Check if you need a visa in the list of countries on the web site of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=8777.

Applications must normally be made through the Irish Embassy or Consulate in the applicant's country of permanent residence and applicants may be required to attend for personal interview. If there is no Irish Embassy or Consulate in the applicant's country of permanent residence the application may be made through any Irish Embassy or Consulate or directed by post to the Visa Office, Department of Foreign Affairs, 69-71 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland, Phone +353 1 478 08221

Applicants should apply at least three weeks (five weeks by post) in advance of the intended date of departure for Ireland.

The granting of an Irish visa is, in effect, only a form of pre-entry clearance. It does not grant permission to enter Ireland. Immigration Officers have authority to grant or deny admission. Visa holders are subject to normal immigration control at the port of entry. They should therefore carry with them, for possible presentation to Immigration Officers, the originals or copies of the documents submitted with their applications.

Visa applicants require a valid visa each time they enter the State, including entry via the UK. This also applies to persons who have current permission to reside in the State.

A visa does not grant permission to stay in Ireland. The date of validity shown on the visa indicates only the date before which it must be presented to an Immigration Officer. The length of stay is decided by an Immigration Officer at the port of entry. Irish law does not provide a permanent residence visa.

A visa holder who remains in the State longer than the permitted period and/or who submitted false or misleading information in support of his/her application may become liable for prosecution and/or subject to deportation.

Travel tickets should not be booked or paid for by applicants until their applications have been approved.