Do
I need health & travel insurance?
We require that travellers to Ireland take out adequate travel insurance when
travelling in Ireland.
Ireland benefits from a first class health system and in the unlikely event
that you fall ill during your stay you can be assured of excellent treatment
throughout the country.
However you will have to pay for a consultation at the time and reclaim the
cost from your travel insurance.
Similar conditions exist with dentists.
Drugstores are known locally as "Chemists" and many remedies for
minor ailments may be purchased over the counter.
Tap water is safe to drink everywhere in Ireland.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected as it is in the USA.
Whilst tips are generally seen as discretionary some restaurants apply a service
charge of 10-15% to bills for groups.
Tipping is generally not expected in pubs except in the case of waitress service
in which case a tip of approx. €2.00 may be made for each round of drinks.
Taxis are not usually tipped for short local trips but for longer journeys
drivers expect tips of the order of 10% of the fare.
Electricity
Ireland uses a flat three-pin plug system. Electrical current is 220 volts,
50 cycles alternating current (AC). Conversion adapters and/or voltage converters
are required for use of American or European appliances.
What's
the Irish money now?
The official currency is the Euro. The Euro and the US dollar are almost at
parity.
What
is the weather like in Ireland?
In June, July and August it can be surprisingly warm in Ireland with average
temperatures of around 15C -18C (~65F-70F)
For the shoulder seasons there is no "hard and fast" rule with fine
weather being possible throughout the year.
Temperatures in March and October average 10C-13C (~55F)
In winter clouds and rain are more common with the occasional warm day.
Whilst heavy snowfalls are rare the country usually sees a couple of inches
of snow around January.
Frost is more prevalent throughout the Spring, Fall and Winter.
Average temperatures in Ireland from November to February (usually the coldest
months) are about 5C (~40F)
Should
I bring any special clothing?
No matter what time of year you travel you should pack a small umbrella and
some rainwear (light in summer, more substantial in winter)
A sweater/ jumper or fleece is also recommended.
However as there is no great variation in temperatures for most of the year
it is advisable not to overpack with large amounts of heavy clothing.
If you visit Ireland in summer bring plenty of T-shirts and light clothing
- it is generally warm and pleasant.
The Irish tend to walk much more than visitors (especially those from the
USA) so remember to bring comfortable, sturdy waterproof shoes.
How
do I get to Ireland?
Ireland's main international airports are located at Dublin, Shannon and Belfast.
Other regional airports are situated at Knock, Derry, Sligo, Farranfore, Cork,
Belfast City and Waterford.
The main seaports are Dublin, Cork, Rosslare, Dun Laoghaire, Belfast &
Larne.
What are the roads like?
Whilst the road system in the Republic of Ireland has improved immeasurably
over the past 10 years much work is still ongoing.
The roads in Northern Ireland are generally of a higher standard and the
Belfast-Dublin route will be continuous motorway in the near future.
Whilst main trunk roads are of a good quality many of the minor roads can
be hazardous.
Ireland drives on the left-hand side.
What
different types of hotels and guesthouses are available?
All accommodations are classified under the star classification operated by
the Irish Tourist Board.
The best hotels are rated with 5 stars and are luxurious lodgings which range
from elegant stately homes and castles to top class city hotels incorporating
international standards of service.
4-star hotels include contemporary hotels of excellent quality and charm complete
with all modern comforts.
3-star hotels range from small, family-operated premises to larger, modern
hotels.
Guestrooms are well decorated, comfortable and all have private bathroom with
bath and/ or shower.
These hotels are especially good value for those on a budget.
Guesthouse lodgings range from 1-star to 4-star premises with the latter offering
top class services similar to its respective hotel counterpart.
