Dublin Tourist Information

| Hotels in Ireland | Dublin Tourist Information |

Dublin is a city of contrasts and contradictions   Medieval and Georgian architecture provide a stern backdrop to the bustling and lively streets filled with street entertainers of all kinds. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the distinct smell of hops from the nearby Guinness brewery drawing visitors indoors.   Street-side cafes and pubs are always buzzing with animated conversations and visitors may soon be engrossed in topics as diverse as sport, politics and literature or the old favourite - the weather. It is interesting to note that it was in many of these same cafes and pubs that the literary giants such as Joyce, Kavanagh and O'Casey discussed the topics of the day over a thick creamy pint of Guinness. In 1988 Dublin celebrated its 1000th birthday and was designated European city of culture in 1991. Many visitor attractions throughout the city pay tribute to its fascinating history. There are a variety of museums, art galleries and visitor attractions to suit every taste and age-group. If the hustle and bustle of the city proves too much you can always take a trip along Dublin picturesque coastline or explore the nearby Dublin mountains.

When to Go: What to Bring

Ireland is famous for its 'soft ' rainy days and there are plenty of these throughout the year, whatever the season. Officially Ireland has a 'temperate' climate, and extremes of heat and cold are rare. You will need plenty of light sweaters and a raincoat, both winter and summer. These can be discarded when the sun shines, so bring tee-shirts too. Good walking shoes are a must, as Dublin is a city best explored on foot.

General Information

Telephones   There are plenty of public telephones dotted throughout the city. You will usually find a Cardphone and a coin phone side by side. Cards in 10, 20, 50 and 100 unit denominations can be purchased in Telecentres, post offices and shops which display the Callcard sign. A list of Irish regional codes and International direct dialling codes can be found in the front pages of the telephone directory. For directory enquiries, dial 1190 for numbers within Ireland , 1197 for numbers within Great Britain, 1198 for international numbers. For operator assisted calls dial 10 for Ireland or the UK and 114 for all other countries. To make an international call : Direct dialling : 00 + County Code + Area Code + Local Number Post Offices   City centre post offices are open from 9am -5.30pm, Monday-Friday and 9am - 1.30pm on Saturday. The GPO on O'Connell Street opens from 8am-8pm Monday - Saturday, and on Sunday (for stamps only) from 10.30am - 6.30pm. Suburban post offices close for lunch from 1pm-2.15pm. Public Holidays   Public Holidays in the Republic of Ireland are New Year's Day (January 1); St Patrick's Day (March 17); Good Friday (though this is not a statutory holiday); Easter Monday; May Day (May 1); First Mondays in June and August, last Monday in October; Christmas Day (December 25); St. Stephen's Day (December 26). 99,999 Welcomes   Ireland is rightly known as the Land of a Hundred Thousand Welcomes - but there is always the exception, particularly in a major city like Dublin. Though we can claim one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, a few simple precautions will go a long way to ensuring that your visit remains trouble free for the duration of your stay. For your own peace of mind we suggest you observe these simple guidelines….. · DO NOT carry your passport or large amounts of cash with you or leave them in your hotel room. · DO NOT leave valuables or any luggage exposed in the back of your car or on a roof rack. · CAMP ONLY on approved sites and never in public areas. · WATCH YOUR HANDBAG when shopping or in crowded streets, restaurants or pubs. · PARK in controlled car parks and always lock your car. · WHEN VISITING tourist sites do not wander into side streets unless you are sure you know where you are going.   In any emergency dial 999 and ask for police assistance. If you observe these simple precautions you are unlikely to need it. Money  The currency of Ireland is the PUNT (also known as the Irish pound). It is divided into one hundred pence with coins of 1,2,5,10,20, 50 and £1 pound. Notes come in 5,10,20,50 and 100 pounds. Major credit cards are widely accepted and cash advances can be received on these cards from ATM's or banks. Most major currencies and brands of travellers cheques are easily exchanged in Ireland.

Shopping

Opening hours vary considerably, with newsagents and sandwich bars open well before 9am and other stores just getting going by 9.30 or 9.45am. Most are closed by 5.30 to 6pm, but on Thursday there is late night shopping until 8pm. The majority of shops are closed all day Sunday.   If you buy anything to take home with you, you should be entitled to a VAT (sales tax) refund within two months of the purchase, if you are resident outside the European Union. Stores and Shops   The main shopping areas are Nassau Street, Grafton Street, St. Stephen's Green, Temple Bar, O'Connell Street and Henry Street. The department stores are on Grafton Street (Brown Thomas, excellent for Irish fashion design has now relocated to the former Switzers building) and in O'Connell Street (Clery's, for the more budget-conscious). For Irish and European gifts try House of Ireland on Nassau Street.   Shopping malls include the St. Stephen's green shopping centre, the largest in the city, which is a bright and spacious shopping area where you can buy just about anything and also have a meal (it can be very crowded, especially in summer). The Powerscourt Townhouse on Clarendon Street (follow the sign on Grafton street) is on a smaller scale and specialises in wonderful restaurants, cafes, crafts, jewellery and clothes stores.   On the other side of Grafton street in Dawson street is the royal Hibernian way, a small shopping mall with some very exclusive clothes shops. Finally, there is the iIlac centre which is second only to St Stephen's green. Here you will find many clothes stores for all ages and a large branch of Dunnes Stores, an Irish clothes and food shop chain.   Of course, Dublin wouldn't be Dublin without its markets, and one of the best of Mother Redcap's in Back Lane (opposite Christ Church cathedral). This wonderful indoor market has stalls selling clothes and music, books and antiques, as well as excellent cakes and cheeses (try the Gallic Kitchen just inside the entrance). If you're looking for bargain second-hand clothes, try the Iveagh market, next door to Mother Redcap's.

