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We
represent the major car hire companies like:
Avis
Car Hire, Hertz Car Rental, Europcar Car Hire, Alamo Car
Rental, Budget Car Hire,
Dollar Car Rental, Thrifty Car Rental and Sixt Car Rental
Ireland Country Information
The lure of Ireland lies in its landscapes
and its people, and it is through involvement with either, or both,
that visitors get to
experience the soul of this ancient land of saints and scholars.
Ireland's hills are a walker's paradise, not only because of the
extensive network of trails, but because by being on foot one gets
to appreciate the lakes and rivers, the coastal views and ever-changing
sky-scapes that are so much part of the Irish landscape. Watersports
such as angling, sailing and surfing are popular too, and many visitors
come for the golf, but the real passion of the Irish is horses -
there is a potential Derby winner in every valley and a packed betting
shop in every high street.
The Irish weather is not
the most predictable in the world, but then much of the beauty
of the Irish landscape is due to its climate…and
there has to be a price tag on being nicknamed the 'Emerald Isle'.
Poor weather has had positive influences on the Irish way of life.
Music and song plays an integral part in daily life and visitors
are able to experience this in the many pubs so characteristic of
the social landscape of Ireland.
The Basics
Time: GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and
the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).
Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin
and round three-pin plugs are in use.
Money: The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR). Currency can be exchanged
at banks and bureaux de change and ATMs are widely available. Credit
and debit cards, as well as travellers cheques, are widely accepted. Language: English, Irish (Gaelic) is spoken in some Western areas.
Travel
Health: There are no special health requirements
for visitors to Ireland. Health insurance is advisable unless from
the UK or other EU countries, most of which have reciprocal agreements
with Ireland. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should be obtained
before departing for travel to Ireland. Medical facilities are good,
and payment for treatment is usually required in cash.
Tipping: A 10% tip will be welcomed in restaurants and cafes, but
tipping is not usual in bars and pubs. Tipping is not common for
other services.
Safety
Information: Most visitors to Ireland enjoy a fairly high
level of personal safety. However, travellers should take sensible
precautions against petty theft. Terrorism is no more a threat than
in other Western countries.
Local
Customs: Smoking in pubs, cafes and restaurants is illegal.
Business: The Irish are very sociable and although the usual elements
of business etiquette apply (punctuality, formal wear, a courteous
manner), expect good conversation and a rather relaxed air. Handshakes
are customary on introduction, and take the lead from the host with
regards to using first names or surnames. Business hours are usually
from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, with a lunch break from 1pm
to 2pm.
Communications: The international access code for Ireland is +353
(do not dial the first zero of the area code). The outgoing code
is 00, or 048 for Northern Ireland, followed by the relevant country
code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use,
e.g. 1 for Dublin. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks
and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet
cafes are available in the main tourist areas.
Duty
Free: Travellers over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do
not
have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars,
250g tobacco or a proportional mix of these; 1 litre spirits with
more than 22% alcohol volume, or 2 litres dessert wine with a maximum
22% alcohol content, or a proportional mix of these products, and
2 litres table wine; perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette;
and other goods for personal consumption to the value of €175
per adult or €90 for children under 15 years. Prohibited items
include meat or dairy products or raw vegetables.
Visa and Entry Information
- Entry
requirements for Americans: United States nationals
require a passport valid for the period of intended stay, but no
visa is required.
- Entry
requirements for UK nationals: British citizens travelling
from Great Britain to Ireland only require proof of nationality.
Otherwise British travellers coming from another country require
a passport. No visa is required if the passport is endorsed British
Citizen, British National (Overseas) or British Overseas Territories
Citizen. In all other cases, a visa is required.
- Entry
requirements for Canadians: Canadian nationals require a passport
valid for the period of intended stay, but no visa is necessary.
- Entry
requirements for Australians: Australians require a passport
valid for the period of intended stay, but no visa is required.
- Entry
requirements for South Africans: South African nationals must
hold a passport valid for the period of intended stay, but no visa
is required.
- Entry
requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealanders require a
passport valid for the period of intended stay, but no visa is necessary.
Passport/Visa
Note: Passports should be valid for the period of
stay (except for EEA member states, including Switzerland). It is
recommended that all nationals, other than those from the EU, hold
a return or onward ticket, unless they are continuing travel by other
transportation, and must have sufficient funds to cover intended
period of stay.
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Weather and Climate In Ireland
Dublin has a maritime temperate
climate, and less rainfall than the rest of the 'emerald isle', although
winters
are still very soggy
and damp and showers are common all year round. The wettest month,
December, averages 76mm of rainfall. Summers in Dublin are cool and
pleasant, temperatures in July peaking at around 68°F (20°C),
the most sunshine being experienced in May and June. Winters, apart
from being wet, are mild with the mercury rarely dropping to freezing
point. Snow is unlikely, the main precipitation being rain, but a
few flurries can occur
Ireland is notorious
for experiencing cold, damp weather for much of the time. This
is due to its temperate climate, but is compensated for by its
delightful green countryside. It is, however, possible to enjoy
some warm, sunny and dry days during the pleasant summer months
between May and September, and this is the best time to travel
to Ireland. Irish winter days are short, usually rainy and foggy,
but the Gulf Stream winds batter the west coast ensuring that temperatures
remain above freezing.
