Currency
The euro is the currency of the Republic of Ireland. One euro consists of 100 cent. Notes are €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500. Coins are 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2.
Credit Cards
Visa, Mastercard and American Express credits cards are widely accepted in Ireland.
Banks
Banks hours are generally 10.00- 16.30 hrs, Monday- Friday. ATM (cash) machines are located at most banks and accept most credit and debit cards.
Electric Current
The standard electricity supply is 220 volts AC. Visitors may require a transformer and plug adaptor (to convert 2-pin plugs to the standard 3-pin plugs).
Time
Ireland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). 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 23.00 hrs but by mid- December it can be dark by 16.00 hrs.
Telephone
Mobiles Phones- Only digital phones with GSM subscriptions and a roaming agreement will work in Ireland. Visitors should consult with
their supplies before leaving.
Pay Phones- Easy to use country calling cards are widely available at many outlets.
Internet cafes can be found throughout the region. Many libraries also have internet facilities.
Post
The cost of posting a standard letter or postcard is:
Within Ireland 0.55 c
To Britain 0.82 c
To other countries within the EU 0.82 c
To countries outside the EU 0.82 c
Public Holidays
New Years Day 1st January 2009
St. Patrick’s Day 17th March 2009
Easter Monday 13th April 2009
May Bank Holiday 2nd May
June Bank Holiday 6th June
August Bank Holiday 3rd August 2009
Christmas Day 25th December 2009
St. Stephen’s Day 26th December 2009
Driving
Visitors to Ireland must bring a valid national driving licence with them, issued in the country of their permanent residence. Driving in Ireland is on the left hand side of the road and seat belts must be worn al all times, in the front and back of the vehicle. Drivers should note that they are obliged by law to carry their driving licence at all times when driving in the Republic of Ireland. Motorcyclists and their passengers must wear helmets.
The speed limit is 120 kph on motorways, 100 kph on national roads and 80kph on non-national roads.
Car Rental
Most of the major car rental companies have desks at the airports, ferrry terminals and large towns throughout the region. Generally, these companies don not rent cars to drivers under 21 or over 70. All drivers must have valid licences. It is advisable to book in advance, especially if you are travelling during the high season or if you require an automatic car or child seats.
Public Transport
Irish Rail- Iarnrõd Éireann Tel. +353 (0) 836 6222
www.irishrail.ie
Irish Bus- Bus Éireann Tel. +353 (0) 1 836 6111
www.buseireann.ie