General Information
Ireland
Ireland is an English speaking island on the north western edge of Europe. It is 486 km long and 275 km wide. Ireland has 3,172 km of coastline – the longest coastline per head of population in Europe. The Republic of Ireland occupies three-quarters of the island and its capital city is Dublin.
Population
4.5 million, over one million of whom live in Dublin.
Dublin
Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, is built on the River Liffey and has a population of approximately 1.5 million people. It is situated beside the sea, and close to the countryside and mountains. The rest of the country is easily accessible by car, train, or bus. Ireland, with its beautiful scenery,offers a range of attractions to the tourist including ancient archaeological sites and monuments, a variety of sporting activities such as fishing, riding and golf,as well as traditional dancing and music.
A city of fine Georgian buildings, Dublin has been influenced by its Danish, Norman and English antecedents. It has excellent shops, museums, antique shops and a range of pubs and restaurants. It has four major theatres, including the world famous Abbey theatre, concert facilities, art galleries and cinemas. There is a wide variety of sporting facilities including golf courses and sailing, as well as racecourses.
Climate
Ireland enjoys a temperate climate, with mild winters and relatively cool summers. Mean daily temperature in June is 18 0C. Dublin enjoys reasonable sunshine and rain belts reaching the east coast are frequently light and generally clear within a few hours. However it is always wise when travelling to Ireland to pack a rain mac or umbrella
Documentation
Everyone entering Ireland must have a valid passport or, in the case of European Union Member States, a national identity card. Some visitors will require visas. Delegates should check with their local Irish representation. A valid driving license is required to drive in Ireland. Please note that it can take up to 6 to 8 weeks to process a visa application and early application is recommended. The Meeting Organising Committee, or its agents, cannot accept any responsibility for visa applications. Where a delegate is unable to attend because of failure to obtain a visa on time, the normal cancellation policy for the registration fee will apply.
Currency
The currency in Ireland is the Euro.
Shopping
Dublin has a busy city centre shopping area around Grafton Street and across the river. It also has large suburban shopping centres. There is a huge range of products to bring home – from traditional Irish hand-made crafts to international designer labels. Things to buy: woollen knits, tweeds, crystal, Claddagh rings, pottery, silver and music. Shopping hours are from 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, with shops open until 8.00pm on Thursdays, and most shops open on Sunday from 12.00pm to 6.00pm.
Insurance
Neither the local Organising Committee nor its agents will be responsible for any medical expenses, loss, or accidents incurred during the Meeting, Short Courses or Field Trips. Delegates should arrange their own personal insurance to cover medical and other expenses including accident or loss. Where a delegate has to cancel for medical reasons, the normal cancellation policy will apply. It is recommended that citizens from EU countries bring with them a current EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)
Tax refunds
Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged at 21% on most goods. Cash back is the simplest and most widely used VAT refund service that issues cash refunds on departure for a handling fee. Ask for a cash back form when you make your purchase.
Tipping
A small tip is appreciated for good service. Tipping is not usual in pubs and bars. Tip restaurants and taxi drivers 10% and porters €1 per bag.
Credit cards
Major credit cards are widely accepted.
Electric current
220 volts
Time
From March to October, Ireland operates on Greenwich Mean Time + 1 hour. The rest of the year it is on GMT.
What to pack
Include mainly casual wear. Jacket and tie for fine dining. Rainwear and comfortable shoes are advised.
Metrification
Speed limits and distances in Ireland are shown in kilometres.
Smoking Policy
Under Irish law, smoking is not permitted in pubs, restaurants, hotel lobbies and most public areas.
Access to Dublin
Dublin is easily accessible by both air and sea.
Dublin is easily accessible from the UK, Continental Europe and the east and west coast of the USA. There are more than 36 scheduled airlines flying into Dublin Airport, which is located 12 km from the city centre. Dublin Airport serves 7 domestic, 29 UK, 36 Continental European and 9 international destinations. For more information please visit www.aerrianta.ie
It is also possible to get to Dublin by ferry from Holyhead, Liverpool and Isle of Man ports in Britain. Dublin has two ferry terminals – Dublin Port, located in the city centre, is serviced by bus and Dun Laoghaire ferry terminal, south of the city, is easily reached by a 20 minute car or DART train journey.
Access from Dublin Airport to Dublin City
There are a number of private and public bus services that operate from outside the airport arrivals terminal:.Aircoach, a privately run bus service, operates between the airport and a number of city hotels and locations. www.aircoach.ie
Airlink (bus 747), operated by Dublin Bus, will bring you directly from the airport to Busaras, the central bus station, located in the city. www.dublinbus.ie
AerDart is a combined bus and train service that will bring you from Dubin Airport to any DART station along he route for an all-inclusive price. www.dublinbus.ie
There are also a number of other public bus services operating between the airport and various destinations
Taxis are located on designated taxi ranks around the city. There is a taxi rank located outside the arivals hall of Dublin Airport.