Attractions
in Ireland
- Kinsale -
Kinsale is an old fishing village just 18 miles (29km) south of
Cork.
Best known for the world renowned Old Head Golf Links, with its
spectacular setting on a narrow head leading out into the Celtic
Sea, Kinsale has a number of sights of interest including The Courthouse
and Desmond Castle.
- Trinity
College - Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth
I, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and counts Jonathan
Swift, Samuel Beckett and Oscar
Wilde, along with many other great thinkers and writers, amongst
it past-students.
- Temple
Bar District - The hub of Dublin's nightlife
is to be found in this quaint, cobbled district, which is full of
shops, traditional pubs, theatres, cinemas
and trendy clubs laid out on pedestrianised streets.
- Guinness
Storehouse - Guinness is now brewed all over the world but St James's
Gate, in
the heart of Dublin, was where Arthur Guinness set up the business
in 1759. The Guinness Storehouse celebrates Ireland's favourite
brew by taking visitors on a journey, floor by floor, through the
past, present and future of the world-famous beer.
- Blarney
Castle - Blarney Castle is one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles,
built around 1446. An ancient stronghold of the MacCarthys, Lords
of Muskerry and one of the strongest fortresses in Munster, its
walls are 18ft (5m) thick in places.
- Cliffs
of Moher -
The majestic Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's top visitor sights
overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in County Clare. The majestic cliffs
rise from the ocean to a height of 702ft (214m) and extend for
a distance of five miles (8km). Formed by layers of sandstone,
shale and siltstone, the cliffs have stood unchanged for millions
of years, and they welcome visitors who come to marvel at their
splendour, and to enjoy views towards the Aran Islands in Galway
Bay, as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara.
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Events in Ireland
- St
Patrick’s
Day Festival - Nowhere else in the world is St Patrick's Day observed
with more
fun and celebration than in Dublin. The St Patrick's Day Festival
has become a five-day party filled with 'craic' or good times with
a varied programme of events, including lots of traditional and
contemporary Irish music.
- Bloomsday
Festival - James Joyce fans around the world celebrate Bloomsday
on 16 June
every year, but nowhere as creatively as in Dublin, the birthplace
of the famous novelist.
- Festival
of World Cultures - With more than 160 events in 40 venues throughout
Dun Laoghaire town,
and featuring artists from 50 countries, the annual international
arts and culture festival entertains audiences in excess of 200,000.
- Irish
Derby -
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day is one of the most prestigious
horse racing events of the year. Held at The Curragh, one of Europe's
oldest sporting grounds, this event attracts the attention of horse-lovers
from across the globe, and especially in the horse-mad country
of Ireland itself.
- Hallowfest - This Halloween Festival takes place over a bank holiday weekend
and hosts a range of activities for both young and old, such
as games, fun walks, spooky storytelling and a spectacular Fireworks
display.
- Irish
Music and Dance Show - The banquet and show is a highly entertaining
performance of live
traditional Irish music, ballads and Irish dancing which takes
place at the Merry Ploughboy Pub.
Airports
in Ireland
Dublin Airport (DUB)
- Location: The airport is situated seven miles (11km) north of Dublin,
near the M50 and M1 motorways.
- Time: GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday
before the last Sunday in October).
- Contacts: Main number: +353 (0)1 8141111. Car parking: +353 (0)1 8144328.
- Getting
to the city: Several bus services, involving more than 700
buses including Dublin Bus and Flybus, connect
the airport
to all parts of Dublin and the city's central train station,
both day and night with fares starting at €6. Taxis are available
outside the Arrivals Hall, the fare is best agreed in advance and
should be around €20 to the city centre. There are
car-hire desks in the Arrivals Concourse.
- Car
rental: Hertz, Avis, Budget
Car Rentals all operate from car-hire desks
in the Arrivals
Concourse. There are also a number of pre-booked car-hire
desks on this concourse.
- Airport
Taxis: Taxis are available in front of the
Arrivals Hall and a taxi from Dublin Airport to the
city centre
costs about €20,
and an extra charge for baggage may be added, as
well as a surcharge in the evenings and on weekends.
All taxis have meters but are
only used for destinations in the 'Dublin City Taxi
Metered Area'. It is wise to negotiate the price
with the driver beforehand.
- Facilities: Airport facilities include a bureau de change and ATMs, numerous
restaurants, pubs and bars,
several
shops, a church and
tourist information. Disabled passengers are well
catered for; travellers with special needs are
advised to contact
their airline
in advance.
- Parking: One short-term car park close to the terminal; one off-site
long-term car park serviced by free
shuttle service.
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Shannon International Airport (SNN)
- Location: The airport is situated 15 miles (24km) from Limerick city
and Ennis, and 56 miles (90km) from Galway City.
