General Information about Dublin

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.

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.

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

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.