Ireland's Language and Currency: English & Euro

Official Languages

• English: Predominant spoken language; used in government, business, media, daily life.
• Irish (Gaeilge): Constitutional first official language; mandatory in schools; spoken daily in Gaeltacht regions (west coast, ~75K speakers); all signs bilingual.

Currency

• Euro (€): Adopted January 1, 1999 (electronic), January 1, 2002 (cash).
• Replaced Irish pound (punt) at fixed rate: 1 EUR = 0.787564 IEP.
• Eurozone member; Central Bank of Ireland part of Eurosystem.

Northern Ireland Distinction

Northern Ireland (UK) uses Pound Sterling (£) and has English as sole official language (Irish/Ulster-Scots recognized but not official). Border is open (Common Travel Area).