Helpful information

Baggage problems have been an ongoing issue reported in Dublin and other airports. Check with your airline for more information about baggage policies and make sure ‘essential’ items are with you during travel if possible.

For more information:

Following the Irish Government announcement, Friday 21st January 2022, on the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in Ireland, there is no change to the current COVID-19 travel requirements. We recommend that all travelers to Ireland continue to check with their airline regarding their flight requirements.

 Summary of requirements:

  • If you have proof of valid vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 in the prior 6 months, you will not be required to present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival.
  • Please ensure that your COVID-19 Digital Certificate, proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery from COVID-19, is valid and has not expired.
  • If you do not have proof of valid vaccination or recovery, only a negative RT-PCR result from a test taken within 72 hours of arrival, will be accepted. This can be in a paper or electronic format.
  • All passengers must complete the Passenger Locator Form online in advance of travel which is a requirement for boarding your flight. To complete this form,
  • Accompanying children aged 11 and under are exempt from the requirement to present a negative test.
  • Commercial testing facilities are available.  Pre-departure testing is also available at Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport and Cork Airport. The cost for a COVID-19 test through commercial suppliers typically range from €100 to €200 for RT-PCR tests. Test results are sent by email or text message.

Climate

Ireland has a temperate climate, resulting in relatively cool summers. The mean daily temperature in July is 15 – 20°C. It is generally quite dry in July but it is possible to experience many climate changes in one day. Rain can occur at any time, so come prepared!

Clothing
Ireland is generally informal about clothes. In the more expensive hotels and restaurants most people dress formally for dinner and a jacket and tie might be required. Warm sweaters, comfortable walking shoes and rainwear are advisable throughout the year.

Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely used in Ireland and all leading credit cards are accepted.

Currency

Like other countries in the European Union, the Republic of Ireland’s currency is the euro (€). Bills (notes) come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500 euros. You will also commonly see one and two euro coins, as well as 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-cent coins (100 cents to the euro). Exchange rates vary daily. You can check the latest values at http://www.irishtimes.com/business/exchange-rates.

Frequent travelers find it most convenient to withdraw cash using ATMs, where the exchange rate is

most favourable, rather than exchanging money at the airport. Confirm with your own bank that your ATM card will work. Inform them in advance of your travel plans, so that your access should be simple. Check with your bank for any cost associated with using the ATM network while in Ireland. There may be a foreign transaction fee in addition to the regular bank fee.

If you want to exchange your currency in Ireland, a main bank is the best place to change currency. Bureau de change counters in banks usually offer better exchange rates—but be sure to check for local Banking Days when they will be closed.

Driving
A valid licence is required for driving in Ireland. Driving is on the left and seat belts must be worn at all times. In the Republic of Ireland the speed limits are 50km/h in built up urban areas, 80km/h on rural Regional roads (R) and Local Roads(L), 100km/h on the National Roads(N), including Dual carriageways and 120km/h on the motorways(M). The signposts denoting speed and distance are in kilometres per hour. All signposts and place names are displayed bilingually in both Irish and English.

Electricity Supply
Ireland works off a flat three-pin plug system. Electrical current is 220-240 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC). You are advised to purchase the appropriate adapters in advance. These are available at most airports.

Emergency Numbers

Republic of Ireland Emergency Police, Fire, Ambulance:              ROI Tel: 112 or 999

Northern Ireland                                                                        Tel: 999

The fire, ambulance and police services in Ireland and Northern Ireland are all contactable via the above numbers. When calling emergency services you will be asked to provide:

  • The exact address of the incident or emergency and/or any noticeable landmarks nearby
  • Directions to the scene of the emergency
  • The telephone number you are calling from
  • Details on the incident itself, the number of persons involved, the description of any visible injuries and knowledge of any pre-existing medical conditions

Try and stay calm and listen to the call taker’s instructions. It is also important to keep your own phone on as the emergency service may need to contact you for further information.

Shopping
Shops are generally open Monday to Saturday from 09.00am to 6.00pm with late night shopping until 8.00 or 9.00pm at many of the larger stores. On Sunday, many supermarkets and some of the bigger shops will open from midday until 6.00pm.

Smoking

Since 2004 smoking is banned fully in the general workplace, enclosed public places, restaurants, bars, cafes, education facilities, healthcare facilities and public transport. It’s perfectly legal to smoke outdoors.

Tipping
The customary tip in Ireland is 10 to 20 percent. Many hotels and restaurants add it in the form of a service charge on the menu or bill. It’s not customary to tip in pubs unless you have table service. Tipping porters, taxi drivers, hairdressers etc is a good idea.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are currently not required for travel to Ireland. However, we strongly advise that you consult your GP well in advance of your departure for medical advice. ** In addition, please check any current travel vaccination requirements in relation to COVID-19

Vat Refunds

Under the Retail Export Scheme, if you live outside of the EU, you can claim back a portion of the VAT on purchases made during your stay in the Republic of Ireland. Most retailers participate in this VAT refund scheme and you can ask for a VAT refund form in the store once you’ve made your purchases.

There are three refund points in Dublin where you can reclaim your tax. You can also find refund points in and Shannon and Cork airports.

Visas

Travelers from some countries may need visas. A list of countries whose citizens need a visa to visit Ireland can be found at this link: http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving_country/moving_to_ireland/coming_to_live_in_ireland/visa_requirements_for_entering_ireland.html

Should you require any additional information, please contact Limerick Travel at
inbound@limericktravel.ie
Telephone        +353 61 204432