Travelling to Ireland
It is possible to fly to Ireland from
most European countries and major cities in the United States.
Many UK routes also exist with frequent flights
from London to Dublin. Ferry
services from Britain sail to Dublin (Dublin Port or Dun
Laoghaire) and Rosslare, Belfast and Cork. From France,
sailings serve Rosslare and Cork.
Passports and Visas
EU citizens and citizens of
Monaco, Liechtenstein and Switzerland need passport or
a national ID card. US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand
citizens require a passport, but have visa exemption. UK citizens have free entry with no passport
or visa required. For citizens
of other countries visas may be needed. Be careful to enquire before travelling.
Ireland's Climate
Ireland enjoys a temperate climate with mild, mostly pleasant weather bereft of the wild extremes experienced in other parts of the World. It is, however, variable and can rapildy change from dry to wet within a short time. For your Irish visit, bring
an umbrella and some light rain-ware.
For the warmer months of June, July and August
have some light summer clothes such as shorts, tee-shirts and light slacks.
Also bring some warmer clothes for the cooler
evenings and cold snaps. Naturally, much warmer clothing is needed during the Winter season.
Irish Currency
Thee Irish
currency is the EURO, which is the single, unified currency of the EU.
You can exchange your currency into Euro at bank branches
and Bureaux de Change at airport,
ferry and rail stations and at ATM machines.
Driving in Ireland
In Ireland, driving is on
the left side of the road -- one of the few countries where this is the norm. It initially is strange for drivers travelling on the 'wrong' side, and care is
needed especially for the first few days. After
that, it becomes routine and you will cease to even think
about it. Otherwise, exercise all the usual safety you would
in your own country. Take extra care while driving in rural areas as roads can be narrow,
winding and have the added danger of occasional stray farm animals.
Crime
Ireland like everywhere else suffers from of crime that is specifically targeted at tourists. On the whole, however,
Ireland is safe for visitors and you can expect
to enjoy your visit without mishap. It is advisable to take
sensible precautions to safeguard yourself and your property.
This is particularly the case in Dublin where a serious drugs
problem exists along with the usual vices of violent
attacks, general theft, burglaries and muggings.
Remember these points:-
· Don't make an obvious public display of your wealth or
large amounts of money.
· Don't carry loosely secured handbags.
· Don't leave your belongings on open display in your car.
· Don't park your car at night in isolation from other vehicles;
stick with the crowd.
Tipping
Tipping is not as widespread a practise as in many other countries. For the most part, it is common to
tip in hotels and restaurants in the order of 10 to 15 per
cent, and only then if no service charge exists. If a
service charge is included, don't leave a
tip. If you
take a tour bus on a scenic trip to the countryside, it
is customary to tip the driver.
Begging
People you see begging in Ireland are not genuine: they are merely playing on your symathies. Irish social services and
financial supports are good, and no individual or family
need suffer because of difficult circumstances. Whatever
other problems they may have, no one needs to beg. Still,
begging persists because some well-intentioned people foolishly
fund the problem, or should that be the industry. If you
are confronted by this problem, do not encourage it.
Health Services
You do not need vaccines
or insect repellent for your Irish visit. Ireland is a safe destination. Food and water is safe, and hygiene
standards are good. As with all foreign travel, take the
precaution of getting good health insurance cover.
If you are from within the European Union countries you
should bring the usual E111 form. As Ireland has a reciprocal
with the UK, British tourists do not require this form.
Smoking
Ban
Under legislation, smoking is not permitted in public establishments. Although hotel bedrooms are exempt
from the ban, the legislation is applied to all other areas within
hotels and also in bars, night clubs and restaurants.
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