The corresponding plug type for Ireland is G, which is characterized by three rectangular pins arranged in a triangle arrangement. Ireland uses a 230V supply voltage and a 50Hz frequency.
Are the plugs in the UK and Ireland the same?
Adaptors, etc. are not required for UK travellers to Ireland. The voltage, as well as the plugs and sockets, are identical to those found in the United Kingdom. Adaptors and possibly transformers/converters are required for US visitors to Ireland.
Is Ireland a member of the European Union or the United Kingdom?
Travelers, particularly those from the United States, have the idea that the power outlet in Ireland is the same as that used in Europe. The power-plug type in Europe is Type C, which is also known as a Euro-plug.
The power plug type used in Ireland, however, is type G. Three square prong Type G power outlets are ubiquitous across the United Kingdom, including Ireland. In Ireland, the standard voltage and frequency are 230 volts and 50 hertz. Because the voltage in Ireland is different from what you’re used to in the United States (120 volts), you’ll need an adaptor to use your devices.
There’s good news! You can use the same adapter in Ireland as you would anywhere in the UK if you plan on visiting other regions of the UK.
For Ireland, what kind of adaptor do I need?
The voltage and type of gadget you’re trying to use with an Irish power outlet will determine which type of power adapter, converter, or charger you’ll need when visiting Ireland. If you’re not sure which voltage your device can utilize, read the section below on how to tell if it’s a single voltage or dual voltage device before proceeding.
- If you are traveling to Ireland from the United States, you will need a plug adaptor to fit a US plug into an Irish power outlet. If your equipment or appliance isn’t dual voltage or compatible with a 50hz power outlet, carry a power converter with you to Ireland because the voltage is different.
- You can use your device in Ireland without a plug adaptor if it can run on 230 volts or is dual voltage and the plug fits in an Irish power outlet.
- If your equipment runs on 230 volts or is dual voltage, but the plug won’t fit in an Irish power outlet, you’ll need a Type G plug converter. A plug adapter for Ireland (also known as a power adapter) changes the shape of your device’s plug to fit into an Irish plug outlet, but it does not change the voltage from 230 volts to a different voltage.
- If your gadget isn’t dual voltage or runs on 230 volts, you’ll need a power converter for Ireland to convert the voltage from 230 volts to the correct voltage for your equipment. If the power converter does not include the necessary Type G plug adapter, you will still need to carry a suitable plug adaptor for Ireland.
- A USB travel power adapter is suitable if you only need to power one or more USB devices, such as a tablet or a cellphone, and it will work with any voltage; however, make sure you carry one with a Type G plug adaptor; otherwise, you will still need to pack a compatible plug adapter for Ireland.
- Excessive phone use on vacation will quickly deplete your battery; if you want to keep your phone battery charged throughout the day while visiting an unfamiliar region, we recommend bringing a portable charger.
Is it possible to use EU plugs in Ireland?
If you’re planning a vacation to the Irish Republic, make sure you bring the right travel plug adaptor for the local sockets. However, how do those electrical outlets appear? Type G is the official standard in Ireland. The Republic of Ireland, unlike practically every other European country, has adopted the British plug and socket system, which is incompatible with the continental European power outlet system.
Is a travel adaptor required for Ireland?
We’re from the United States, and we’re going to Ireland with our iPhones and iPads. What sort of adapter are we looking for?
Before “plugging in your devices” in Ireland, there are two things you should know:
- The wall outlets/sockets in Ireland are 220 volts (countries like the US and Canada only use 110 volts).
- Ireland’s wall outlets/sockets are the same as those found in the United Kingdom and a few other countries; if you’re not from one of those countries, the plug that came with your gadget will not fit in an Irish socket.
The Value of Voltage
Before you start, double-check that your equipment can withstand 220 volts. Both 110 and 220 volt outlets are compatible with most modern phones, tablets, cameras, computers, and CPAP machines. Many products will have a sticker that indicates their voltage range… if it says “110V-220V” or “100V-240V,” it will function in Ireland.
FYI, when I plugged in an external hard drive that wasn’t compatible, there was a quiet “pop,” a tiny burnt odor, and a “fried device that couldn’t be used again.” When you make the mistake of plugging in an incompatible device, the consequences are immediate and ruthless.
You can use a converter/transformer to “step-down the voltage” if your gadget can’t withstand 220 volts. These devices function, but some are hefty, prone to breaking, and/or require a variety of adapters and connectors, making it difficult to keep them plugged in.
