When is the best time to come to Ireland?
The best time to come to Ireland is between May and September. It is summer, the days are long (bright until 10pm or later from May to July, 9pm until mid September), people are in a good mood and festival fever grips the country. Some summer months, however, are better than others. July and August are peak season so everything tends to be a little more expensive. These months are also the most crowded. Schools are closed so this is when most Irish families take their holidays. Of the other three months, June provides the best chance of good weather, though May and September can also be very pleasant.

However, don’t be alarmed if you have a vacation planned outside the summer months. There are some major advantages to visiting outside the summer, namely smaller crowds and some great value. This is particularly true if you are considering a luxury tour. Many of the top hotels and castles slash their prices during the low season from October to April. And while you are unlikely to be sporting tee-shirts and shorts the weather is often quite palatable, particularly in April and early October.

What is the weather like at that time of year?
This is like asking does it rain on Tuesdays in Ireland? Yes, but not every Tuesday. Similarly, any week of the summer can be nice but it could also be wet and miserable. It varies every year. However, for the statistically inclined average monthly temperatures, rainfall, sunshine, etc. can be found on this site: http://www.met.ie/climate/temperature.asp

For more on Irish weather check out the special feature that appeared in the September 2006 issue: http://www.authenticireland.com/newsletter/articles/weather.htm

What should I wear?
Bring layers of clothes that you can put on or take off as the weather dictates. A rainproof jacket and shoes are vital. Pack rainproof trousers if intend golfing, cycling or hiking. The weather changes regularly and unpredictably; be prepared!

Do I need a visa or entry permit?
No, if you are an EU, Australian, American or Canadian citizen. All you need is a passport with at least six months remaining before expiry. Residents of other countries can check entry requirements here: http://www.learn4good.com/travel/irl_visa.htm

.What are the requirements to rent a car in Ireland?
You must be aged between 25 and 74, hold a valid driving licence from your home country and have a credit card in your name. An international driving license is not required. For advise and tips on driving in Ireland please read our drving in Ireland article.

How much does gas/petrol cost?
Petrol is currently around 1 euro per litre, i.e. EUR4.50 or US$6.00 per gallon. Why is it so expensive? More than 50% of the price you pay at the pump goes straight to the government in taxes. I guess it is their way of letting us know that burning petrol in our cars has many hidden costs. And of course it’s a great earner for the government coffers. The good news is that for this very reason most cars in Ireland are a lot more economical on petrol than American cars. You can expect to get 40 to 50 miles per gallon from your rental car.

How do I recharge my mp3 player, camera batteries, etc?
The standard voltage in Ireland is 220VAC compared to 110VAC in the U.S. This means hair dryers, chargers, etc. will not work in Ireland unless they have a 110/220VAC switch. Most appliances do not. There is an easy fix though. A Dual Wattage Foreign Travel AC Converter will allow you to plug any device into an Irish socket. They retail in Radio Shack for about $40. Most shaving sockets support both 220 and 110VAC. Most, but not all hotels and B&Bs supply hair dryers.

What is the best way to carry spending money?
There is no need to bring large amounts of cash or travellers cheques with you. Your debit or credit card should work in Irish ATMs, but be sure to check with your bank before leaving home. You can withdraw money the same as you would at home. You will get the best exchange rate and pay the least amount of commission by doing this. Avoid Bureau de Change booths in airports, they charge the largest commission. The vast majority of shops, bars and restaurants accept credit cards. It is also possible to obtain euro in banks by presenting a credit card and passport. It is a good idea to bring a small amount of euro with you in cash for taxis, etc. when you arrive.

How much should I plan to spend?
You will survive very comfortably on 50 euro per day. If you are on a budget it is possible to get by on much less.

What is the deal with bed and breakfasts?
Staying in B&Bs is a great way to meet Irish people and learn about each area you visit. You will be staying with an Irish family so you cannot expect the same levels of service or privacy you get in hotels. However, this is usually more than made up for by the friendliness and helpfulness of the hosts. They are a great source of information and can offer invaluable advice and tips on exploring their locality. Though many modern B&Bs are purpose built and have large rooms with many extra facilities, you will find most bedrooms in B&Bs to be quite a bit smaller than you would find in hotels or guesthouses. Think cosy. B&Bs usually have pretty strict check-in policies. If you expect to arrive later than 6pm you should call ahead to let your host know.

Can I smoke in bars in Ireland?
No. Smoking is banned in all bars, restaurants and public buildings such as airports, hotel lobbies, etc. The upside is that Ireland probably has more beer gardens per capita than anywhere in Europe and during the summer many cafes and restaurants provide an outdoor dining option. Most hotels and B&Bs have designated smoking rooms, though a growing number of establishments are becoming smoke free. Annoying for smokers, bliss for everyone else.

Are kids allowed in bars after 9pm ?
You may want to take your children to the local pub to hear traditional Irish music. Sessions normally start at 9 or 10pm, yet the law states that children under 18 are not allowed in bars after 9pm. In reality many bar owners ignore this law. If you are in the bar prior to 9pm it is unlikely your kids will be asked to leave if they are 15 or older and are sitting quietly.

Will my cell phone work in Ireland?
Cell phones are very handy in case of emergencies, car breakdown, calling ahead to your B&B or just for making dinner reservations. If you have a tri-band phone it should work in Ireland, but it is a good idea to check with your provider first. The alternative is to rent a cell phone while in Ireland. For more information on cell phone rental check our website here: http://www.authenticireland.com/cell_phones.htm

Do I need travel insurance?
We recommend that everyone coming to Ireland purchases travel insurance. If you have to cancel your vacation for any reason you will be able to recover the full cost of your trip including airfare. Travel insurance also covers against lost baggage, illness, etc. Insurance rates depend on your age and the value of your vacation. For more details and prices please refer to the travel insurance page on our website: http://www.authenticireland.com/travel_insurance.htm

This article appeared in this issue of our newsletter: issue 06
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