More Than Just Cheap Flights.

Ireland Information

Overview

As far as tourist appeal goes, the small island of Ireland punches far above its own weight. The country is so packed with delights that visitors are often reduced to describing its charms in hyperbolic clichés: it is the greenest country, full of the friendliest people, all of whom would be geniuses if they weren’t distracted by the lure of the pub.

Ireland is indeed a green country - so much rainfall must have its benefits - and the people are justifiably renowned for their friendliness. As for the geniuses, well, the Irish will proudly point to their four Nobel Laureates for Literature and declare that the success rate is unmatched in any other country of its size, all the while ensuring that the sacred ’round’ system (where everyone buys a drink for everyone else in turn) is strictly adhered to.

Yet Ireland’s charms run far deeper than the legendary craic of the pub or the accomplishments of a bunch of (mostly) dead writers. It has a remarkable history that is woven into virtually everything, from the prehistoric stone monuments of the Boyne Valley to the monuments honouring its fallen patriots, men and women who dared challenge the imperious might of its longtime occupier and contemporary friend, Britain.

It has a vibrant and dynamic capital, Dublin, which has spearheaded a stunning period of economic growth that has seen the country transformed from rural backwater to the envy of Europe. As a result, the Irish have grown in worldliness that continues to propel them to greater heights of achievement. Even the thorniest issue of all - Northern Ireland - has seen a kind of resolution and Ireland looks to the future with untrammelled confidence.

Author

Robin McKelvie

Top Things To See

 Visit Trinity College (website: www.tcd.ie), an oasis of Elizabethan elegance in the heart of Dublin and home to the world-famous Book of Kells. It is also the alma mater of such notables as Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker and Samuel Beckett.

 Wonder at the breathtakingly beautiful rare books and artefacts of the Chester Beatty Library (website: www.cbl.ie) in Dublin, whose collection include some of the most outstanding examples of decorated Qu’rans in the world as well as one of the world’s oldest biblical fragments.

 Visit the Guinness Storehouse (website: www.guinness-storehouse.com), part of the world-renowned brewery and Dublin’s most visited attraction. Uncover the history of the famous beer and finish off your tour with a delicious pint in the rooftop Gravity Bar.

 Get to grips with the hard edge of Irish history with a visit to Kilmainham Gaol, where most of the rebels against British rule were incarcerated and where the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were executed.

 Explore the Neolithic burial sites of Brú na Bóinne (website: www.heritageireland.ie), west of Drogheda in Counties Louth and Meath, which predate the pyramids. Among these, Newgrange is western Europe’s most outstanding chambered tomb, built around 5,000 years ago.

 Admire the stunning western wilderness of Connemara, including Ireland’s only fjord at Killary Harbour and the network of scenic roads and trails through the Twelve Bens, the mountain range that runs through the heart of the region.

 Tap your feet and lose yourself in the traditional music bars of County Clare: Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna and Corrofin are full of superb pubs where you’ll hear Irish music the way it was meant to be heard. 

 Clamber about the 2,000 stone forts that litter the landscape of County Clare, a county that would be virtually unknown were it not for The Burren (website: www.burrenbeo.com), a beautiful limestone landscape overlooking Galway Bay and formed around an ancient barony of that name.

 Look into Ireland’s rich collection of medieval castles, some of which are popular tourist attractions (Blarney in County Cork; website: www.blarneycastle.ie) while others operate as luxury hotels, such as Dromoland in County Clare (website: www.dromoland.ie), and Ashford in County Galway (website: www.ashford.ie). 

 Visit the medieval city of Kilkenny, whose fabulous pubs and overflowing nightlife are best enjoyed during one of the yearly festivals, which include the superb Cat Laughs (website: www.thecatlaughs.com) comedy festival and the Kilkenny Arts Festival (website: www.kilkennyarts.ie).

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Top Things To Do

Enjoy Ireland’s renowned equestrian pursuits, from racing, for which the country is justifiably famous, to horse riding, at centres throughout the country. The principal racecourses are at Leopardstown, Fairyhouse (Irish Grand National every year), The Curragh (Irish Sweeps Derby) and Punchestown (an international riding course).

Explore Ireland on foot, by walking one of the country’s 31 designated long-distance paths. The most famous is the Wicklow Way, which runs from the Dublin suburbs to County Carlow. For info on walks, try the National Waymarked Ways Advisory Committee (website: www.walkireland.ie).

Pedal the highways and byways of Ireland on a cycling holiday. Although parts of the country are mountainous, the sheltered valleys and the gently undulating central plain are excellent for easy biking. In the west, prevailing winds mean it is easier to cycle from south to north.

