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Destination:

Ireland


Basics

topWhen to Go

Summer is the most popular season, offering long days and warm weather. This also means big crowds and higher rates. Crowds are few in winter, and prices are low, but you should be prepared for rain and chill winds – also, many rural sights and accommodations are closed in winter. Spring and autumn may be your best option, offering a combination of reasonably good weather, smaller crowds and moderate prices.

topWeather & Temperature

Ireland is famous for rain – those hills are green for a reason. Though showers can happen at any time during any season, they are often of short duration. The sunniest months are May and June; July and August are warm but rarely hot. April sees the least rain, while December and January are the wettest. Deep snow and freezing temperatures are infrequent in winter, though winds and gales are common and can be very chilly.

topTime Difference

Ireland is on Greenwich Mean Time, five hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Daylight savings time is observed from the end of March to the end of October.

topPassport & Visa Requirements

A valid passport is required for US visitors to enter the Republic of Ireland. For stays of longer than 90 days, permission must be requested from the Garda National Immigration Bureau. There are no passport or immigration controls between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

topMoney Matters

Currency

The Republic of Ireland’s currency is the Euro. Notes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, and €200. Coins come in 1c, 2c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2.

Changing Money

Banks will offer the best exchange rates, but the easiest way to obtain Euros is to withdraw cash from an ATM (readily available in cities and most towns). Hotels generally offer poor exchange rates. Traveler’s checks are widely accepted.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout Ireland, with the exception of some rural B&Bs.

Tipping

Though not required, tipping cab drivers and restaurant waitstaff is appreciated for good service. 10-15% is the norm.

topPersonal Security

Crime in Ireland is generally low, but petty theft and pickpockets can be a problem in tourist areas. Use all normal precautions, keep an eye on bags and purses, and don’t travel with large amounts of money or wear conspicuous jewelry.

topHealth

Ireland's health care system is modern and reasonably efficient. Visitors from other EU/ European Economic Area (EEA) member states and Switzerland who are visiting Ireland temporarily (i.e., on holiday or on business) are entitled to free emergency health services. Other visitors to Ireland are not entitled to free or subsidized public health services except in cases of hardship. Though the risk of illness or injury is not high on most trips, we strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance for all international travel.

topTelephone

To call the Republic of Ireland from abroad, dial the international access code (011 from the US) followed by 353 (for Ireland), the city code, then the local number.

To call an Irish number within Ireland, dial the entire number including the city code. (Local calls will still be charged correctly.)

City codes are prefixed with 0. If you are calling from outside Ireland, omit the leading 0.

City Codes

Dublin and environs 01
Wicklow 0404
Cork City 021
Waterford City 051
Kilkenny 056
Killarney 064
Ennis 065
Dingle 066
Limerick City 061
Galway 091

Public Phones

Many pay phones accept credit or debit cards, but a less expensive option (especially for international calls) is to purchase an Eircom phone card from a newsstand or post office.

Mobile Phones

Visitors from the UK, Europe and most of Asia and Africa can use their standard GSM phone in Ireland. Visitors from North America will need a triband or quadband GSM handset. To avoid roaming charges (which can be very expensive), unlock your phone and acquire an inexpensive SIM card while in Ireland. You will be given a local mobile number and will be charged normal Irish mobile rates.

Important Numbers

Directory Assistance: 11811
Operator Assistance: 10
Emergency: 999 or 112

topElectrical

220 volts/50 Hz in the Republic, 240 volts in the North. Most sockets require three-pin plugs. An adaptor is required for using American appliances.

topLanguage

Though English is the predominant first language, especially in urban areas, the historic and official language of the Republic of Ireland is Irish, a Celtic language that’s a form of Gaelic. In some areas, particularly the West, locals speak Irish among themselves, and signs are often in Irish as well as English. Speaking Irish is a form of national pride, and most primary schools teach both English and Irish.

topWhat to Wear

Because Ireland’s weather is unpredictable, it’s wise to dress in layers and always carry an umbrella and a lightweight rain jacket regardless of the season. Bring comfortable shoes for walking. The Irish are generally casual dressers – jeans are acceptable during the day, and in pubs and lower-priced restaurants, while smart casual is fine at most upscale restaurants (you might want to go dressier at the weekend). Shorts are generally not worn in Dublin even during the summer.

topPublic Holidays

The Republic observes the following national holidays: New Year's Day (Jan 1), St. Patrick's Day (Mar 17), Easter Monday, May Day (May 1), first Mondays in June and August (summer bank holidays), last Monday in October (autumn bank holiday), Christmas (Dec 25), and St. Stephen's Day (Dec 26).