Ireland: Facts for the Visitor

As a modern European country, Ireland is an easy and safe place to travel. In this article we look at some of the practical aspects of traveling in Ireland.

Weather

The vast majority of visitors to Ireland come in the summer when the weather is sunnier and warmer. However, Ireland experiences quite a lot of rain throughout the year so be sure to pack a rainproof jacket, even in summer.

That said, Ireland has a pleasant temperate maritime climate. While temperatures will rarely rise above 25 degrees Celsius in summer, winters are mild and it rarely drops below freezing.

Currency

The currency in the Republic of Ireland is the euro, while the British sterling is used in Northern Ireland.

Opening hours

Traditionally, opening hours in Ireland are from 9am – 5.30pm. Banks, however, are normally open 9am-3pm from Monday to Friday. Many banks shut an hour later on Thursdays.

While many shops still keep to traditional opening hours, these have become more flexible in recent years. Most major towns will have convenience stores open until about midnight while the major cities have 24 hour shopping opportunities.

Pub opening hours are not as liberal as in most parts of Europe. Most pubs are shut by midnight, while a few will keep serving until 2am, when nightclubs also close.

Tipping

If a service charge is not included in your restaurant bill, you will be expected to leave a tip. About 10 per cent is normal. When eating in a pub or a café a tip may not be expected, but will be appreciated.

Public holidays

The following is a list of public holidays in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
• New Year’s Day – January 1 (RoI and NI)
• St Patrick’s Day – March 17 (RoI and NI)
• Good Friday – NI only.
• Easter Monday (RoI and NI)
• First Monday in May (RoI and NI)
• Last Monday in May (NI only)
• First Monday in June (RoI only)
• Battle of the Boyne Anniversary – July 12 (NI only)
• First Monday in August (RoI only)
• Last Monday in August (NI only)
• Last Monday in October (RoI only)
• Christmas Day – December 25 (RoI and NI)
• St Stephen’s Day or Boxing Day – December 26 (RoI and NI)

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As a modern European country, Ireland is an easy and safe place to travel. In this article we look at some of the practical aspects of traveling in Ireland.

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Accommodation in the South of Ireland

The south of Ireland offers countless accommodation options, whatever your budget and whatever your tastes.

There is a wide range of accommodation options in the region, including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, caravan & camping and self catering accommodation.

Hotels

Hotel choices in the region vary from the very luxurious to the very basic. If you are looking for high quality five-star accommodation then you are spoiled for choice in the south of Ireland. The Muckross Park Hotel, Killarney; Dunloe Castle, near the gap of Dunloe; Park Hotel Kenmare; and The Kingsley Hotel in Cork City are just a few examples. There are also countless mid-range and budget options in the region.

Guesthouses

If you want a more intimate experience then check out one of the region’s many guesthouses. These range from cosy family homes to historical stately homes and make an interesting change from normal hotels.

Bed & Breakfasts

Bed & Breakfasts offer great value for money and an opportunity to stay in a welcoming Irish family home. Bed & Breakfast rooms start at about €30 per night and will include a home cooked Irish breakfast. There are countless Bed & Breakfasts in the region offering excellent choice and value.

Hostels

With a bed for the night available for as little as €15, hostels are the perfect option for the budget traveler. Many offers a basic breakfast and most have private rooms available too. Staying at a hostel is a great way to meet fellow travelers.

Caravan & Camping

There is a wide choice of caravan & camping parks throughout the region both by the coast and inland at reasonable prices.

Self Catering

Do it your own way by staying in self catering accommodation and enjoy the freedom of eating and sleeping when you choose. There is a good choice of self catering accommodation available whether you are after a rural cottage or sea-side apartment

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Dublin Airport City

The Dublin Airport Authority has recently announced plans for an ambitions development of the Dublin Airport are and surrounding environs. This ambitions project will develop at 350 acre land reserve situated to the East of Dublin Airport and will cost in the region of €4 billion.

Of this 350 acres, 90% is already owned by the Dublin Airport Authority, and they are confident that they will be able to purchase the remaining pockets. The development will be mainly high rise and will be expected to be completed by 2028. There will be 600,000sqm of office space along with 40,000sq meters of retail, hotel and conference facilities. It is expected that the journey time from office to airport will be in the region of 6 minutes.

During the announcement, the Dublin Airport Authority said that the development would constitute “a world class economic zone for international business headquarters” and add €1 billion to the Irish economy. The combination of top class IT services, excellent transport infrastructure and easy access to air transport, top quality transit connections with Dublin City Center and already existing transport facilities such as taxi terminals and car rental facilities will attract multinational companies seeking access to the European market. The first buildings will be completed by 2013 and all further development will be rolled out in 5 year stages.

