General Information
Geography
Ireland is 385 kilometres/300 miles at its longest; 304 kilometres/190
miles at its widest.
It is divided into four provinces – Ulster, Munster, Leinster and
Connaught, which make up 32 counties.
The Republic occupies 26 counties and the capital is Dublin.
The Republic is a constitutional democracy and a member of the
European Union.
Northern Ireland is part of the UK and its capital is Belfast.
Demographics
The population of the island is currently approximately 5.6 million,
with approximately 3.9 million living in the Republic and 1.7 million
living in Northern Ireland.
The island enjoys a rich diversity of ethnic groups and cultures
and there is a dominance of young people |
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ACCOMMODATION
IN IRELAND |
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– over half the population is
under 30 years old.
Our Climate
Mild and temperate (showers can occur any time of the year.)
Summer temperatures range from 15-25 degrees Celsius (60-75 F)
Spring and autumn temperatures average around 10+ degrees Celsius (50+
F).
Winter is 0 to 10 Celsius (30 to 50 F).
Accommodation
Accommodation in Ireland ranges from guesthouses to ultra-modern hotels to
elegant castles. Castles and privately-owned estates can be hired
complete with staff and a programme of outdoor activities for an
all-encompassing stay.
Currency and Banks
The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro, the common European currency,
while Northern Ireland uses UK Sterling. However, most large stores on
the North accept Euro as well. Bank opening times are:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday banks are open
10:00a.m.-4:00p.m.
Thursdays from 10am-5pm in Dublin (and some other regions).
In small towns and rural areas – banks may close for lunch from
12:30p.m.-1:30p.m.
In Northern Ireland, most banks open 9:30a.m.-4:30p.m. Monday-Friday,
with some opening longer hours and on Saturday.
Any credit cards that bear the Visa, MasterCard or American Express
symbol will be widely accepted in Ireland. Visitors with other cards
should ask in advance if it will be accepted.
Customs
Visitors to Ireland from the United Kingdom and other EU countries are
not required to make a declaration to customs at their place of
entry. However, certain goods are prohibited or restricted to protect
health and the environment; restricted goods include meat and poultry.
Customs operate green and red channels at most ports and airports. If
you need to declare goods over the duty and tax-free allowances for
non-EU visitors you must use the red channel. Pass through the green
channel if you have nothing to declare.
For goods obtained within the EU
Although there are now no limits imposed on importing tobacco and
alcohol products from one EU country to another, travellers should
note that they may be required to prove at customs that the goods
purchased are for personal use only.
For Goods Obtained Outside the EU
The following goods may be imported by persons over the age of 17
without incurring customs duty:
- 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco
- 10l of spirits (more than 22%) or 20l of intermediate products (eg
port, sherry, etc, but not sparkling wine) or
- 90l of wine (of which only 60L can be sparkling) or 110l of beer
- 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette
- Other dutiable goods to the value of €40.63
Electric Current
240 volts AC. Small appliances – a plug adaptor may be needed for
Irish flat three-pin/round two-pin sockets.
Shopping
Monday-Saturday from 9:00a.m.-6:00p.m.
Thursday in Dublin and Belfast – late night shopping to
8:00p.m.-9:00p.m.
Thursday and Friday – late-night shopping in most malls/shopping
centres.
Sunday – many shops are open 12:00p.m.-6:00p.m.
Duty-free shopping is available at all the international airports.
Tax Refunds on Purchases
Available to visitors at the end of their trip (exception EU
residents).
Price of most goods includes Value Added Tax (VAT).
Ask for a tax-free shopping form with each purchase and present these
forms to either Global Tax Free Shopping or Tax Back at the airport
prior to your departure to avail of tax refund. Allow a little extra
time for this.
In Northern Ireland, check whether the store operates the Retail
Export Scheme before you buy. The shop assistant will need your
passport to complete the Tax Free Shopping form. This form requires
presentation to Customs for verification prior to departure.
Smoking Ban
The Republic of Ireland has introduced a blanket ban on smoking in all
places of work to protect public health and reduce the incidences of
smoking related illness. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public
areas within the Republic of Ireland – this includes all bars,
nightclubs and restaurants.
Although hotel bedrooms may be exempt from the ban, it is applied to
all other areas within hotels.
Telecommunications
Only digital phones with GSM subscriptions and a roaming agreement
will work in Ireland. Visitors should consult with their
provider before departure.
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