Grab a rod and try some excellent free coarse fishing. Most Irish fishing occurs on and around the enormous Shannon and Erne river systems, which stretch southward from Leitrim and Fermanagh. County Cavan is known as the ‘Lake County’ and is a favourite for anglers.

Go bird-watching in a country famous for its variety of winged creatures. There are over 70 reserves and sanctuaries in Ireland, as well as some of the largest breeding seabird colonies in the world, with huge flocks of wintering waders and wildfowl. Birdwatch Ireland (website: www.birdsireland.com) has all the details.

Drink a pint of Guinness, one of the most famous, popular and distinctive drinks in the world, whilst indulging in some craic. Dublin is the ideal city to do this, with a palpable buzz of excitement, not least in the capital’s so-called ‘cultural quarter’ of Temple Bar (website: www.templebar.ie). Indeed, the whole city boasts fashionable pubs, good places to eat and busy nightclubs.

Immerse yourself in the gourmet offerings of County Cork, beginning in Clonakilty - home of the best black pudding in the world - but not forgetting the myriad local cheesemakers. Take more than a taste home by enrolling in a cooking course: Darina Allen’s Ballymaloe House (website: www.ballymaloe.ie) offers the most famous.  

Investigate the rich traces of Ireland’s monastic heritage, from the stunning ruins of Clonmacnois in County Offaly to the pastoral beauty of Glendalough in County Wicklow. Other monastic highlights include the hilltop remains of Cashel in County Tipperary and the windswept, desolate beauty of Glencolumbcille in County Donegal.

Explore the magnificent Ring of Kerry , a stunning, 180km (112-mile) scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula, with numerous diversions along coastal roads and out to islands like Skellig Michael, one of the most ruggedly stunning corners of Ireland.

Hop between Ireland’s offshore islands, which range from the genteel Italianate gardens of Garinish in County Cork to the wild and wonderful Tory, off the shores of Northwestern Donegal. But don’t forget the Aran Islands off Galway - still as popular and beautiful as ever.
 
See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Going Out

Food and Drink

Ireland is a farming country noted for its meat, bacon, poultry and dairy produce. The surrounding sea, inland lakes and rivers offer fresh fish including salmon, trout, lobster, mussels and periwinkles. Dublin has a wide selection of restaurants and eating places to suit every pocket, as do the other major towns.

Ireland has recently become a must-visit destination for food lovers. Cookery courses are available throughout the country. They vary from formal teaching in schools which offer classes all year round, to smaller, informal courses run by enthusiastic chefs in rural restaurants.

Things to know: Table and self-service are both common. ‘Tea’ is often almost a full meal with sandwiches and cakes. Pubs, of which Ireland has plenty, are sometimes called ‘lounges’ or ‘bars’ and there is often a worded sign outside the premises rather than the traditional painted boards found in the UK. Pubs and bars have counter service. The measure used in Ireland for spirits is larger than that used in the UK, for example an Irish double is equal to a triple in the UK.

National specialities:
• Dublin Bay prawns.
• Oysters, served with Guinness and wholemeal bread.
• Irish stew, traditionally made with mutton or old sheep, now mostly made with lamb or juicy beef, this dish is usually served with potatoes, stock, onions, carrots and garlic.
• Crubeens (pigs’ trotters).
• Colcannon (a mixture of potatoes and cabbage cooked together).

National drinks:
• Whiskey: popular brands are Jamesons, John Powers Gold Label, Hewitts, Midleton, Old Bushmills, Paddy, Reserve and Tullamore Dew.
• Irish coffee is popular (a glass of strong black coffee, brown sugar and whiskey with cream).
• Guinness, one of the most famous, popular and distinctive drinks in the world, is found everywhere.
• Other popular alternatives to Guinness are Murphy’s and Beamish, both brewed in Cork.
• One of the most popular lighter ales is Smithwick’s, also available everywhere.
• Liqueurs such as Bailey’s and Irish Mist are both made from a base of Irish whiskey. 

Legal drinking age: 18, although some bars will insist that patrons are over 21 and carry ID. Children under 18 years must leave establishments by 2100.

Tipping: The customary tip in Ireland is 10 to 12%. Many hotels and restaurants add this in the form of a service charge indicated on the menu or bill. It is not customary to tip in bars unless you have table service when a small tip is advised.

