Accommodation

There are plenty of options to choose from depending on your budget or the sort of atmosphere you want. The hotels are usually rated from 2 – 5 stars depending on the standard. B&B’s (Bed and Breakfast) also can vary in standard. For students, there are hostels available, and families can choose from countless self-catering accommodations.

B&B (Bed & Breakfast)

This form of accommodation is usually privately owned and run by individuals or families. Experience excellent breakfast service and many providers would go the extra mile for their guests. Look out for the Shamrock on the sign, which means it’s Bort Fáilte approved and provides a certain standard

Hotels

Usually rated from 2 – 5 stars, there is something for every budget. In a 4 and 5 star rated hotel, you usually find a bar, a restaurant and/or a leisure centre. Many hotels also provide a kids club.

Self-catering Accommodation

The range is plentiful and fits every budget and need. If you are travelling on your own or as family with kids, there is something for everybody. You can choose from cottages to country houses, flats, log cabins or holiday homes. Many hotels also provide self-catering accommodation in nearby lodges but for a little extra money, you are also able to use the amenities in the hotel.

Arrival

By Plane

Dublin Airport is the largest Airport in the Republic of Ireland. Most cities in the European Countries and several American hubs provide direct flights to Dublin as well as Belfast.

Other access airports are Cork and Shannon as well as several smaller airports.

It takes about 1 hour driving time from Dublin Airport to Carlow town.

By Car

The Ferry ports are Dublin, Dun Laoghaire, Rosslare, Cork, Belfast and Larne. Please contact your Ferry company before you go as all services are depending on the weather.

Bankholidays

There are 9 bank holidays in the Republic: 1.January (New Year), 17. March (St. Patricks-Day), Eastermonday, 1st Mondays in May, June and August, last Monday in October and 25. December (Christmas Day) and 26. December (St.Stephens’ or Boxing Day). Surprisingly, Good Friday is not an official Bank holiday but the sale of alcohol is prohibited. The pubs are closed for only two days annually, on Christmas day and Good Friday.

B&Bs (Bed & Breakfast)

This form of accommodation is usually privately owned and run by individuals or families. Experience excellent breakfast service and many providers would go the extra mile for their guests. Look out for the Shamrock on the sign, which means it’s Bort Fáilte approved and provides a certain standard,

Climate

Although Ireland is situated in the Northwest of Europe, the climate is surprisingly mild. As the climate is influenced by the gulfstream, the temperature very rarely drops lower than -5 Celsius in the winter. The summer is bearable with max. 25 Celsius although it can be very humid. Of course, there are the odd exceptions

Currency

The official currency of the Republic is the Euro (€), whereas in Northern Ireland the official currency is the Sterling (£)

Fuel

You can find fuel stations everywhere in the country, except for motorways. Nearly every town has at least one 24 hour station. The average prices are: Diesel €1,46 and petrol €1,55 (May 2014)

Hotels

Usually rated from 2 – 5 stars, there is something for every budget. In a 4 and 5 star rated hotel you usually find a bar, a restaurant and/or a leisure center. Many hotels also provide a kids club.

Language(s)

The official language on the entire island is English but you will also find dedicated areas (Gaeltacht) where the native Irish (Gaelic) is still spoken. Don’t be surprised to find the signs all in Irish (Gaelic). The main Gaeltacht areas are in Connemara (Co. Galway) and the Aran Islands, some Areas in Cork and Kerry, a small area in Co. Waterford near Dungarvan (An Rinne), and Donegal.

Population

As stated in the last census (2011) there are now about 4.5 million people living in the Republic of Ireland. There are another 1.8 million people living in Northern Ireland which is part of Great Britain.

Road Traffic

You drive on the left hand side of the road and you have to wear your seat belt. The alcohol limit is 0.5 mg but it is advisable to abstain from alcohol while driving as you can expect traffic controls at all times.

Self-catering Accommodation

The range is plentiful and fits every budget and need. If you are travelling on your own or as family with kids, there is something for everybody. You can choose from cottages to country houses, apartments, log cabins or holiday homes. Many hotels also provide self catering accommodation in nearby lodges but for a little extra money you are also able to use the amenities in the hotel.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in pubs, bars, restaurants and all public institutions. Usually you find a smoking area, sometimes even sheltered. The hotel room are usually non smoking rooms. If you want to smoke, please contact the hotel before booking.

Time Zone

Ireland is on GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)

Tips

For services in the hospitality industry, taxi or other services it is common to give about 10% as sign of appreciation.

Travelling

The best time in the year for visiting Ireland is from May – September as its the warmest and usually the most consistent time for good weather. However, because of the mild winter Ireland is always accessible and worth a visit.

If you visit outside the main season (July and August) you even get better deals for flight and accommodation.