Organize your stay Dublin
Money Dublin
In the Republic of Ireland, the currency is the Euro.
Beware, if you are planning a trip to Northern Ireland, the currency there is the pound sterling. In March 2023, €1 = £0.88; £1 = €1.13.
Budget & Tips Dublin
Life is expensive in the Republic of Ireland. It depends, of course, on the lifestyle you will lead there. But count on about 100-120 € per day, without going crazy. For travelers who are a bit broke, it is advisable to sleep in a youth hostel. As far as food is concerned, the cheapest option is to shop in supermarkets, where you will find everything you need to make your own sandwiches. So, it is possible to travel in Ireland with a daily budget of €40 or €50, if you tighten your belt.
Haggling is quite frowned upon in Ireland most of the time, and anyway in the markets people will give you friendly offers directly. There is no strict rule on tipping, but of course a good tip (approximately 10% of the total bill) is always welcome in the pub (if you are seated at a table), in restaurants and in cabs.
Nicotine addicts, the Little Traveller strongly recommends that you bring your load of tar with you, because a pack of cigarettes costs about €15. For the stunned, there are vending machines in the pubs (ask for change - " change for the cigarette machine, please " at the counter), but cigarettes are even more expensive there. Centra and Spar (local mini-markets) all sell them, but they are not allowed to display them, because of smoking inducement. You have to ask the friendly salesman what he has in stock.
Passport and visas Dublin
The Republic of Ireland is part of the European Union, which means that visitors from other European countries do not need to make any special application to enter the country. A passport is not required, a simple identity card (valid) is enough to enter Ireland. Even for stays longer than three months, there is no particular request to make. On the other hand, minors must have an authorization to leave the country. Finally, for arrivals by car, the owner of the vehicle must have the insurance papers and the car registration document. It is not necessary to request an international license from the prefecture before departure.
Please note that if you are planning a trip to Northern Ireland, since October 2021 and the Brexit, you need a valid passport to enter the territory. But no visa will be required for stays of less than six months.
Driver's license Dublin
EU citizens must have their national driving license. An international driving license is not required, even if you are renting a vehicle. If you are driving your own vehicle to Ireland, you will need a vehicle registration document, insurance certificate and a national license plate on the back of your vehicle. A Canadian driver's license is valid in Ireland, provided it has been held for more than one year.
Health Dublin
There are no risks in Dublin and therefore no vaccinations are recommended. Nevertheless, check that your vaccinations are up to date. Otherwise, the water is safe to drink everywhere.
Security Dublin
Dublin is not a dangerous city, but, as everywhere, you have to be vigilant at night, because alcohol is still very present in the customs, and things can get out of hand.
Time difference Dublin
One hour less in Ireland than in France! When it is 11 am in Paris, it is 10 am in Dublin.
Spoken languages Dublin
The official language of Ireland is Gaelic. However, an overwhelming majority of Irish people speak English. It is in Connemara and Donegal that Gaelic is still widely spoken, and in Dublin there is obviously no problem communicating in English.
Communication Dublin
In Ireland, except in the most remote areas, Internet coverage is good. Hotels, B&Bs and hostels often have free Internet access, with no restrictions on access.
Electricity and measurements Dublin
The Irish use the same electrical plugs as the English. If you forgot your adapter, you can find it at the airport and in mini-markets such as Spar or Centra.
Weight is measured in grams and kilos most of the time. But we also use pounds for fruits and vegetables (1 pound = 500 g), and ounces for meat(1 oz = 28 g).
Distances on roads are indicated in kilometers, and speed limits in km/h, except in Northern Ireland, where everything is 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 are 6 feet tall, you are 5 feet 10 inches.
Luggage Dublin
In summer as well as in winter, it is essential to bring an umbrella and a raincoat, as rain is frequent throughout the year. In summer, don't forget your sun cream as well as a cap and a pair of sunglasses. In the evening, a little wool is not too much. In winter, bring a thick wool sweater and warm clothes. If you travel in spring or fall, the climate is quite mild. In any case, bring clothes for a climate that is, shall we say... "changeable"!
