Ireland
Ireland is an English-speaking island on the northwestern edge of Europe. It is 300 miles long and 150 miles wide. The Republic of Ireland takes up three-quarters of the island and its capital city is Dublin. The remainder, Northern Ireland, is part of the U.K. and its capital is Belfast. Ireland is a constitutional democracy and a member of the European Union.

Population
The population is approximately 4 million. More than 1 million live in Dublin

Climate
Nothing is average in Ireland, but in general the climate is a moderate one. Average monthly temperatures in the summer generally range from 60 - 75 F degrees. Spring and Fall are generally in the 50's F and in winter in the 30's and 40s F. Showers can occur at any time of the year. In the Summer day light hours are still longer than average for the US and there is a more prolonged twilight.

Packing
Things are relaxed in the dressing-up department. Daytime fashions are informal, but for an evening out in Ireland, men tend to wear a suit or jacket and tie. When it comes to daytime shoes, choose comfortable over fashion. It is also wise to carry a raincoat and an umbrella. It is best to dress in comfortable layers, so if the day is warm or if you head indoors to a snug pub or warm shop, you can remove your outer layers. A warm coat is recommended for the Winter months.

Time
Time is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Time

Documentation
A valid U.S. or Canadian passport is required. To drive a car, a valid U.S. or Canadian driver's license is sufficient.

Customs
Customs operates on the red and green channel system. Visitors to Ireland are allowed 142.00 Irish Pounds worth of goods (about $170.00 USD) per adult (73.00 Irish Pounds for those under 15 years old), 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine and 60 mls of perfume or 250 mls of toilet water) U.S. visitors can take home $400.00 worth of goods per person, including 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars and 1 litre or spirits or wine. Canadians are allowed Can$500.00 worth of goods per person, including 200 cigarettes and 1.4 litres of spirits or wine.

Plugs
Your small appliances may need an adapter to fit Ireland's 3 pin flat or 2 pin round wall sockets. The current is 220 Volts. Most 3 star properties supply hairdryers in the guest rooms, and in B & B or Guesthouse Properties, the proprietor will normally let you borrow one. If you are buying a holiday adapter here in the US before you depart - the average price is $30 and they are available in stores like Radio Shack or Nobody Beats the Wiz. You should make sure that the adapter is suitable for Ireland and not just mainland Europe.

Local Currency
The Irish pound or "punt" is divided into 100 pence. Irish banks are open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm and on Thursdays from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Airport banks are open for all flight arrivals. It is wise to exchange currency at banks or "bureau de change" for the best rate. The local ATM machines will accept your VISA and MasterCard, as well as PLUS and CIRRUS debit cards - and your bank will generally charge a small processing fee.

Credit Cards & Travellers Cheques
The well known credit cards - Visa & Mastercard - especially those carrying the Eurocard Symbol, are widely accepted in Ireland. Hotels, restaurants, petrol stations and many shops are geared for credit card purchases. Traveller's cheques are well received throughout Ireland, though the best exchange rate is at a bank.

The Euro
Like other countries of the European Union, Ireland is preparing to adopt the Euro as a common European currency. While Euro notes and coins will not be in circulation until 2002, visitors will notice Euro equivalents (in addition to punt amounts) shown on store prices, receipts and elsewhere. This is to help us become familiar with the system before the new money is actually circulated. The Irish punt is worth .788 Euros

Health Insurance
The Irish National Health Plan does not cover U.S. or Canadian visitors. Ask your insurance agent before you travel if your health plan in valid in Ireland.

Phone
Phone Ireland from the U.S. and Canada by dialing 011(international access code) 353 (Ireland country code), the area code (minus the 0) and the number. E.g. to call (01) 2782677, dial 011 353 1 2782677. To call Northern Ireland, dial 011 44(U.K. country code) and the number (minus the 0)

Phone the US and Canada from Ireland by dialing 00 (international access code) 1 (US and Canada country code) the area code, and the number. To access AT&T Direct, dial 1800 550000; for MCI Direct or to make a call using MCI WorldPhone service, dial 1800 551001. Ireland offers card phones that use prepaid calling cards sold at telecenters and post offices.

Shopping
Shopping hours are 9.00 am to 5.30 pm Monday through Saturday with late-night shopping till 8pm on Thursdays in Dublin and at most shopping malls on Thursdays and Fridays. Mary larger stores are open Sunday from noon till 6.00 pm. Duty-free shopping is available at all international airports.

Tax Refunds
The price of most goods includes value-added tax, or VAT. As a visitor you can have this sales tax refunded at the end of your trip. Be sure to 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.

Liquor Laws
Bars are open in summertime from 10.30 am to 11.30 am Monday through Saturday, closing a half-hour earlier in wonder. On Sundays, bars are open from 12.30 pm to 2.00 and from 4.00 pm to 11.00 pm all year. Nightclubs and discos operate till 2 am. Some have full licenses and others serve only wine.

Tipping
Many hotels and restaurants add a service charge of around 15% to the bill. However, this is not universal. When service is not included, a tip of 15% is appropriate. Taxi drivers and hairdressers tend to be tipped 10% and porters about 50p per bag. Tips are always appreciated by porters, drivers and guides.