“The finished development is expected to create approximately 30,000 jobs, of which one third will be new, in addition to 2,000 construction and fit-out jobs per year over the construction lifetime of the project. 90 per cent of the land involved is currently owned by the DAA and the authority says it is confident of buying up the “remaining pockets” in time for the development.”

In terms of concept, Airport Cities are relatively new and involve the large scale development around major international transport hubs. Dublin Airport City follows the example of Dallas/Fort Worth and Hong Kong Sky City. Skycity features a 70,000 sqm exhibition centre, a Marriott hotel and golf course and development is underway on Skyplaza, a vast entertainment, retail and commercial space which will include the Hong Kong Airport World Trade Centre. In both other examples, the airport authorities in question had control over large land areas surrounding the airport. In the case of Dallas / Fort Worth and Hong Kong Sky City, the land was sold to a developer while the Dublin Airport Authority produced the master plan for the development and will not sell off the land.

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Dublin Airport Short Term Car Parking

The short term car park at Dublin Airport has never been considered cheap, but the new Short Break promotion offered by the Dublin Airport Authority gives a 50% discount on the normal Short Term Car Parking rate. People who wish to avail of this rate must book online and include a Saturday night during their stay. Online bookings for the Short Term Car Park can be made here.

There are a total of 3,600 short term spaces at Dublin Airport, and a total of over 14,000 long term spaces. The short term car park is situated within easy reach from the main terminal at Dublin Airport (Terminal 1). The car park is fully automated and the fee must be prepaid before exiting the car park. There are a total of 19 pay stations located around the airport.

The fees for short term car parking at Dublin Airport are as follows:

- €1.50 under 30 mins
- €3.00 first hour
- €4.50 per hour after first hour

The main location for car park pay stations is beside the Dublin Airport car rental bus pick up/drop off location. The machines are brightly colored and easily visible.

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Killarney Park Hotel Spa

If you choose to visit Killarney when you are in Ireland, you will find that a stay in the Killarney Park Hotel is only further enhanced by the chance to participate in some of the hotel’s delightful spa treatments available at the Killarney Park Hotel Spa. The Killarney Park Hotel Spa features eight different, private treatment rooms, all of them custom built to the specifications of the spa, as well as a purpose-build relaxation room, a hydrotherapy suite and more. It should come as no wonder to guests to learn that within the confines of the spa, they are transported to an oasis of quiet tranquility. With a host of beauty preparations and various relaxation treatments to offer, the spa prides itself on removing the wearies and trials of travel, helping you shed your jet lag and regain a sense of sweet serenity.

Whether you hire a car from the airport to drive to the Killarney Park Hotel, or perhaps arrange to be driven there to begin your relaxing stay, you will find that your arrival at the Killarney Park Hotel is one of cordial welcome. The spa itself specialises in luxury and pampering, as is only befitting of any spa located in a premier, five-star hotel facility such as the Killarney Park Hotel. If you like, you can have a private, personal consultation with the spa staff and make an effort to customise your stay at the Hotel and your experiences in the spa to suit your taste, requirements and needs.

The spa offers an extensive range of treatments available for both ladies and gentlemen, and you may be surprised and delighted to see how much is available to choose from. Why not begin with one of an extensive range of available facials and skin wraps, or relax under the skilled hands of a masseur, or perhaps experience the arts of aroma and hot stone therapies? There are several detoxifying baths available, gentleman may take advantage of certain skin repair facials, as well as a wide assortment of hydrotherapy and massage treatments. There is something extraordinary for everybody at the Killarney Park Hotel Spa!

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Entertainment and Things to See in Galway

When you visit Galway and find yourself longing for something in the way of entertainment and culture, you need not worry about waiting long to find just what you’re looking for. Whether your taste is for hip and modern live performances or runs more to classical theatre, you’ll be able to find a venue in Galway that suits you perfectly.

For those searching for a traditional theatre experience, try the Town Hall Theatre in Galway City. The Town Hall Theatre is nearly two hundred years old, and has undergone extensive refurbishments. Not only does it host the Galway Arts Festival, it is also a popular venue for drama, musicals, concerts and other live performance events. In addition to the Galway Arts Festival it also hosts the Cúirt Literature Festival and the Baboró Children’s Festival, so there should be something for everyone to enjoy.

Other popular venues include the Druid Theatre, which is recognised as a pioneer in the development of modern Irish culture, and the Halo Night Club, a club that won an award as the best new late-night venue in Ireland. It is a popular spot, so you should expect it to be packed to capacity when you visit.

