About Ireland

Approximately 5 millon, north and south. More than one million live in Dublin. The island of Ireland enjoys a rich diversity of ethnic groups and cultures and there is a dominance of young people – over half the population is under 30 years old.

Accommodation in Ireland ranges from ultra-modern boutique hotels to elegant castles.  Accommodation is graded on a star-rating classification.  Castles and privately-owned estates can be hired complete with staff for a unique and all-encompassing visit to Ireland.

• 240 volts AC
• Small appliances – a plug adaptor may be needed for irish flat three-pin/round two-pin sockets.
• Visitors bringing electrical appliances should ask an electrician or appliance dealer if it is possible to use a transformer. 
  

The Republic of Ireland has introduced a blanket ban on smoking in all places of work to protect public health and reduce the incidences of smoking-related illness.  Smoking is prohibited in public areas within the Republic of Ireland – this includes all bars, nghtclubs and restaurants. Although hotel bedrooms may be exempt from the ban, it is applied to all other areas within hotels.

The republic of Ireland uses the Euro, the common European currency, while Northern Ireland uses UK Sterling. However, most large stores in the North accept Euro as well.

Bank opening times are:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday banks are open 10am-4pm
• Thursdays from 10am-5pm in Dublin (and some other regions)
• Small towns and rural areas – banks may close for lunch from 12.30pm – 1.30pm.
• In Northern Ireland, most banks open 9.30am-4.30pm Monday-Friday, with some opening longer hours and on Saturday.
• Any credit cards that bear the Visa, MasterCard or American Express symbol will be widely accepted in Ireland.  Visitors with other cards should ask i8n advance if it will be accepted.

Tax refunds are available on many of the costs incurred in holding a meeting or conference in Ireland, for futher information contact the VAT Repayments Office on +353 (0)65 684 9000.

Commercial tax refund companies can assist you and your client in reclaiming VAT on Irish business expenses. Register with the company in advance of the event and they will then handle all paperwork and deal directly with the authorities, on your behalf, and supply refunds in either your local currency or bank transfer.  More information: www.irishrefunds.com

• Mild and temperate (showers can occur any time of the year)
• Summer temperatures range from 15-25 degrees Celsius (60-75F)
• Spring and autumn temperatures average around 10+ degrees Celsius (50+ F)Winter is 0 to 10 Celsius (30 to 50F)
  
  

• Monday – Saturday from 9am to 6pm
• Thursday and Friday – late-night shopping in most malls/shopping centres
• Sunday – many shops are open 12pm-6pm
• Duty-free shopping is available at all the international airports
• Tax refunds are available for non-EU residents, check in store for further information before purchasing.
  
  

Ireland is 385 kilometres/300 miles at its longest and 304 kilometres/190 miles at its widest.  It is divided into four provinces – Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connaught, which make up 32 counties. The Republic occupies 26 counties and the capital is Dublin. The Republic is a constitutional democracy and a member of the EU and Northern Ireland is part of the UK and its capital is Belfast.