Emergency numbers and help in Ireland

The numbers

• Both 112 and 999 work identically and both are free from any phone, including a locked one, one with no credit and one with no SIM card.
• Say which service you need first, then the location. If you do not know where you are, say so; the operator can locate a mobile.
• 112 works across the whole EU and reaches an English-speaking operator in every member state.

Dealing with the Garda

• Ordinary Gardai are unarmed and are used to being asked for directions. Approaching one is normal and safe.
• Report a theft in person at a Garda station and ask for the incident number in writing. No insurer will pay without it.
• A stolen passport also needs your embassy, and most embassies are in Dublin 4 around Ballsbridge.

Specific situations

• On the coast or on water, ask for the Coast Guard. Ireland has a dedicated marine rescue service and calling it early costs nothing.
• In the hills, ask for mountain rescue, through 112. Give a grid reference or a what3words location if you have it.
• A car breakdown on a motorway: get everyone behind the barrier before you call anyone. The AA roadside number is 01 617 9560 and rental companies have their own.
• Lost your passport? Report it to the Garda first, then your embassy. Replacements for most nationalities take a few working days in Dublin.

Worth saving now

• Your accommodation's address and phone number, written down, not only in the booking app.
• Your insurer's 24 hour assistance number, which is the one that authorises private treatment.
• The Irish country code is +353, and Irish mobile numbers begin 08. Drop the leading 0 when dialling from abroad.