Organize your stay Ireland
Money Ireland
In the Republic of Ireland, the currency is the euro.
In Northern Ireland, the national currency is the pound sterling. One pound is worth 100 pence. There are bills of 5, 10, 20, 50 and £100. The exchange rate at the time of writing was £1 = €1.17 and €1 = £0.86. A commission is deducted from each withdrawal. Withdrawal fees vary from bank to bank, and generally comprise a fixed fee (on average €3) and a commission (between 2% and 3% of the amount withdrawn). Some banks have partnerships with foreign banks or allow you to benefit from their network, offering you advantageous fees or even free withdrawals. Ask your bank advisor for details. Please also note that some ATMs may charge a commission, in which case this will be indicated at the time of withdrawal.
Budget & Tips Ireland
Life is expensive in the Republic of Ireland. Prices are more or less the same in Northern Ireland (accommodation is a little more expensive). It all depends, of course, on your lifestyle. But expect to pay around €150 a day, without splurging. If you're a bit short of cash, you're advised to sleep either in a youth hostel or on a camping site. As far as food is concerned, the most economical option is to shop in supermarkets, where you'll find everything you need to make your own sandwiches. So it's possible to travel in Ireland on a daily budget of €60 or €80, if you tighten your belt.
Haggling is frowned upon in Ireland most of the time, and in any case, people in the markets will make you a friendly offer straight away. There are no strict rules on tipping in Ireland, but of course a good tip (approximately 10% of the total bill) is always welcome in the pub (if seated at a table), in restaurants and in cabs.
Nicotine addicts, the Petit Futé strongly recommends that you bring your load of tar with you, as a pack of cigarettes costs around €15. For the faint-hearted, there are vending machines in pubs (ask for change - " change for the cigarette machine, please " at the counter), but cigarettes are a little more expensive there. Centras and Spars (local mini-markets) all sell them, but are forbidden to display them, on the grounds that they encourage smoking. You have to ask the friendly salesman what he has in stock. Cigarettes are a tiny bit cheaper in Northern Ireland.
Passport and visas Ireland
The Republic of Ireland is part of the European Union, which means that visitors residing in European member countries do not need to make any particular application to set foot here. A passport is not required, and a valid identity card is all that's needed to set foot on Irish soil. Even for stays longer than three months, no special application is required. Minors, on the other hand, will need an authorization to leave the country.
In Northern Ireland, since October 2021 and the Brexit, a valid passport is required to enter the territory. But no visa will be required for stays of up to 6 months.
Driver's license Ireland
European Union citizens must have their national driving license. An international driving license is not required, even when renting a vehicle. If you are driving to Ireland with your own vehicle, you will need to have the vehicle registration document, the insurance certificate and the national license plate on the rear of the vehicle. Canadian driving licenses are valid in Ireland, provided they have been held for at least one year.
Health Ireland
There are no risks in Ireland, so no vaccinations are recommended. Nevertheless, make sure your vaccinations are up to date.
Security Ireland
Ireland is not a dangerous country, but, as everywhere, you need to be vigilant in the evenings, as alcohol is still very much a part of everyday life, and things can sometimes get out of hand.
Time difference Ireland
One hour less in Ireland than in France! When it's 11am in Paris, it's 10am in Dublin.
Spoken languages Ireland
Ireland's official language is Gaelic. However, the overwhelming majority of Irish people speak English. This means that even in areas where Gaelic is still widely spoken (you'll see " an Gaeltacht " signs all over Connemara and Donegal, for example), a basic knowledge of English is more than enough, especially as the Irish are generally very willing to give a helping hand or point the way for travellers.
Communication Ireland
In Ireland, except in the most remote corners, Internet coverage is good. Hotels, B&Bs and hostels very often have a free connection, with no access restrictions.
Electricity and measurements Ireland
The Irish use the same electrical plugs as the English. Adapters are available at airports and Spar or Centra supermarkets.
Weight is usually measured in grams or kilos. But pounds are also used for fruit and vegetables (1 pound = 500 g), andounces for meat (1 oz = 28 g).
Road distances are given in kilometers, and speed limits in km/h, except in Northern Ireland, where everything is given in miles and miles/hour (1 mile = 1.6 km). Measurements are in feet and inches (1 foot = 30.5 cm, 1 inch = 2.5 cm). If you're 1.80 m tall, you're 5 feet 10 inches.
Luggage Ireland
Summer and winter alike, it's essential to bring an umbrella and a raincoat, as rain is frequent all year round. In summer, don't forget sunscreen, a cap and a pair of sunglasses. Temperatures are quite high. Light, casual clothing is recommended during the day for bike rides. In the evening, a light woollen coat is a good idea.
In winter, bring a thick woollen sweater and warm clothes. If you travel in spring or autumn, the climate is fairly mild. Bring good walking shoes so you can take full advantage of the landscapes and sites, which are often accessible on foot. In any case, it's important to bring clothing for a climate that's, shall we say... "changeable" climate!
