Welcome to Dublin
Céad Míle Fáilte – A hundred thousand welcomes to Ireland’s capital
city, steeped in history and buzzing with youthful energy. Medieval, Georgian
and modern architecture provide a backdrop to a friendly bustling port where
the cosmopolitan and charming meet in a delightful diversity that is Dublin.
Dublin is a delight to explore and very easy to navigate on foot. Dublin’s
attractions are many, from castles, museums and art galleries to the lively
spirit of Temple Bar. We hope that while you are exploring Dublin with
your handy pocket map you will also experience some of the vibrancy and excitement
which make Dublin a city to remember.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location
Ireland is an island that lies in North West Europe, separated from Britain
by the Irish Sea. Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and is
Ireland’s largest city. It is located on the east coast of Ireland,
overlooking Dublin Bay. The Liffey is the
main river running through the city. Dublin City is surrounded by the greater
Dublin area
or Dublin County where the visitor can find an abundance of picturesque seaside
villages, rolling mountains and rural hinterland and all within half an hour
of the city centre!
Population
The population of Dublin City and County area is approximately 1.1 million.
Climate
Dublin’s climate is mild and very changeable so come prepared for all
seasons!
Winter temperatures average 4-7 degrees celsius (39-44 degrees fahrenheit)
and in summer between 16*C-20C*(60*F-67F). There are about 18 hours of daylight
daily during July and August, only getting truly dark after 11 p.m.
Language
English is the spoken language through Ireland but with it’s own Irish
flavour and lilt! Irish
(or Gaelic) is the original native language of Ireland.
Place names and signage are usually in both languages.
Annual Public Holidays
New Year’s Day - January
1
St Patrick’s Day - March
17
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 - December25
St Stephen’s Day - December26
Good Friday, although not a public holiday, is observed as such for many businesses
in Dublin. Pubs are closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day throughout Dublin.
Passport Requirements
Visitors from the E.U., Australia, North America, South Africa and New Zealand
do not need a visa to enter Ireland for a holiday, however it is essential
that you bring your passport. We advise that you consult your travel agent
or airline before you travel.
Accommodation
There is a wide range of quality accommodation available in Dublin to suit
all requirements – from five star hotel chains to great value budget
hotels. Dublin also has a great range of guesthouses, bed & breakfasts
and self-catering to caravan & camping and hostels.
A copy of our “Where to Stay” Dublin Accommodation Guide is an
invaluable resource to help find accommodation for your trip or alternatively
you can book securely online at www.visitdublin.com.
Look out for the special offers section on the website for the best value break
available.
GETTING AROUND
As Dublin City is compact and easy to get around, a car is not required. Driving
is on the left side of the road, the metric system is in use in Ireland.
Rental - There is a wide choice of Irish and international
car rental companies represented in Dublin. You can also book online before
you arrive at www.visitdublin.com.
Motorbikes and mopeds are not available for rent in the Republic of Ireland.
Buses - Dublin Bus operates the city’s
bus routes running from 06.00-23.30. A Nitelink late service also operates
most nights of the week. Dublin Bus now operates an exact fare policy so it
is advisable to have your correct change ready when boarding the bus. For
details on all routes, timetables and special value tickets available, enquire
at any tourist information office, local newsagents or directly from Dublin
Bus www.dublinbus.ie
Luas - The Dublin Luas system, is a state of the art
light rail transit system running
from St Green to Sandyford and from Tallaght to Connolly Station. Click here
for Luas
route map http://www.visitdublin.com/travel/maps/luasmaps/LUAS.aspx
Trains – The DART railway stretches the full length
of Dublin Bay, from Malahide in
North County Dublin to Greystones in County Wicklow. Surburban and InterCity
trains
service outlying areas of Dublin. Details on all routes, timetables and special
value
Tickets are available at www.irishrail.ie
Taxis - Three of the main taxi ranks in the city centre are
located on O ‘Connell Street,College Green and at St. Stephen’s
Green. It is also possible to hail taxis on the street and numerous private
taxi companies also operate throughout Dublin city and county. Tipping is at
the visitor’s discretion; up to 10% is usual.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
Telephone
The international calling code for Ireland is 00 353. The local area code for Dublin
is 01. Mobile phones are available for hire in Dublin for the duration of your stay.
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 Street in
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).
Opening Hours are Monday - Saturday 10.00am-6.00pm and Sundays and National
Holidays 12.00-6.00pm
Contact Details:
Irish Tourist Assistance Service
Block 1, Garda Headquarters
Harcourt Street
Dublin 2
Tel: 01-478 5295
Fax: 01-478 5187
Email: info@itas.ie
www.itas.ie