Hairdryers, curling irons, and flatirons are frequently not meant to operate at 220 volts. You can either use a converter/transformer or buy these hair-care devices after you get in Ireland. They can be purchased for 10-50 in a pharmacy or department store such as Dunnes or Tesco. Some travellers choose to leave these goods at the last hotel or B&B they stay at at the end of their vacation.
If the Plug Fits
A huge “G electrical outlet with three square “prongs is used in Ireland. You only need an adaptor if your device is compatible with 220 volts. Universal adapters come in a number of forms, some with prongs that flip out like a Swiss Army Knife to fit a range of outlets. There are other adapters designed expressly for “G outlets, which will be designated “UK, “United Kingdom, “GB, “Great Britain, “England, and/or “Ireland.”
The majority of adapters can accommodate both two and three-pronged US plugs. However, an adaptor that solely accepts two-pronged plugs may be available. This implies that if you have a three-pronged plug from the United States, you’ll need to use a second adaptor to convert it to a two-pronged plug.
A Few More Tips
- Bring a car charger… common car chargers are used in Ireland. If you hire a car in Ireland, your American charger should work. To ensure that the charger works properly, test it before leaving the rental car lot. Keep in mind that some automobile models require the engine to be running in order for the charger to work.
- Charge your devices on the plane… many flights (as well as buses and trains) have outlets integrated into the seats, allowing you to charge your devices while traveling.
- Bring a basic power strip from home… a compact power strip may charge multiple gadgets at once while just using one adapter.
- Make sure the power is turned on… Irish electrical outlets may have an on/off switch. To charge your smartphone, it must be in the “on” position.
- If you can’t find an adapter before your trip, most airport shops provide a wide selection of adapters for sale. Adapters are available for purchase at both Shannon and Dublin Airports.
- Discover that hidden outlet in the bathroom… 220 volt outlets are prohibited in Irish bathrooms for safety reasons, but you might locate a 110 volt “shaver outlet.” These outlets are designed exclusively for shavers. These outlets can be used to charge your phone in a pinch… and you won’t need an adapter (notice that some outlets include a 110 or 220 volt option). Make sure you select 110). These outlets aren’t available in every bathroom.
What is the difference between a plug from the United Kingdom and a plug from the European Union?
- The official voltage in the United Kingdom and Ireland (as well as the rest of Europe) is 230 volts, but most electrical appliances operate at around 220240 volts.
- Except for the UK and Ireland, who have their own set of three flat rectangle pronged outlets, all of Europe uses the same two circular pronged outlets.
- You’ll need a UK and Ireland power point adaptor if you’re traveling via the UK or Ireland (including London).
What countries use plugs from the United Kingdom?
The Type G plug contains a fuse and three rectangular pins in a triangle arrangement (usually a 3A fuse for smaller appliances, such as computers, or a 13A fuse for larger appliances, such as heaters). To prevent the introduction of extraneous objects, British sockets include shutters on the live and neutral contacts.
Are Northern Ireland’s plugs the same as those in the United Kingdom?
Northern Ireland is located in Western Europe and is a component of the United Kingdom.
The adaptor plugs used in Northern Ireland are the same as those used in England.
It is critical to bring the necessary adapter plugs with you when visiting Northern Ireland.
The Deluxe Northern Ireland Adapter Plug Travel Kit ships Priority Mail and includes both earthed (grounded) and non earthed (non grounded) plugs.
Electrical connections up to 240 volts are possible with adapter plugs. Unless your appliance is dual voltage, an adaptor plug does not modify the current or voltage (this requires a converter). A non-grounded adapter cannot be used with grounded appliances; you will need a grounded adapter for them. If your hair dryer, curling iron, or electric razor aren’t dual voltage, you’ll need a converter to use them. Go In Style’s Adapter & Converter Finder has further information.
When traveling, many of our clients find having multiple adaptors useful, either to run different appliances at the same time or as a backup.
Is there a UK electrical socket in Dublin?
Just to be clear: (as there are two separate questions being asked in this thread to which there are two different answers)…..
Adaptors, etc. are not required for UK travellers to Ireland. The voltage, as well as the plugs and sockets, are identical to those found in the United Kingdom.
Adaptors and maybe transformers/converters are required for US travelers to Ireland. As Domhnall noted, the Top Questions about Ireland section on the right hand side of the Ireland Forum provides all of the information you need on this topic, as well as recommendations for where to get adaptors. Simply select ‘Can I use my electrical appliances in Ireland?’ from the drop-down menu.
