Ireland travel information

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The Basics

Time: GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin and round three-pin plugs are in use.

Language: English, Irish (Gaelic) is spoken in some Western areas.

Health: There are no special health requirements for visitors to Ireland. Health insurance is advisable unless from the UK or other EU countries, most of which have reciprocal agreements with Ireland. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should be obtained before departing for travel to Ireland. Medical facilities are good, and payment for treatment is usually required in cash.

Tipping: A 10% tip will be welcomed in restaurants and cafes, but tipping is not usual in bars and pubs. Tipping is not common for other services.

Safety: Most visitors enjoy a fairly high level of personal safety however travellers should take sensible precautions against petty theft. Terrorism is no more a threat than in other Western countries.

Customs: Smoking in pubs, cafes and restaurants, is illegal.

Business: The Irish are very sociable and although the usual elements of business etiquette apply (punctuality, formal wear, a courteous manner), expect good conversation and a rather relaxed air. Handshakes are customary on introduction, and take the lead from the host with regards to using first names or surnames. Business hours are usually from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, with a lunch break from 1pm to 2pm.

Communications: The international access code for Ireland is +353 (do not dial the first zero of the area code). The outgoing code is 00, or 048 for Northern Ireland, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. 1 for Dublin. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main tourist areas.

Duty Free: Travellers over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco, or a proportional mix of these; 1 litre spirits with more than 22% alcohol volume, or 2 litres dessert wine with a maximum 22% alcohol content, or a proportional mix of these products, and 2 litres table wine; perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods for personal consumption to the value of €175 per adult or €90 for children under 15 years. Prohibited items include meat or dairy products or raw vegetables.

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