall, unrest causing business interruption lasting more than one day or asset damage remains unlikely. Social and industrial relations are highly unlikely to deteriorate substantially, reducing the risk of mass protests or labor strikes. Austerity measures have led to large-scale protests in Dublin in the past but these are less likely now given the government’s spending plans.

The risk of Ireland being involved in an inter-state military conflict or the likelihood of civil war occurring in the country is very low and highly likely to remain so.

Although there is no precedent of major jihadist activity, there is nonetheless a moderate risk of low-capability lone-actor attacks perpetrated by radicalized individuals sympathizing with non-state armed groups such as the Islamic State. Jihadists may attempt to use Ireland as a staging post for attacks against the UK – regarded as a more high-profile target – because of the lower capabilities of Irish security forces and the current ease of travel between the countries. Similarly, there is a threat of dissident republican groups using Ireland as an operating base, but mainly to carry out attacks in the UK region of Northern Ireland.

Overall, Ireland ranks 8 out of 163 within the 2020 Global Peace Index by the Institute for Economics and Peace.

Ireland is not currently among the most cyber-attacked countries in the world according to Kaspersky cyber threat map.

No vaccinations are required to enter the country.

Ireland ranks 23 out of 195 within the 2019 Global Health Security Index, a project of the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) and the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security (JHU), developed with The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).​​

Ireland has a typically oceanic climate, moderate and humid with frequent rain showers. Summers are mild and winters are rarely very cold (temperatures seldom fall below 0°C). During the winter months, the country sees a lot of rain. July and August are the hottest months while May and June are the sunniest.

Many ferry services run between Ireland and the United Kingdom; delays and cancellations due to adverse weather conditions sometimes occur, particularly in winter months.

Adverse winter weather conditions have also been known to disrupt road and air travel.

If you plan to visit Ireland, stay informed by the Civil Defence.