General Information on Ireland
[Airlines] [Ferries] [Bus]
[Train] [FAQ] [Currency]
[Passport / Visa ]
[Time] [Tipping] [Irish
Tourist Board Offices Overseas]
Airlines
U.K. Airport Parking
U.K. Air routes
Ferries
Bus
Irish Bus- Bus Eireann
Tel: +353 1 836 6111
Train
Timetable and price information can be obtained from:
Irish Rail - Iarnrod Eireann
Tel: +353 1 836 6222
Price indicator: Return fare:
Dublin - Galway €32.50
Dublin - Limerick €47.00
Dublin - Killarney €58.00
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Ireland?
A: British subjects born in the United Kingdom when travelling to Ireland
do not require passports and visas. However, photographic identification is
required. Residents of the UK who are not British subjects or those travelling
to Ireland via the UK do require a passport and may require a visa. From the
United States and Canada a valid passport is required.
Q: Can I use my US driver's license as ID in Ireland?
A: A valid US or Canadian driver's license is sufficient to drive a car in
Ireland, but is not a suitable form of ID. A passport is required.
Q: Do I need health insurance before coming to Ireland?
A: It is advisable to insure oneself before travel.
Q: What is the quality of the health services in Ireland?
A: The health services in Ireland are excellent. Contact your local health
board or G.P. for an E11 form, which would cover any medical emergencies you
may have.
Q: Where can I get the best exchange rate, at a bank or at an ATM?
A: The exchange rate in Ireland is the same either at a bank counter or via
an ATM operated by that bank.
Q: Should I convert my money before travelling to Ireland?
A: Either will suffice. It is advisable to exchange some currency prior to
travel. In Republic of Ireland the currency is the Euro and in Northern Ireland
the currency is Pound Sterling.
Q: Should I use cash or travellers cheques? Travellers cheques are safer.
A: It is advisable to have some cash upon arrival for incidentals such as
tips, taxis, etc.
Q: Will ATMs in Ireland accept my bankcards?
A: ATMs located in most banks accept VISA and MasterCard as well as PLUS and
CIRRUS debit cards.
Q: Will I be charged to use my US bankcard in Irish ATMs?
A: You will be charged the exchange rate and a bank-handling fee. Check with
your bank prior to travel.
Q: Are credit cards readily accepted in Ireland?
A: Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Ireland.
Q: Which US credit cards can I use in Ireland?
A: VISA and MasterCard are widely accepted in Ireland although when staying
in paying for packed lunch and dinners in your B&B they do prefer cash.
Q: Is tipping expected in Irish restaurants, bars, hotels and taxis?
A: Many hotels and restaurants add a service charge of about 15% to the bill
(check). However this is not universal. When service is not included a tip
of 15% is appropriate. Taxi drivers should be tipped 10% of the fare and porters
about 63c/50p per bag.
Q: What are bank-opening hours in Ireland?
A: Banks are open from 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday with some branches opening
later on a Thursday.
Q: What is the exchange rate between my currency and €/£?
A: It varies, check with your bank prior to travel. The Universal Currency
Converter allows you to perform interactive foreign exchange calculations
on the Internet, using live up-to-the-minute currency rates, www.xe.com/ucc/
Q: Can I rent a temporary cell phone in Ireland?
A: Yes you can - further information is available from your local tourist
information office. They will be happy to supply a list of agents.
Q: What times are shops, bars and restaurants open in Ireland?
A: Shopping hours are 9am - 5.30/6.00pm Monday to Saturday, with late night
opening until 8pm on Thursday in most major towns and cities. Most large stores
open on Sundays from 12 noon until 6pm. Most country towns have a half-day
closed each week, usually Wednesday.
Currency
On 1 January 2002 the Irish punt was replaced by the Euro, a currency shared
by 11 other EU countries. From 1 July 2002 it is the only legal currency in
the Republic of Ireland. The Euro consists of 100 cents. Notes are €
5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500. Coins
are 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c and €1
Back to Top
Clothing
The weather can change very quickly and dramatically and so ensure that sweaters
alongside light cottons are packed regardless of the time of year. A raincoat
and/or umbrella are as necessary as a swimsuit when travelling in Ireland!
As is a positive attitude and state of mind because in Ireland you cannot
allow the weather to interfere with or upset plans.
Passport/Visa
All visitors to Ireland, apart from UK Nationals, are required to travel on
their national identity card but it is recommended to carry a valid passport.
Citizens living within the EU and most other western countries including Australia,
Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa do not require visas. All other countries
should contact their local Irish Embassy/Consulate prior to travelling to
the Republic of Ireland and visitors to Northern Ireland should contact their
local British Embassy/High Commission or the Consular Office for Northern
Ireland.
Further information for Republic of Ireland from Department of Foreign Affairs
+353 1 4780822 or www.irlgov.ie/iveagh
Time
Ireland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and in accordance with daylight saving,
clocks are put forward one hour mid-March and back one hour at the end of
October. During summer it stays light until as late as 11pm but by mid-December
it is dark by 4pm.
Tipping
When a service charge is not included, 10-15% of the bill is appropriate.
In pubs, tipping lounge staff is at the customer's discretion.