Nightlife

Most towns in Ireland have clubs, bars and pubs with live music. It is quite common to find pubs holding seisun, playing traditional Irish music with traditional instruments. The dancehalls and discos of previous eras have now been replaced with clubs similar to those found throughout the UK and Western Europe. Special events and themed nights often take place at special attractions such as the medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle. There is a good choice of theatres and cinemas.

Shopping

Special purchases include hand-woven tweed, hand-crocheted woollens and cottons, sheepskin goods, gold and silver jewellery, Aran knitwear, linen, pottery, Irish crystal and basketry. Ideal gifts include: a copy of Ulysses from an Irish bookshop, a bottle of Jameson or Bushmills whiskey from the distillery or Irish Salmon.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1730/1800. Many towns have a late night opening on Thursday or Friday until 2000/2100 and smaller towns may have one early closing day a week. On Sunday, main shopping centres and some of the larger department stores open 1200-1700/1800. Many smaller supermarkets in towns and villages also open.

Under the ‘Retail Export Scheme’, it is possible to claim VAT back on goods bought in Ireland on leaving the EU. For further information, contact the VAT Administration Branch, Stamping Building, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2 (tel: (1) 674 8858; website: www.revenue.ie).

Climate

The temperate climate is due to mild southwesterly winds and the Gulf Stream. Summers are warm, while temperatures during winter are much cooler. Spring and autumn are very mild. Rain falls all year.

Required Clothing

Lightweights during summer with warmer mediumweights for the winter. Rainwear is advisable throughout the year.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
17 Mar St Patrick’s Day. 
21 Mar Good Friday. 
24 Mar Easter Monday. 
5 May Bank Holiday. 
2 Jun Bank Holiday. 
4 Aug Bank Holiday.
27 Oct Halloween.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
26 Dec St Stephen’s Day.

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
17 Mar St Patrick’s Day. 
10 Apr Good Friday.
13 Apr Easter Monday. 
5 May Bank Holiday. 
2 Jun Bank Holiday. 
3 Aug Bank Holiday.
27 Oct Halloween.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
26 Dec St Stephen’s Day.

Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: No

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: No

Malaria

Special Precaution: No

Rabies

Special Precaution: No

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: No

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: No

Health Care

If suddenly taken ill or involved in an accident during a visit to Ireland, free or reduced-cost necessary treatment is available for European travellers - in most cases on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Comprehensive insurance is advised for all other nationals.

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Currency Exchange

Available in banks, airports and in bureaux de change.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted. ATMs are available everywhere, catering for Cirrus and Maestro symbols.

Traveller's Cheques

Accepted throughout Ireland. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Currency Restrictions

Restrictions apply.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0930-1630. In Dublin, banks stay open Thurs until 1700; there are also late opening nights in other parts of the country, but the day will vary.

Passport/Visa

British

Passport Required: 1
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: No

Australian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: 3

Canadian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: 3

USA

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: 3

Other EU

Passport Required: 2
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: No

Passport Note

3. Imposition of a return ticket as a condition of entry is down to the discretion of the Immigration Officer at point of entry.

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:
(a) 1. persons born in the UK travelling direct from the UK (applicable to British passport holders only).
Note: Whilst UK citizens do not require a passport or visa to enter Ireland, most carriers by air or sea now require some form of identification with photograph, usually a passport or driving licence with photo. Visitors should check what form of ID is required with the individual airline, ferry company or travel agent before travelling.
(b) 2. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;
(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Contact Addresses

Embassy of the Republic of Ireland in the UK

17 Grosvenor Place, London SW1X 7HR, UK
Tel: (020) 7235 2171.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1300, 1415-1700.
Passport and visa office: Montpelier House, 106 Brompton Road, London SW3 1JJ, UK
Tel: 0906 661 0197. 
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1200 (visa section); 0930-1630 (passport section).

Tourism Ireland in the UK

Nations House, 103 Wigmore Street, London W1U 1QS, UK
Tel: 0800 039 7000.
Website: www.tourismireland.com

Embassy of Ireland in the USA

2234 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 462 3939.
Website: www.irelandemb.org

Tourism Ireland in the USA

345 Park Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10154, USA
Tel: (212) 418 0800 (general enquiries) or 1 800 223 6470 (brochure request line).
Website: www.tourismireland.com

Travel Advice

Warning

Most visits to Ireland are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice.

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

• Ireland Overview
• Ireland Things to See
• Ireland Things to Do
• Ireland Events
• Ireland Climate
• Ireland Public Holidays
• Ireland Health
• Ireland Currency
• Ireland Passport & Visas
• Ireland Contact Addresses
• Ireland Travel Advice