Climate
Ireland has a temperate climate, resulting in relatively mild Autumns. The mean daily temperature in October is 8 – 15°C. I t is possible to experience many climate changes in one day (from sunny to rainy, windy and back to sunny) and it rains quite frequently (once every 2-3 days).
Electricity Supply
Ireland works off a flat three-pin plug system. Electrical current is 220-240 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC). You are advised to purchase the appropriate adapters in advance. These are available at most airports.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely used in Ireland and all leading credit cards are accepted. Please consult your own bank.
Clothing
Ireland is generally informal about clothes. In the more expensive hotels and restaurants most people dress formally for dinner and a jacket and tie might be required. Warm sweaters, comfortable walking shoes and rainwear are advisable throughout the year.
Shopping
Shops are generally open Monday to Saturday from 09.00am to 6.00pm with late night shopping until 8.00 or 9.00pm at many of the larger stores. On Sunday, many supermarkets and some of the bigger shops will open from midday until 6.00pm.
Driving
A valid licence is required for driving in Ireland. Driving is on the left and seat belts must be worn at all times. In the Republic of Ireland the speed limits are 50km/h in built up urban areas, 80km/h on rural Regional roads (R) and Local Roads(L), 100km/h on the National Roads(N), including Dual carriageways and 120km/h on the motorways(M). The signposts denoting speed and distance are in kilometres per hour. All signposts and place names are displayed bilingually in both Irish and English.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are currently not required for travel to Ireland. However, we strongly advise that you consult your GP well in advance of your departure for medical advice.
Smoking Ban
Since 29th March, 2004 the Irish Government has implemented a wide reaching ban on smoking. This means that smoking is forbidden in enclosed places of work in Ireland. This includes office blocks, public/state buildings (including Universities), public houses/bars, restaurants and company vehicles (cars and vans).
Currency
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 €2, €1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c.
Emergency Numbers
Republic of Ireland
Emergency Police, Fire, Ambulance: Tel: 112 or 999
These numbers are free of charge but should only be used in cases of genuine emergency.
On answer, state which service you require, wait to be connected to that service, then clearly state the location of where the assistance is required.
In the case of a vehicle breakdown:
Automobile Association (AA) – Tel: 1800 66 77 88
RAC Motoring Service – Tel: 1800 535 005
Customs
Customs operate green, blue 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. Pass through the blue channel if you have nothing to declare and are an EU citizen. Visitors are restricted from taking agricultural produce into Ireland.
U.S visitors can take home US$400 worth of goods per person including 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine. Canadians are allowed up to Can$750 worth of goods per person including 200 cigarettes and 1.4 litres of spirits or wine (if out of Canada for 7days).
VAT and Tax Refunds
To be able to claim a tax refund you must be a non European Union visitor to Ireland. Look for the ‘Tax Free Shopping’ sign in the windows of participating shops. You must complete a valid tax refund document obtained from the retailer and present the tax refund document and goods to Customs on departure from the European Union. A customs officer will check the goods and validate the tax refund document. You can receive your refund on the spot at some airports, otherwise you should mail the validated tax refund document back to the shop and a refund will be issued.
VAT is charged on almost everything, but remember that refunds only apply to goods being taken out of the country, not services.
VAT and tax refunds are not available to EU visitors.
For goods obtained outside the EU:
The following goods may be imported by persons over the age of 17 years of age without incurring customs duty:
800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco
10l of spirits (more than 22 per cent) 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 250 ml of eau de toilette
Other dutiable goods to the value of €40.63.
For further information please contact The Revenue Commission (Republic of Ireland)