- Time: GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday
before the last Sunday in October).
- Contacts: Tel: +353 (0)61 712 000 (switchboard); 712 400 (information
desk, 6am - midnight); 471 664 (tourist
information).
- Getting
to the city: Taxis operate day and night; buses and coaches
operate during the day to Limerick and other
Irish cities.
- Car
rental: There are numerous car rental companies represented at the
airport including Hertz, Avis, Budget,
and Thrifty.
- Facilities: Shannon Airport is fairly small and facilities are not extensive,
but include a bureau de change,
ATMs, restaurants
and bars and several shops. There are good facilities
for disabled passengers; travellers with special
needs should
contact their
airline in advance.
- Parking: Short- and long-term car parking is available.
Cork
Airport - Aerfort Chorcaí (ORK)
- Location: Farmers Cross, 4 miles (6.5km) south of Cork city.
- Time: GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the
Saturday before the last Sunday in October).
- Contacts: Tel: +353 (0)21 431 3131.
- Getting
to the city: A Skylink shuttle leaves to Cork city from the
airport every half hour. There are also
city buses that depart
from the airport to the city. There are also taxis
and rental cars available at the airport, and it takes
about 25 minutes
to reach
the city centre.
- Car
rental: Car rental companies operating
from the arrivals hall in the airport include Avis, Budget,
Hertz, Europcar Car
Rentals, Alamo and Thrifty.
- Airport
Taxis: There are taxis available outside the airport arrivals
hall and the fare to the centre
of
Cork is about €15.
- Facilities: The information counter is in the arrivals hall, between the
car rental counters and the Londis
shop. There are
ATMs, a
bank and Bureau de Change at the airport, as
well as a VIP lounges. There is also a sports bar with
big-screen
TVs, a Starbucks café and
a Subway Sandwich outlet at the airport.
- Parking: There is both short- and long-term parking available at the
airport.
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Driving
Information
Drinking and driving:
If the level of alcohol in the bloodstream is more than 0.08
per cent, severe penalties include fine and/or imprisonment plus disqualification.
Random breath testing is now in force throughout Ireland.
Driving licence:
Minimum age at which a UK licence holder may drive a
temporarily imported car or motorcycle (exceeding 150cc) 17.
Fines:
On-the-spot fines for parking and speeding offences. Wheel clamps
are in
use. In some areas parked cars can be towed away if causing an
obstruction and a
significant fee is charged for its release.
Fuel:
Unleaded petrol (95 octane) and diesel available. No leaded petrol.
Lead
replacement petrol and LPG are extremely limited in Ireland. Petrol
in a can is
permitted but forbidden on board ferries. Credit cards accepted
at most filling
stations; check with your card issuer for usage in Ireland before
travel.
Driving
Distances:
Cork to Killarney - 86 kms (1hour / 15
minutes)
Dublin
to Dun Laoghaire - 12 kms (20 minutes)
Dublin
to Cork - 255 kms (3 hours)
Galway
to Limerick - 100 kms (1hour / 30 minutes)
Kerry
to Shannon - 130 kms (2hours)
Knock
to Sligo - 70 kms (1hour)
Shannon
to Dublin - 220 kms (2hours / 45 minutes)
Please
click here http://www.viamichelin.com/ for
more driving distances
Lights:
Dipped headlights should be used in poor daytime visibility.
Motorcycles:
Dipped headlights during the day compulsory. The wearing of crash
helmets is compulsory for both driver and passenger.
Motor Insurance:
Third-party compulsory.
Passengers/Children in cars:
Children under 3 years of age may not travel in a
car (other than a taxi) unless they are placed in an appropriate
child restraint, they
can travel on the front seat of the car if they are in a rear facing
restraint system
and the airbag is disabled.
Children over 3 who are under 1.5m and weigh less than 36kg must
use an
appropriate child restraint when travelling in cars fitted with seat
belts. If the car is
not equipped with seat belts they must travel on the rear seats.
Seat belts:
Compulsory for front / rear seat occupants to wear seat belts, if fitted.
Speed limits:
Standard legal limits, which may be varied by signs, for private
vehicles without trailers: In built-up areas 50km/h, outside built-up
areas 60-
100km/h according to road signs and 120 km/h on motorways.
Compulsory equipment :
-
Warning
triangle - for vehicles with an unladen weight exceeding 1,524kg
(1.5 tons).
Other
rules/requirements:
Rule of the road is drive on the left; overtake on the right.
Horns must not be used between 2330 and 0700 hours.
Distances are given in kilometers.
Some level crossings have manual gates which motorists must open
and close.
A GPS based navigation system which has maps indicating the location
of fixed
speed cameras must have the ‘fixed speed camera PoI (Points
of Interest)’ function
deactivated.
The use of radar detectors is prohibited; they can be confiscated
by the Garda.
Barrier free tolling now operates on the M50 Dublin, your number
plate will be
recorded when you pass through the toll and the fee must be paid
by 8pm the
following day at the latest, this can be paid at any of the ‘payzone’ outlets.
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