| Background |
Ireland remains one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. It has world class fertility clinics offering all types of treatments. The cost of fertility treatments is on a par with the UK. Dublin is a lively city and easy to reach from all over the world. There is no state funding for IVF treatment in Ireland so all cases are privately funded. |
| Travel facts |
Capital city |
Dublin |
| Language |
English / Irish |
| Time zone |
GMT |
| Currency |
Euro |
| Flight duration |
1hrs 20 mins from London |
| Passports & visas |
British citizens need a valid passport. |
| Health & Safety |
You should get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. After 31 December 2020, your UK-issued EHIC might not be valid. The EHIC entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Irish nationals. It is important to take out comprehensive travel insurance that includes cover for emergency medical treatment and associated costs. The existing EHIC arrangements are not an alternative to travel insurance, as some health-related costs, including for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment, are not covered. |
| Spanish cities |
Dublin – Cork – Limerick – Waterford – Kilkenny |
| Best time to go |
Ireland is a popular destination all year around. The weather is probably best in the summer months of June-September but this is also the busiest so late Spring or Late Autumn are quieter times. |
| Egg donation |
Egg donation for heterosexual and same-sex couples is permitted. New legislation comes into force on 4th May 2020 enacted by ‘The Children and Family Relationships Act’ 2015, stating that the birth parents are the registered parents on the child’s birth certificate. Prior to this it required a separate ‘Declaration of Parentage’, which is no longer required. |
| Embryo donation |
Most clinics offer embryo donation. |
| IVF laws |
IVF/ICSI |
IVF and ICSI are both available in Ireland for heterosexual and same-sex couples. The recent change in the law means same-sex couples can register as the birth parents without requiring a Declaration of Parentage. |
| Age limit |
Upper age limit is 47 years |
| No. embryos |
Maximum two permitted in general |
| Sex selection |
Not available |
| Egg/sperm donors |
Traceable egg and sperm donors |
| Surrogacy |
Surrogacy is legal but agreements must be put in place as Irish law recognises the birth mother as the parent, unless legal documents state otherwise. |
| Egg Freezing |
Permitted |
| Safety & quality |
IVF is not actually regulated in Ireland. However, the clinics offering fertility treatments are in most cases well established and provide a high level of healthcare. |
| Success rates |
Inconsistencies exist in reporting frequencies and regulation of this. |
