General Information About Dublin

This page contains some general information about Dublin which people often ask us at our tourist visitor centres. To help you plan your visit we're included this information on our site.

Population
Dublin has a population of just over 1.1 million.

Weather
Dublin has a mild, temperate climate. Showers can occur at any time of the year, but usually pass quickly. Average temperatures in summer range from 16-20°C / 60-67°F and in winter, from 4-7°C / 39-44°F.

Entry and Customs
Passports are not required by British citizens born in the United Kingdom and travelling from Britain although identification may be needed. Citizens of European Union states and Switzerland may use a passport or national identity card.

All other nationalities must have a passport.

Countries whose passport holders DO NOT require visas to enter Ireland:
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea (Rep of South), Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, U.S.A., UK & dependent territories*, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela, Western Samoa, Zimbabwe.

* British Dependent Territories:
Anguilla, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory (South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands) British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago, Peros Banos, Diego Garcia, Danger Island), Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands and dependencies , Gibraltar, Hong Kong **, Montserrat, Pitcairn, (Henderson, Ducie and Oneno Islands), St. Helena and dependencies ( Ascension Island, Tristan Da Cunha), the sovereign base areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, Turks and Caicos Island, British Virgin Islands.
** A person in possession of a Hong Kong certificate of identity requires an entry visa for the state.

Nationals of the following countries require transit visas:
Afghanistan, Albania, Bulgaria, Cuba, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Zaire, Lebanon, Moldova, Montenegro, Nigeria, Romania, Serbia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Zaire.

If you require a visa or have any queries please contact the Irish Embassy or Consulate in your country of permanent residence.

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.

Language
English is the spoken language in Ireland. Irish, or Gaelic (Gaelige), the ancient celtic language of the country is also spoken by about 5% of the population.

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.

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

Telephones
Mobile telephones can be brought into Ireland. It is advisable to check that the system you use will operate in Ireland. 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. Before you travel you should collect an E111 form. 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 before travelling.

In the event of an emergency, visitors may telephone or go directly to the casualty department of the major hospitals.

Pets & Quarantine
There are no restrictions on importing a dog or cat from Britain, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, provided your pet is coming directly and has been resident there for at least six months.

All animals entering Ireland from other countries must be quarantined for a period of six months.

Public Holidays
Public holidays in the Republic of Ireland are:
New Year’s Day (January 1)
St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)
Good Friday (thought 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)