Climate
Dublin’s climate is mild and changeable, so come prepared for all seasons! Winter temperatures average 7°C (44°F) and in summer between 15° – 20°C (59° – 70°F). There are about 18 hours of daylight daily during July and August, only getting truly dark after 11pm.

Language
English is the spoken language throughout Ireland. Irish (or Gaelic) is the original native language of Ireland and while it is mandatory to learn Irish in schools in Ireland to the present day, it is rarely spoken in everyday conversation. Place names and signage are usually in both languages.

Passport Requirements
Visitors from the E.U., Australia, U.S., Canada, South Africa and New Zealand require a valid passport but not a visa in order to enter the country. We advise that you consult your travel agent or airline before you fly.

Telephone
The international calling code for Ireland is 00 353. The local area code forDublin is 01. Mobile phones are available for hire in Dublin for the duration of yourstay. In an emergency call 999 or 112 and specify whether you require the police (Garda) an ambulance, the fire service or coastal rescue.

Post Office
Most post offices are open Monday-Friday 09.00-17.30 and some open on Saturday from 09.00-13.00. The General Post Office on O’ Connell Streetin the city centre is open Monday-Saturday 08.00-20.00.

Shops
Most shops in Dublin are open from 09.00 until 18.00 Monday-Saturday and 12.00 until 18.00 on Sundays. Shops stay open late Thursday evenings in the city centre and late Friday evenings in the suburbs. Many of the out-of-town shopping centres also have late opening on other nights during the week. For non EU visitors-tax free shopping is available in many outlets which allows you to reclaim VAT (Value Added Tax) paid. Check with the outlet before you purchase the goods.

Pubs
There are over 1,000 pubs in Dublin, from traditional watering holes to trendy late night bars, so something to suit one and all! The legal age to buy alcohol is 18. Opening Hours Mon to Sat 10.30 Sun 12.30. Closing times are: Mon-Thurs 23.30, Fri-Sat 00.30 and Sunday 23.00 with half an hour drinking up time given.

St. Patrick’s Day 12.30-00.30. Pubs shut on Good Friday and Christmas Day. Most nightclubs and late bars will serve drink until about 02.30.

Tipping
A normal tip for good service in Dublin restaurants is between 10%-15%. Service charge is normally automatically included for groups of six or more.

Currency
The Euro is the only currency that is officially recognised as legal tender in the Republic of Ireland. In general, banks open Monday-Friday, 10.00-16.00 with late opening on Thursdays until 17.00. Foreign Exchange facilities are widely available. All major credit cards are widely accepted. Foreign exchange facilities are available at the Dublin Tourism Centre, Suffolk Street.

Internet Access
There are numerous cafes around Dublin that offer access to the internet.

Electrical Current
220/240 volts (50 cycles) is the standard electrical current and a 3-pinned
adapter may be required.

Tourist Assistance
The Irish Tourist Assistance Service, ITAS, assists tourists who become victims of crime while visiting Ireland. While only a very small minority fall victim to crime, for those people the event can be extremely traumatic especially if they do not speak the language or if they are traveling on their own. ITAS offers support and practical assistance to tourists in these situations. Practical assistance consists of mediation and liaison with embassies, travel companies and financial institutions. The service can also arrange accommodation, meals and transport in emergency situations. This nationwide service is free and is run by staff and volunteers who speak a variety of languages. ITAS recommends that the tourist report the incident in person to the nearest Garda Station (Police Station), who will contact the Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS).