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| Ireland Practical Information |
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 IRELAND is an English-speaking island on the northwestern edge of Europe. It is 300 miles long and 150 miles wide. The Republic of Ireland takes up three-quarters of the island and its capital city is Dublin. The remainder, Northern Ireland, is part of the U.K. and its capital is Belfast. Ireland is a constitutional democracy and a member of the European Union. ' Population is about 4 million. More than 1 million people live in Dublin. Clothing: casual wear, sweaters and jeans for touring; jacket and tie or cocktail dress for fine dining. Rainwear and comfortable shoes are advisable. Time is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Time.
Questions most frequently asked by American and Canadian visitors to Ireland
Q.What is the best time to visit Ireland?
A. Ireland is a year round destination. Value is excellent in the off season, with a range of inexpensive fares and accommodation. You can also play golf for most of the year.
Q.What clothing should I pack?
A. Casual wear, sweaters and jeans for touring; jacket and tie or cocktail dress for fine dining. Rainwear and comfortable shoes for walking are advisable.
Q. What is the weather like in Ireland?
A. Ireland ejoys a mild temperate climate with summer temperatures generally ranging from 60/75 degreesF. The temperatures in spring and fall are generally in the 50 F and winter the 30/40'sF. Showers can occur at any time.
Q. What are the highlights not to be missed?
A. Ireland is steeped in history and culture offering a range of attractions, as well as scenic and sporting events for all age groups. The west occasions mainly rural with coastal and mountain scenery and Dublin, Ireland's capital city is on the east Coast.
Q. Will everything be closed on Public Holidays?
A. Hotels and restaurants and the shopping malls will be open. Attractions generally run on a Sunday schedule, depending on the time of year.
Q. What's the best way to carry money?
A. The Irish Punt (pound) is not available in Travelers Checks. The safest way to carry money is in $ Travelers Checks and change them at the banks in Ireland for the best rate. There are ATM's in Ireland, but check with your financial institution before you depart to see if you can use your card at the ATM's. The rate is approx. $1.45 but will fluctuate on daily basis. The Euro is also used in Ireland.
Q. Cost for gas?
A. Credit cards are accepted at most gas (petrol) stations. Gas is approx. IRL .60 per litre
Q. How much are the taxis from the major airports?
A. Shannon Airport to Limerick City: 25 pounds approx. one way Dublin Airport to downtown Dublin City: 18.00 pounds approx. one way
Q. Is there bus/train service from the airports?
A. Yes there is local bus transportation from the airports to the city center areas. Check with the local tourist information office in the arrival area.
Q. What are the approx. driving distances to/from the major cities?
A. Shannon/Dublin 4 hours Shannon/Cork 2.5 hours Shannon/Belfast 6 hours Shannon/Waterford 3 hours Shannon/Galway 2 hours Dublin/Galway 4 hours Dublin/Cork 4.5 hours Dublin/Belfast 3 hours Dublin to Waterford (this includes stopping for a snack)
Q. Where are the best places to shop in Ireland?
A. Prices do not fluctuate very much throughout Ireland. If you see an item that you want, you should buy it. At specific places, the value added tax is taken out at source, however, you must have your receipts stamped on departure. If not, your credit card will be charged at a later date. Ask for the tax-free voucher.
Q. What am I allowed to bring in duty free to Ireland?
A. You are allowed to bring in approx. US$195/Can$285 per adult into Ireland including 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine and 60mls of perfume or 250 mls of toilet water.
Q. What am I allowed to bring back to the United States or Canada?
A. U.S. visitors can take home $400 person and Canadian visitors can take home $500.U.S. visitors can take home US$400 worth of goods including 200 cigarettes and 1 litre of spirits or wine. Canadians are allowed Can$500 worth of goods per person, including 200 cigarettes and 1.14 liters of spirits or wine.
Q. Can I bring my pet with me?
A. All animals entering Ireland are quarantined for a period of six months.
Q. Am I covered by health insurance while travelling in Ireland?
A. No, you need to check if you have additional coverage with your insurance company for travel abroad.
Q.Do I need an international drivers license?
A. No, a valid US or Canadian license is sufficient. If you are over 75 or under 21 you must advise your car rental agency or travel agent.
Q.What documentation do I need to visit Ireland?
A. If you are an American or Canadian citizen, a valid passport is required. Please check that it is up to date as there can be long delays for summer travel. If you hold other citizenship, please check with the nearest Consulate of Ireland. (see Useful Telephone and addresses).
Q.Do I need to bring a hairdryer?
A. Most hotels provide hairdryers. If you are staying at a bed and breakfast, bring an adapter and transformer with you. The electrical current in Ireland is 220 and 110 in North America.
Q.How can I trace my ancestors?
A. You must do some research before you travel, unless you trace your ancestors to a specific town or village. Call 1-800-223--6470 and ask for the 'Tracing Your Ancestors' brochure.
Q.How can I call home?
A. You can buy a phone card which you can use for local or long distance. Or you can call the 1-800 AT & T or MCI long distance operator who can place any type of call for you.
Q.How much should I tip?
A. Most hotels and restaurants add a service charge to the check. Please ask if this is not evident. 10/12.5% tipping is appreciated for good service. Tipping in bars is not usual. Tip cabs 10% and porters 50p per bag.
Q.Where can I get information while travelling in Ireland?
A.There is an extensive network of Tourist Information Offices in Ireland. These offices, normally located in the center of town or at airports or ferryports, offer complete details on the locality, a reservations service for accommodations, literature and guidebooks, and, in many cases, excellent crafts for sale.
While not asked very frequently this is very important
Drive on the LEFT HAND SIDE of the road and DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. There are severe penalties, as in the US and Canada for drinking and driving. If you are nervous about driving on the left, it is advisable to rent an automatic car, while it is more expensive, you will have a much more enjoyable vacation.
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