Transportation

Getting to Ireland is easy. There are plenty of regular scheduled flights to and from Britain, Europe and North America and airports are within easy reach of all the major cities. Aer Lingus is the National Carrier with Ryanair as the second carrier.   Ireland can also be accessed all year round from Britain by car ferry and from France during the summer season. Services are operated by Stena Sealink and Irish Ferries with P & O.   The best way to see the scenery of Ireland is by car as some of the best sights are slightly inaccessible.   The quality of main roads is generally good but some of the country roads require a bit more concentration. Renting a bicycle is also an excellent way to get around and see the beauty Ireland has to offer for the more active visitor.   Ireland's rail network is adequate, with many cities and towns being served by train services from Dublin. Iarnroid Eireann operate the trains in the Republic and Northern Ireland Rail on the North.   Bus Eireann and Ulsterbus operate an express bus network servicing all the towns and cities and many villages. There are also a number of private operators offering other options and servicing remote routes not covered by the national carriers. Air Travel   Ireland has nine international airports serving routes to Britain, Europe and North America. Advance booking of tickets is required on almost all services especially during holiday periods. Ferry Travel   Ireland is easily accessible by air from anywhere in Europe and North America and has regular ferry services to and from Britain and seasonal services from France. A number of ferries also operate to the islands off the south, west and northern coasts serving the island communities and visitors. Advance booking is generally required strongly advised. Rail   Mainline trains run mainly to and from Dublin and Belfast along the east coast and radially from Dublin to cities and towns throughout Ireland. Most have a bar service for light refreshments and some have a dining car service.   Dublin has its own electric rail transport system called DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit). This serves the coastal commuter belt around Dublin from Bray on the southside to Howth on the northside. The Belfast area is served by diesel trains from Northern Ireland Railways mainly for local commuters. Bus Services   Bus Eireann and Ulsterbus operate an express bus network servicing all the towns and cities and many villages. Most larger towns and all cities have their own local suburban bus services. Private bus operators also provide services to other areas not covered by the two national carriers. Ask for any deals that may be available for day trips and other excursions. Taxis   All cities have regulated taxi services with controlled pricing and specific standard extra charges. Hackney services also exist in urban areas but more especially in more rural areas where fares must be agreed in advance. In Northern Ireland there is also a similar regulated system, but London Black Cabs also operate on a different system. In Belfast some operate as normal taxis, while in Belfast and Derry they can provide a minibus type service. Motoring/Driving in Ireland   A sightseeing trip by car is highly recommended to experience the stunning scenery Ireland has to offer. Traffic on trunk roads is generally light but can increase on some weekends. The quality of roads can be variable in Ireland. Trunk roads are generally good but some country roads especially smaller and remote ones can require more attention. Traffic in Dublin and Belfast city centres, especially during rush hours, can be particularly heavy.   Drive on the left hand side of the road and overtake on the right. General speed limits are 60mph (97kmph) in the Republic of Ireland, 55mph (88kmph) in Northern Ireland and 70mph (113kmph) on all motorways. In towns the limits are 30mph (48kmph) in towns unless otherwise indicated. Vehicles towing a trailer must not exceed 50mph (80kmph). Make sure your insurance covers driving in the Republic of Ireland and/or Northern Ireland. Most driving licenses are sufficient for short stays. Safety belts are required to be worn at all times. All new vehicles are fitted with rear seatbelts which are also to be worn at all times. Children under 12 may not travel in the front seats.   All motorcyclists and passengers must wear crash helmets at all times. Distances in the Republic of Ireland are in kilometres unless otherwise indicated. Some older signposts (usually black and white) use miles. All distances in Northern Ireland are in miles. Car Hire   Car Hire firms are regulated by the Car Rental Council of Ireland and adhere to its standards. On booking a car check the insurance arrangements and any other conditions of hire, such as petrol arrangements, hire periods. 'One Way' rentals, where you pick up at one location and leave off at a different location, are also available from the major firms for a surcharge. Cycling   During the summer, cycling can be a suberb way of getting around and seeing the countryside for the more active. Ireland is quite flat centrally, with the majority of mountains and hills located towards the coasts, so cyclists can choose the type of terrain they wish to tour. Raingear is always essential for those sudden downpours. Bicycles are available for rental in most hostels, cities and towns. Contact the local tourist information office for more details. Parking   Parking is permitted on streets with no yellow line at the kerb. A single yellow line means you cannot park at the times indicated. Parking signs are a "P" with a blue background on a rectangular sign in Northern Ireland, and a "P" with a white background and red border on a circular sign in the Republic. In Northern Ireland never park in Control Zones and always park in a safe place in the cities.

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