Ireland

More Map & Picture

Ireland Overview

Chinese Name: English IPA: Location: Population (city): Language: Zip code: Tel code: Time zone:

Traveling from Ireland to the main cities of China is straightforward, but since there are no direct flights to most Chinese cities, you’ll need to take connecting flights. Here’s a detailed guide for how to make the journey:

1. Flights from Ireland to China

There are no direct flights from Dublin or Cork to China, so you’ll have to fly with at least one layover. Most flights connect through major European or Middle Eastern hubs. Here’s how to get to the main cities in China:

Dublin to Beijing

  • Airlines: Aer Lingus, China Eastern Airlines, Air China, and others.
  • Route: You’ll usually fly via London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Amsterdam Schiphol, or Frankfurt.
  • Flight Time: About 10-11 hours for the direct flight (if available) plus layover time, so total journey time is typically 14-16 hours.
  • Major Hubs for Connecting Flights: London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt.

Dublin to Shanghai

  • Airlines: Aer Lingus, China Eastern Airlines, KLM, Air France.
  • Route: Fly through London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Amsterdam Schiphol, or Doha.
  • Flight Time: Approximate flight duration is 11-12 hours from Europe, and total travel time with layovers can range from 14-16 hours.
  • Major Hubs for Connecting Flights: London, Paris, Amsterdam, Doha.

Dublin to Guangzhou

  • Airlines: China Southern Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines.
  • Route: You’ll usually transit through London Heathrow, Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul.
  • Flight Time: Flight time to Guangzhou is about 11-12 hours from Europe, but total journey time with layovers is usually 15-17 hours.
  • Major Hubs for Connecting Flights: London, Dubai, Doha, Istanbul.

2. Airlines and Connecting Routes

Some common connecting routes from Ireland to China include:

  • Aer Lingus and China Eastern Airlines via London Heathrow or Amsterdam Schiphol.
  • Qatar Airways via Doha.
  • Emirates via Dubai.
  • KLM via Amsterdam.
  • Turkish Airlines via Istanbul.

3. Visa Requirements for Irish Citizens

  • Chinese Visa: Irish passport holders need a tourist visa (L visa) to travel to China. You can apply through the Chinese embassy or consulates in Ireland, or use a visa service. Be sure to apply in advance, as processing can take a few weeks.
  • Documents Needed: Typically, you’ll need proof of travel (flight bookings), hotel reservations, and an invitation letter (if applicable). Always check the specific requirements from the Chinese embassy.

4. Traveling Within China

Once you arrive in China, traveling between major cities is easy:

  • Domestic Flights: China has a well-developed network of domestic flights. Popular domestic carriers include China Eastern Airlines, Air China, and China Southern Airlines.
  • High-Speed Trains: The high-speed rail network is the most convenient option for traveling between cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi’an. Trains are fast, comfortable, and widely available.
  • Metro and Taxis: Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have extensive metro systems. Taxis and ride-hailing services (like Didi) are also widely available.

5. Useful Tips for Traveling

  • Currency: The currency in China is Chinese Yuan (CNY). You can exchange money at the airport or use ATMs once you’re in China.
  • Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language. If you don’t speak Mandarin, it’s helpful to have a translation app or learn some basic phrases.
  • Time Zone: China operates on China Standard Time (CST), which is UTC+8.
  • SIM Card & Wi-Fi: Consider purchasing a local SIM card at the airport or using eSIM services for internet access in China.
  • Climate: China is vast, so weather conditions vary greatly. Check the climate for the specific city you are visiting.

6. Sample Route Overview

Here’s an example of a typical journey from Dublin to Beijing:

  1. Flight 1: Depart from Dublin to London Heathrow (approx. 1 hour).
  2. Flight 2: Connect from London Heathrow to Beijing Capital International Airport (approx. 10 hours).
  3. Total Travel Time: Around 14-16 hours.