Travel to Ireland from North Wales

Huza91

Hi All,

I'm currently in Pwllheli, North Wales visiting my girlfriend over the festive period however I need to return to Dublin in the coming week by ferry.

As per stated on the below link, a negative antigen test (not self admistered) or a negative PCR test is required upon entry. https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel_and_recreation/travel_to_ireland/travel_to_ireland_during_covid.html

Firstly, am I right in saying that a self admistered PCR test is acceptable as it only states on the above that a professional antigen test is required.

Secondly, does anyone know of any antigen testing in Gwynedd or Holyhead that is suitable for travel? I've checked Rowlands and Lloyds Pharmacies and the nearest is in Aberystwyth which is over 2 hours away!!

All help greatly appreciated 😊😊

Wanderer78

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058225284/travel-to-ireland-from-north-wales

is it even possible to do a self pcr, thought clean lap facilities would be required? id imagine no self test is acceptable, so you ll have to get a professional test done

newirishman

Self administered PCR test is not Certifiable, so won’t work.

newirishman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118399392#Comment_118399392

It is possible, ie you self administer the swab and then send it to the lab. It is not certifiable though, hence no good for travel - which is the reason it isn’t really offered anymore.

Pharmacy or GP (or dedicated test facility) visit is required for certified PCR test.

Caranica

Have a look through the recent threads on travel from the UK to Ireland on here. There was definitely someone who got the ferry from Hollyhead and got a test in North Wales

Huza91

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118399397#Comment_118399397

I've done at home PCR tests with Boots (MyHealthChecked) twice in June/August and both times received a certificate by mail stating I was negative

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118399780#Comment_118399780

I've checked and I'm unable to find anything :(

newirishman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118399953#Comment_118399953

What I mean is I seem to remember that self-administered PCR tests are not accepted by Irish Government.

No surprise really given there is no proof whatsoever that the sample is from the person it claims to be.

I can see however that the web site is not explicit about that requirement, unlike with the Antigen tests.

Huza91

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118400246#Comment_118400246

I agree that there's no concrete proof that the person giving the sample is the person travelling however my concern is, it doesn't state anywhere that the PCR must be administered by a professional, it only mentions that an antigen is to be done by a professional.

newirishman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118400970#Comment_118400970

If in doubt, ask them or go for the professionally administered one.

Lots of small independent pharmacies do Covid tests. Call to the one nearest you and if they don’t do them, they’re sure to know someone who does.