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. It 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
Link to the official Ireland Tourism website: www.discoverireland.com
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. To view a city centre map click here.
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.
In the wake of a remarkable economic boom, Dublin's landscape has changed immeasurably over the past decade. These days Dublin ranks among the top tourist destinations in Europe, and this vibrant city hums with a palpable sense that it is creating a new cultural heritage.
The city's burst of prosperity gave it a new confident sheen, but what remains special is the spirit of the people who ensure that, despite whirlwind changes, Dublin remains one of Europe's most down-to-earth, friendly and accessible cities.
Link to the official Dublin Tourism website: www.visitdublin.com
Climate
Ireland enjoys a temperate climate, with mild winters and relatively cool summers. Mean daily temperature in June is 18 °C. 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
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.
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
Smoking Policy
Under Irish law, smoking is not permitted in pubs, restaurants, hotel lobbies and most public areas.
Metrification
Speed limits and distances in Ireland are shown in kilometres
Travel to Ireland
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 Local Organising Committee, International Biometric Society, or their 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.
Citizens of certain countries require an entry visa for Ireland for further information please follow the link below.
http://foreignaffairs.gov.ie/home/index.aspx?id=8605
Access to Dublin
Dublin is easily accessible by air from the UK, Continental Europe and the east and west coasts 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 the ports of Holyhead, Liverpool and the Isle of Man 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 Dublin 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 arrivals hall of Dublin Airport.