| No matter where you go on holidays it's | | | | 112 immediately. |
| important to do some research and find out | | | | 9. A car is really the best way to discover Ireland, |
| about your destination first. If you're intending to | | | | so hire a car for your holiday and remember, in |
| visit Ireland in the near future, then we've put | | | | Ireland, you drive on the left hand side of the |
| together a little survival guide that we hope you'll | | | | road. The wearing of seatbelts are compulsory |
| find very useful. | | | | for front and back seat passengers and there is |
| | | | severe penalties for those who have a alcohol |
| 1. English is the spoken language in Ireland, even | | | | blood reading over 0.08%, so never drink and |
| though Irish is the official language. It is taught in | | | | drive. |
| schools and mostly spoken in Gaeltachts or 'Irish | | | | 10. The Republic of Ireland has introduced a ban |
| speaking' areas in parts of Kerry, Cork, Galway, | | | | on smoking in all places of work which include |
| Mayo and Donegal. | | | | restaurants, bars and nightclubs. But don't worry if |
| 2. The currency in Ireland is the Euro (EUR) but if | | | | you're a smoker, as most bars and clubs have |
| you're travelling to Northern Ireland you'll need to | | | | opened smoking shelters, smoking areas and beer |
| stock up on some Pounds Sterling (£). | | | | gardens. |
| 3. Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards | | | | 11. Shops are generally open from 9am - 6pm |
| but you'll need to use your chip n' pin number to | | | | from Monday to Saturday. Some shops have late |
| make purchase with your credit card. | | | | opening until 9pm on Thursday and Fridays. As a |
| 4. ATM machines are plentiful. You can withdraw | | | | rule most shops are closed on Sunday but some |
| money as long as your credit card has the 'Cirrus' | | | | open for a few hours in the afternoon. |
| or the 'Plus' logo. | | | | 12. If you are ringing an Irish phone number you |
| 5. Most banks have a currency exchange counter | | | | need to add the prefix 00 353 first, followed by |
| if you need to change your money. Banks are | | | | the phone number but do remember to drop the |
| open between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday. | | | | '0' before the Irish phone number. |
| 6. Tipping is at your own discretion but it's not | | | | 13. Public phones are scarce due to the popularity |
| unusual to tip 10% of the bill after a meal at a | | | | of mobile phones but there are some still around |
| restaurant, unless a service charge is included or | | | | that accept coins and phone cards. |
| you're not happy with the food and the service! | | | | 14. Ireland is a beautiful place to visit all year |
| 7. Weather is so unpredictable in Ireland. It never | | | | round but if you're coming during the Winter |
| gets too hot or too cold, rains a lot in the Winter | | | | months you might find a lot of attractions closed. |
| and Spring but it can be quite pleasant during the | | | | On the other hand the Summer months of July |
| Summer and Autumn. Before you travel it's | | | | and August are extremely busy so expect some |
| advisable to check out the weather so that you | | | | congestion on the roads, queues at attractions |
| can pack the correct clothing. | | | | and busy streets. |
| 8. If unfortunately you are in an accident or | | | | 15. Of course it's goes without saying that booking |
| emergency while in Ireland then freephone 999 or | | | | your accommodation early is always important. |