Population
Dublin has a population of just over 1.1 million. It is
the largest city on the island of Ireland.
Money
The currency is the Euro (€). The Euro came into operation
in January 2002. Banks are open Monday – Friday 10.00
- 16.00 with late opening on Thursday until 17.00. Most bank
ATM machines in Dublin accept the ‘Plus’ or ‘Cirrus’ symbols
and credit cards are widely accepted. Personal cheques from
British banks are not accepted anywhere in Ireland.
Shopping
Shops generally open from 09.00 – 18.00, Monday – Saturday
with late opening on Thursday until 20.00. In the city centre
many shops open on Sundays from 12.00 until 18.00 and some
of the larger Shopping Centres open late during the week.For
those outside the European Community there is a tax refund
scheme in operation for purchases in some shops.
Telephones
Mobile telephones from most European countries will work
in Ireland. You can check that the system you use will operate
in Ireland by asking in a mobile phone shop. There are also
plenty of public telephones dotted throughout the city. International
call cards can be purchased in many locations around the
city.To make an international call:
Direct dialling
00 + Country Code + Area Code + Local Number
Medical Care
Visitors from EU countries are entitled to medical treatment
under the EU Reciprocal Medical Treatment agreement. Check
that the doctor or dentist that you use is registered with
the Irish Health Board and inform him or her that you want
to be treated under the EUs social security arrangements.Visitors
from other countries should check with their insurance agent
or broker.In the event of an emergency, visitors may telephone
999 for emergency services, or go directly to the casualty
department of the major hospitals.
Public Holidays
Public holidays in the Republic of Ireland are:
New Year’s Day (January 1)
St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)
Good Friday (though this is not a statutory holiday many businesses close and
pubs are closed all day)
Easter Monday
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 25)
St. Stephen’s Day (December 26)
