Climate
The dominant influence on Ireland's climate is the Atlantic Ocean and the warm Gulf Stream. This means Ireland does not suffer from the extremes of temperature experienced by many other countries, so it's always a good time to visit.
Summer temperatures generally range from 60ºF/15ºC to 70ºF/20ºC. Spring and autumn are generally 50ºF/10ºC. Winter is between 40ºF/5ºC and 46ºF/8ºC. Snow is rare, but showers can occur at any time of the year. Our advice is to wear layered clothing and do bring some rain gear.
Time Zone
Ireland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and, in accordance with daylight saving, clocks are put forward one hour in March and back one hour at the end of October.
Public Holidays 2007 - Republic of Ireland
- January 1 (New Year)
- March 17 (St Patrick's Day)
- April 6 (Good Friday/bank holiday only)
- April 9 (Easter Monday)
- May 7 (May Day)
- June 4 (Spring Holiday)
- August 6 (Summer Holiday)
- October 29 (Hallowe'en)
- December 25 (Christmas Day)
- December 26 (St Stephen's Day)
Public Holidays 2007 - Northern Ireland
- January 1 (New Year)
- March 17 (St Patrick's Day)
- April 6 (Good Friday/bank holiday only)
- April 9 (Easter Monday)
- May 7 (May Day)
- May 28 (Spring Holiday
- July 12 (Bank Holiday)
- August 27 (Summer Holiday)
- December 25 (Christmas Day)
- December 26 (St Stephen's Day)
Money Matters
The euro is the local currency of the Republic of Ireland. One euro consists of 100 cent. Notes are €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500. Coins are €1, €2, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c.
The pound sterling is the local currency in Northern Ireland. One pound consists of 100 pennies. Notes are £5, £10, £20, £50, £100, £200 and £500. Coins are £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p and 1p.
Credit Cards
Any credit cards that bear the Visa, MasterCard or American Express symbol will be widely accepted in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Visitors with other cards should ask in advance or check if that card is on display where they wish to use it.
Banks
Banks in Ireland generally open around 9.30am and close about 4.30pm Monday through Friday. ATM (cash) machines are located at most banks and accept most credit and debit cards.
Business/Shopping Hours
All shops are generally open from 0900hrs to 1730hrs Monday to Saturday. Many small local shops and grocery shops in villages and small towns open daily until 2200hrs. Shopping centres normally have one or two late night openings each week and many are also open on Sunday afternoons. Some large supermarkets are open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Post Offices
Post offices are normally open from 0900hrs to 1730hrs Monday to Friday and 0900hrs to 1300hrs on Saturday. Almost every town and village in the region has a main post office or a sub post office.
Telecommunications
Mobile Phones: Only digital phones with GSM subscriptions and a roaming agreement will work. Visitors should consult with their supplier before departure.
Pay Phones: Pre-paid phone cards are widely available both in the Republic and Northern Ireland and both are convenient and effective to use.
Telephone Codes: If calling the Republic of Ireland from abroad all telephone numbers must be prefixed with 00 353 (drop the first 0 of the local code). If calling Northern Ireland from abroad all telephone numbers must be prefixed with 00 44 (drop the first 0 of the local code).
Electricity
The electrical supply throughout the Region and Ireland is 230 volts (50 cycles). Plugs are 3 pin flat. Adapters are therefore required for 2 pin appliances. En-suite bathroom shaving points normally have 110 and 240 volt outlets for shavers only.
MOTORING & TRANSPORT
Public Transport
Irish Rail (Iarnrod Eireann) operate trains in the Republic of Ireland, visit www.irishrail.ie. For details on Bus Eireann (servicing large towns in Ireland by bus) visit www.buseireann.ie. For information on train and bus services in Northern Ireland please visit www.translink.co.uk
Cabs & Taxis
There are metered cabs (also called taxis) available at various locations such as railway stations, ports, airports and taxi ranks in main cities. Elsewhere it is possible to book hackney cabs where fares are agreed by arrangement with the driver in advance.
Parking
Local Authorities decide on the parking controls within its own area and sets the level of on street parking fees. Some larger towns have multi-story car parks, "Pay and Display" car parks and disc parking is also operated in certain towns. Always check on parking requirements in cities, towns and at visitor attractions, beaches etc.
Roads/Driving in Ireland
The measurement of speed limits on Irish roads is kilometres per hour (km/h). There have been significant changes to speed limits on certain roads and some new vehicle speed limits, so watch for the signs. Always abide by the circular speed limit road signs.
Roads/Driving in Northern Ireland
The measurement of speed limits on roads in Northern Ireland is miles per hour (ml/h). Always abide by the circular speed limit road signs.
Driving is on the left hand side of the road throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland and drivers and passengers must wear seat belts. Motorcyclists and pillion passengers must wear crash helmets. Speed limits and drink driving regulations are strictly enforced.
Cycling
For information on cycling routes in the Republic of Ireland please visit www.cycling.ireland.ie
For information on cycling routes in Northern Ireland please visit www.cycleni.com
OTHER INFORMATION
No smoking - and a healthier environment
Since 2004 most enclosed places of work in the Republic of Ireland have become smoke free. This health measure is allowing people to work and socialise in a clean and healthy smoke-free environment. Most work places are covered by this but there are some exceptions: Places that are similar to a private dwelling such as bedrooms in hotels, guesthouses, hostels and B&B's. Outdoor locations such as beer gardens and smoking shelters, are also exempt, provided they comply with the legislation.
Similar legistation will come into effect in Northern Ireland from the 30th April 2007.
Tipping / Gratuities
In restaurants and taxis it is customary to add a gratuity of approximately 10% to the bill. In some restaurants Service Charge is already included in the bill as presented to the customer. It is good to see professional service rewarded by a satisfied customer.
Guests with a physical disability
Since hosting the Special Olympics in 2003, many more public places and visitor attractions are now accessible to wheelchair users. And an increasing number of restaurants and pubs, hotels and guesthouses are fully equipped to accommodate guests with a physical disability.
In the Republic of Ireland, the National Rehabilitation Board has a county-by-county fact sheet and copies of this can be obtained by writing to the National Rehabilitation Centre, Access Dept, 25 Clyde Road, Dublin 4. Email: nrb@iol.ie
The equivalent body in Northern Ireland is the Disablement Advisory Service, 5th Floor, Gloucester House, Chichester Street, Belfast, BT1 4RA. Email: das@delni.gov.uk
Tourist Information Centres
As you travel throughout Ireland, avail of the services provided by Tourist Offices. Watch out for the 'I' symbol. In addition to providing free advice, they also offer a range of products and services - travel advisory advice, travel guides and publications and, in some offices, Bureau de Change facilities. In advance of traveling to Ireland you can also get information of all aspects of holidaying in Ireland by visiting the Tourism Ireland website at www.DiscoverIreland.com
