- More Facts & Figures
- Dublin Convention Bureau won Business Britain ‘Meetings and Business Destination of the Year 2006’ for service, attention to detail and overall investment in tourism.
- Dublin Convention Bureau won the HSMAI Overall Sales and Marketing Strategy 2006.
- In the 2006 Dublin visitor survey carried out by the Tourism Research Centre and the DIT School of Hospitality and Management Tourism, 62% of respondents were on their first trip to Dublin and 94% said they were likely to return, influenced potentially by the fact that; 95% felt it was a safe city to visit and 98% agreed that the people were friendly and hospitable. 84% felt that Dublin had a good night life and 90% agreed there were plenty of good restaurants. 98% felt the City has a good variety of attractions for day time activities and 97% a rich cultural life.
- 94% indicating their likelihood of returning to the City, it is perhaps interesting to consider what motivated them to visit in the first place. According to respondents, the most significant influencing factor was ‘advice from friends and relatives’. 48% cited advice from friends and relatives, followed by 42% ‘inexpensive airfares’ as the major influencing factor.
- Respondents were asked to rate their visit to Dublin on a scale of 1-10. Those surveyed during 2006 rated the city higher than any of the previous 3 years and gave Dublin an average rating of 8.8 out of 10.
- Dublin city is 3rd in Europe in terms of bednights, after London and Paris.
- In a survery in Business Travel Buyer magazine, Dublin was shown as the cheapest of 10 cities for hotel accommodation.
- Overseas visitor numbers grew by 6% and there was 9% growth in foreign revenue earnings, giving a return to the exchequer of €650 million in 2004.
- One out of every 3 visitors to Dublin visits a Dublin Tourism Tourist Information Office – the highest usage rate in Europe.
- www.visitdublin.com is the leader of city tourism websites in Europe.
- Dublin plays an important role in the national economy, with the City’s ports and airport making it an important entry point to the country and a gateway to the EU, and indeed the rest of the world.
- While Ireland’s GNP growth levels have averaged 7.5% each year over the last six years, Dublin has outperformed the national average, accounting for 38% of GNP.
- Population
The population of Dublin City and county area is approximately 1.5 million.
As of 2007, the population of Ireland (Republic) reached 4,239,848.
- 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 11 pm.
- 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.
- Electricity
- The standard electricity supply is 230 volts (50 cycles). To use small appliances, you may need a plug adaptor to fit our 3-pin flat or 2-pin round wall sockets.
- Shopping
Most shops in Dublin are open from 09.00 until 18.00 Monday to Saturday and from 12.00 until 18.00 on Sundays. Shops stay open late Thursday evenings in the city centre and late on 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.
- Metrification
- Ireland is gradually shifting to the metric system, but the imperial system is still widely used. Speed limits and car speedometers are usually shown in miles per hour. Most roadsigns are now shown in kilometres but older roadsigns still give distances in miles. Beer is still sold in pints!
- Annual Public Holidays
- New Years Day - January 1st
- St. Patrick’s Day - March 17th
- Easter Monday - Monday following Easter Sunday
- May Holiday - First Monday in May
- June Holiday - First Monday in June
- August Holiday - First Monday in August
- October Holiday - Last Monday in October
- Christmas Day - December 25th
- St. Stephen’s Day - December 26th
- Good Friday, although not a public holiday, is observed as such by many businesses in Dublin
- Money Matters
Currency, Banking & Tipping!
The Euro is the only currency that is officially recognised as legal tender in the Republic of Ireland. In general, banks open Monday to Friday, 10.00 to 16.00, with late opening on Thursdays until 17.00. Foreign exchange facilities are widely available. All major credit cards are widely accepted.
A normal tip for good services in Dublin restaurants is between 10% and 15%. Some restaurants automatically add a service charge to your bill, so check before adding an additional tip. Service charge is automatically included for groups of six or more