For cultural films there is no better location in Galway than the Eye Cinema, which is wholly dedicated to presenting the public with an alternative to mainstream films. For a unique live experience, try the Celtic Tales, which offers live storytelling in the tradition of tales from Ireland and Scotland both. These sessions are held in a close setting so as to enhance the drama and intimacy of the experience, and are sure to be remembered for long after.

One thing is for sure about Galway entertainment, it offers little in the way of the truly conventional! What it does offer, however, will not soon be forgotten.

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Golfing Opportunities in Ennis

If you have come to Ireland to take advantage of the golfing —Ireland is home to thirty percent of the world’s golf courses— then a stay in Ennis won’t put a crimp in your plans. Ennis has some fine golfing opportunities, and visitors to the town are welcome to try out each of them.

Founded in 1907, the Ennis Golf Club is an exquisitely kept-up course boasting eighteen holes of golfing delight. It is located in a particularly breathtaking, scenic area, with the coastline just thirty kilometres away. Par for the course is seventy-one, and you may find that the challenge of reaching the course is attainable, but requires a certain effort on the part of the golfer.

The fairways are lined with trees and the greens are referred to as “tight” but the terrain is comparatively even, so a holiday golfer should not feel too daunted by the challenge. The Ennis Golf Club prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere, so why not stop in?

If you have given the Ennis Golf Club a try and are still in the market for some leisure sport, why not stop by the Woodstock House Golf Club? Woodstock boasts that it is surely one of the “most exciting golf course developments in Ireland.” Its proximity to Ennis —just three kilometres away— makes it a favourite choice of locals and visitors alike. The course is championship size, with a par of seventy-one, and prides itself on being playable all year round.

The course presents a fair challenge, especially with water obstacles to negotiate on four of the eighteen holes, but it should prove a pleasant enterprise for most reasonably-skilled golfers. Visitors are welcome at Woodstock —they are delighted to have received over fifty thousand non-members in their greens since they first opened— so come on over and test your skill.

Why not check out Knox’s bar and restaurant in Ennis after playing golf for some quality food and live entertainment.

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Touring Ireland – West of Ireland

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This road trip will take you through many of the main attractions that are to be seen along the West Coast of Ireland. This trips presupposes that you will be starting your trip, and finishing your trip at Shannon Airport, however this trip could be joined at any point.

This road trip will take you through many of the main attractions that are to be seen along the West Coast of Ireland. This trip presupposes that you will be starting your trip, and finishing your trip at Shannon Airport, however this trip could be joined at any point.

There are many car rental companies located at Shannon Airport, but Thrifty car rental Ireland stands out as the obvious choice in terms of price and choice of vehicles. Make sure to opt in for the GPS rentals offered by Thrifty.

Time wise, this trip could be done in anything from one week to two weeks depending upon the individual.

List of Main attractions Visited:

- Shannon Airport
After picking up your car rental, leave Shannon Airport and travel along the N21 towards Galway. Depending on what time of the day it is, you could stop for a meal in Ennis. Ennis is a picturesque market town and Knox’s Bar & Bistro comes highly recommended. After your meal you will travel to Galway where you will spend your first night.

- Galway City
Galway is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland. It won’t take long for you to realise why the city of Galway has such a strong pull to both Irish and tourists alike. The medieval character of the town is still evident as you walk along the small streets and alleys. Galway is famous for night life, so why not enjoy a pint of Guinness and prepare yourself for the raw beauty of the Connemara.

- Letterfrack (Connemara)
The drive westwards from Galway to Letterfrack is akin to entering another world. The terrain changes to that of the Connemara. Letterfrack is situated only 15km away from Clifden. Connemara is one of the last unspoilt areas of Ireland. Take time here to get out of the car and immerse yourself in the wonder of the Connemara

- Clifden
Clifden is only a short drive from Letterfrack and the stay here is optional. If you would rather get some miles under you belt, hit the road and retrace your steps out of the Connemara and back towards Galway City

- Galway City
If you want to reduce this tour down by a couple of days, skip both Clifden and the second night in Galway. If you would prefer to skip these days, you would be able to find accommodation in the Burren area, or even in Ennis as you prepare to start heading south.

- Burren National Park
The landscape of the burren has been likened to the moon by many people. The entire area is made up of Limestone and has very little soil. The Burren National Park is over 1500 hectares in size and was purchased by the Irish government. Spend your day here exploring the area, the wildlife, geology and history. Among the major attractions in the area are the Aliwee Caves.

You can choose to stay in any of the smaller towns within the Burren National Park or decide to head south to Ennis or even to Lahinch of Kilkee. Make sure to visit the Cliffs of Moher along the way.

