Introduction
Welcome to
Ireland! Here are some guidelines on getting to
Ireland, what visas and documentation you may need
before you arrive, and some general information on
doing business in Ireland, and also an insight in the
people and culture of this wonderful country.
Ireland is a small island off the European seaboard,
with Britain as its closest neighbours. The population
of approximately 4 million people are concentrated in
our major cities, Dublin, Limerick, Cork and Galway.
For a small country, Ireland is quite diverse, rugged
mountains in the west and south of Ireland, make this
area very attractive to visitors. Dublin, the capital
is a modern cosmopolitan city which enjoys a
multicultural society, with many international
companies finding a home there. The country as a
whole, has a wealth of attractions and plenty to offer
the visitor, including some of the best golf courses
in Europe, plenty of sporting activities, arts, crafts
and a wealth of history to explore. With Go2-ireland,
you can discover for yourself all that Ireland has to
offer, so you can fit in as much as you can during
your stay!
Before
you go
Some nationalities do require entry visas for entry
into Ireland. For a comprehensive list of those
countries requiring visas you will need to visit www.irlgov.ie
Ensure you bring with you all necessary forms of
identification, passport, driving licence, etc,
especially if you want to hire a car, or carry out any
business transactions when in Ireland.
If you are travelling from a non-European country
ensure you have Euro travellers cheques or currency.
Banking
and Communication
The currency in Ireland is the Euro, bureau
de change booths are always convienently located at
all entry points into the country and in all banks.
Banks in Ireland are open Monday to Friday from 10am
to 4.30pm. There are cash machines in all towns and
cities, where most major debit and credit cards are
accepted.
Telephone and Internet:
Payphones in Ireland use coins, prepaid cards or
credit cards. Prepaid call cards offer cheaper rates
than the state telephone company Eircom, are available
from most newsagents, tourist locations or telephone
centres. Instructions are similar to all
international/national call cards and all necessary
numbers(emergency, operator etc) are clearly visible
at telephones.
Most European and some American mobile phones will
work in Ireland if you have the appropriate agreement
with your service provider.
Internet cafes can be found in all towns and cities
throughout the country, although some can be very
expensive. Most hotels have internet access in
bedrooms, while some have business and conference
facilities within the hotel.
People
and Culture
The Irish social scene is one that has made its mark
on much of the world. In far flung corners of the
world you are sure to find .."an Irish Pub"!
Music, song, dance and "craic"(fun) are what
makes Ireland special. Tradition and folklore and a
deep rooted history are what makes its people warm and
welcoming still to this day. Although you will find a
very diverse, modern country, the tradition of meeting
and socialising in pubs is still very much a part of
Irish life. Ireland has one of the biggest percentage
of home owners in Europe, and have very high standards
of education. Ireland also has some of the best
restaurants and hotels to be found in Europe. You
will find a large selection of European and
international food on offer, as well as some
traditional Irish specialties, including the famous
Irish Breakfast and Irish stew! Entertainment,
concerts, drama, art, history, culture and much more,
whatever your taste, await you on your trip to
Ireland, so whatever takes your fancy during your
stay, be sure to enjoy it!
Driving
in Ireland
If you are planning on hiring
a car and Driving around Ireland -
check out our pages, for all the best information on
Driving in Ireland, Roadsigns and Rules of the road,
and lots more useful information. Please cllick here
Climate
For an insight into Irelands weather and climate
please click here
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