The lure of Ireland lies in its landscapes and its people, and it is through involvement with either, or both, that visitors get to experience the soul of this ancient land of saints and scholars.

Ireland's hills are a walker's paradise, not only because of the extensive network of trails, but because by being on foot one gets to appreciate the lakes and rivers, the coastal views and ever-changing sky-scapes that are so much part of the Irish landscape. Watersports such as angling, sailing and surfing are popular too, and many visitors come for the golf, but the real passion of the Irish is horses - there is a potential Derby winner in every valley and a packed betting shop in every high street.

The Irish weather is not the most predictable in the world, but then much of the beauty of the Irish landscape is due to its climate&and there has to be a price tag on being nicknamed the 'Emerald Isle'. Poor weather has had positive influences on the Irish way of life. Music and song plays an integral part in daily life and visitors are able to experience this in the many pubs so characteristic of the social landscape of Ireland.

Over the years, Ireland has survived invasions, famine and civil war, but has recently come into its own, benefiting from peace in the North, support from the EU and a new vitality which has caused the country to be dubbed the 'Celtic Tiger'. There has never been a better time to visit.

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Money :

The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR). Currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change and ATMs are widely available. Credit and debit cards, as well as travellers cheques, are widely accepted.

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.

Passport & Visa :

Entry Requirements

Country Code	Requirements Details
us	United States nationals require a passport valid for the period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.
uk	British citizens travelling from Great Britain to Ireland only require proof of nationality. Otherwise British travellers coming from another country require a passport. No visa is required if the passport is endorsed British Citizen, British National (Overseas) or British Overseas Territories Citizen. In all other cases, a visa is required.
ca	Canadian nationals require a passport valid for the period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.
au	Australians require a passport valid for the period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for visits of up to three months.
za	South African nationals must hold a passport valid for the period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for visits of up to three months.
nz	New Zealanders require a passport valid for the period of intended stay. No visa is needed for a visit of up to three months.

Embassies in Other Country

Country Code	Requirements Details
us	Irish Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 462 3939.
uk	Irish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7235 2171.
ca	Irish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 6281.
au	Irish Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3022.
za	Irish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 5062.
nz	Consulate-General of Ireland, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 (0)9 977 2252.

Embassies

Country Code	Requirements Details
us	Irish Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 462 3939.
uk	Irish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7235 2171.
ca	Irish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 6281.
au	Irish Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3022.
za	Irish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 5062.
nz	Consulate-General of Ireland, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 (0)9 977 2252.

Please note: Passport, Visa and Entry Requirement information is for guidance only. Co-op Travel advises all customers to check for up to date information at www.fco.gov.uk.

Getting Around :

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.

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 EUR175 per adult or EUR90 for children under 15 years. Prohibited items include meat or dairy products or raw vegetables.

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.

History :

Contacts :

Emergencies: 112/999

Ireland Attraction

Kinsale

Description :

Kinsale is an old fishing village just 18 miles (29km) south of Cork. Best known for the world renowned Old Head Golf Links, with its spectacular setting on a narrow head leading out into the Celtic Sea, Kinsale has a number of sights of interest including The Courthouse and Desmond Castle. Built as a custom house by the Earl of Desmond in the 16th century, Desmond Castle has a colourful history, ranging from Spanish occupation in 1601, during the Battle of Kinsale, to its use as a prison for captured American sailors during the American War of Independence. Known locally as 'The French Prison' after a tragic fire in which 54 prisoners, mainly French seamen, died in 1747. The castle was also used as a borough jail from 1791 to the onset of the Great Famine when it was used as an auxiliary workhouse tending to the starving populace. Two miles (3km) outside Kinsale is Charles Fort, constructed in the late 17th century on the site of an earlier coastal fortification, it is a classic example of a star-shaped fort. William Robinson, architect of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Dublin, and Superintendent of Fortifications, is credited with its design. As one of the largest military forts in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history, the most significant of which include the Williamite War in 1690 and the Irish Civil War in 1922-1923. Across the estuary is James Fort, an earlier structure, which was designed by Paul Ive in 1602. Kinsale has also earned itself the reputation as the gourmet centre for Ireland with numerous award-winning pubs and restaurants, and the annual Gourmet Festival in October.

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www.kinsale.ie

Trinity College

Description :

Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and counts Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde, along with many other great thinkers and writers, amongst it past-students. This 16th century complex is home to many glorious buildings, beautifully manicured lawns, cobbled squares and the campus of the University of Ireland. The celebrated Book of Kells, which dates from the 8th century and is considered to be one of the oldest books in the world, is housed in the College's Collonades Gallery. Other illuminated manuscripts taken from ancient monasteries are also on display.

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Telephone :

(0)1 896 1000

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www.tcd.ie

Temple Bar district

Description :

The hub of Dublin's nightlife is to be found in this quaint, cobbled district, which is full of shops, traditional pubs, theatres, cinemas and trendy clubs laid out on pedestrianised streets. Busking fiddlers, an overwhelming choice of restaurants and beautifully restored buildings add to the feel of the place and make it worth a visit. The area is bordered by the Liffey on one side and Dame Street on the other. The main street running through the area also is called Temple Bar.

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info@templebar.ie

Website :

www.templebar.ie

Phoenix Park

Description :

Just two miles (3km) west of the city centre, Phoenix Park offers peace and quiet from the buzz of the city. It is considered the largest urban park in Europe boasting splendid landscaped gardens, ornamental lakes and large grasslands. It is the perfect environment for runners, walkers and sports enthusiasts who flock here to enjoy the park's facilities. Fallow deer can be seen browsing in the leafy woodland and it's a great place for watching the world go by. Within the park is the residence of the president of Ireland, Aras an Uachtarain, and Dublin Zoo.

Address :

Parkgate Street

Postcode :

Telephone :

(0)1 677 0095 (Visitor Centre)

Email :

phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie

Website :

Region

cheap Cork holidays

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