- Listowel
Cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry and head south towards Listowel. The town of Listowel is famous for its annual racing festival, but is home to plenty of other attractions. From Listowel, the beautiful town of Ballybunion is assessable while countless other tourist attractions will also demand attention.

- Killarney
The town of Killarney is both picturesque in terms of the town itself, but also in terms of the surrounding lakes, mountains and attractions. Killarney is no stranger to tourists, and marks the traditional point from which the famous Ring of Kerry drive is started. Among the many outstanding attractions in Killarney is Muckross house and the beautiful lakes of Killarney.

- Ring of Kerry (1 – 3 nights)
The Ring of Kerry is the main tourist route in Kerry, and passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland. The Ring of Kerry itself is 170km long and travels around the Iveragh Peninsula. The Ring of Kerry can be undertaken in anything between one and three days depending on how much time you want to spend outside the car exploring the countryside of the various villages on the way.

Among the many visitor attractions on the Ring of Kerry are the Gap of Dunloe, the Bog Village, Rossbeigh, Derrynane House, Skellig Experience, Staigue Fort, Molls Gap, Torc Waterfall, Muckross House and Ross Castle.

- Tralee
After finishing the Ring of Kerry, drive to the picturesque market town of Tralee for a night. Tralee is the biggest town in Kerry and is no stranger to tourists. The town has ample hotel accommodation, shopping and dining facilities and will provide the perfect last stop in County Kerry.

- Limerick City
The last overnight stop on this trip is in Limerick City which is situated on the beautiful River Shannon estuary. Limerick is only a 15 minute drive from Shannon Airport and will provide the ideal point to spend your last night in Ireland. If you are the mood for one last Irish attraction, head to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.

- Shannon Airport
Return to Shannon Airport for the trip home.

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Flying in to Shannon: Arriving in the Shannon Airport

Ireland has three primary airports. These are located in Dublin, Cork and Shannon, and the Shannon Airport, or the or Aerfort na Sionna, the second busiest airport of the three. In 2006 the Shannon Airport saw over three and a half million passengers travel through its gates. The largest operator through Shannon airport is Ryan Air, a budget airline that is responsible for over half of the passengers coming through Shannon airport. They will soon have five aircraft operating out of Shannon airport covering thirty one different routes— will you be on one of them?

The Shannon airport is a popular choice with many international travelers. The Shannon airport actually has something called US Border pre-clearance, which allows passengers traveling to the United States to have all necessary paperwork taken car of before they board their flight, which saves them a lot of time when they arrive in the United States. Dublin Airport also offers this same service, meaning that Ireland boasts the only two European airports that offer this service to their passengers. This is an especially popular choice for families with young children, since the last thing tired parents usually want to do after such a long flight is to contend with customs clearance and border services while juggling children!

The Shannon airport is well served by bus routes connecting to the city, and taxis also operate out of the Shannon airport. Visitors also have the option of hiring a rental car right in the terminal, saving them from having to do so on arrival in the city. If you choose to hire a car from the Shannon Airport, you will be able to load the whole family and luggage into your rental car and drive directly to your chosen accommodation to relax after your flight.

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Discover Guinness

Few visitors to Dublin leave without sampling a pint of the famous local brew, Guinness. This Irish stout, distinctive for its deep black colour and white head, is one of Ireland’s most famous exports and you can see where it all began with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.

On December 31, 1759, a man named Arthur Guinness bought a small run down brewery in St James’s Gate, Dublin. In the 1770s he tried at his hand at brewing a new drink called porter. This was an instant hit and became the Guinness we know today.

If you really want to experience to get a taste of the history of Guinness, and a taste of the drink itself at its original birthplace, take a tour of the Guinness Storehouse. A tour of the brewery takes you to the massive Guinness Storehouse atrium and shows how the famous is made from barley, hops, water and yeast.

Guinness advertising has been famous for its unique style for over a century. One whole section of the tour takes you through the history of Guinness advertising, from the Guinness toucan to the more recent ‘crazy dance’ television advertisement.

On the next floor up you will find information and media recounting the history of the brewery from its original construction in 1904 to its 2000 transformation to the Guinness Storehouse.

And to cap it all off you can choose from three bars in which to enjoy a nice cool pint of Guinness. You can learn to pull your own pint of Guinness at The Source Bar or you can enjoy some traditional Irish food with your pint in the adjoining Brewery Bar.

Right at the top of the building is the glass-walled Gravity Bar where you will receive a complementary pint of ‘the black stuff’ while enjoying panoramic views of Ireland’s capital city.

The Guinness Storehouse is open all year. Entry is €14 for adults and €30 for families.

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