Nuts-and-bolts information to plan your trip, along with a checklist of essentials to include when you pack.
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Planning:
Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Ireland.
Security: Crime in Dublin is relatively low compared to other major cities. The peace accord that ended the hostilities with the IRA in the mid-1990s has held for more than a decade now, so the instability that troubled Ireland in the past is mostly a memory. But don’t argue politics or religion, as these are still sensitive subjects.
Time: Ireland is five hours ahead of U.S. eastern standard time.
Money: Ireland is part of the Eurozone, so its currency is the euro. For current conversion rates go to OANDA Currency Converter. www.oanda.com/convert/classic
Phone Calls: The international country code for Ireland is 353. The Dublin city code is 1. To call Dublin from the U.S., dial 011 + 353 + 1 + the local number. To call the U.S. from Ireland, dial 001 + area code + the local number. Mobile phones are readily available for rent in Dublin by the week or month. In an emergency, dial 999 or 112 and specify whether you need the police (Garda), an ambulance, the fire service, or coastal rescue.
When to Go: There’s an old Irish joke that if it wasn’t for Ireland blocking the wind the English would freeze to death. Ireland is a blustery place in the fall and winter. Winter temperatures generally stay just above freezing; summers rarely rise to 90°F (32°C), spring and fall are rainy and variable. Wear layers, bring a small umbrella, and pack sturdy, waterproof shoes.
Getting There: Dublin Airport is about six miles (10 kilometers) north of the city center. From the airport, rent a car, hop in a taxi, or take one of Dublin’s buses.
Getting Around: The Irish drive on the left side of the road, and statistics indicate they don’t do it very well. Ireland has a relatively high road death rate, though luckily, the road fatality numbers are dropping. Drive defensively. Speed limits top out at 74 miles per hour (120 kilometers per hour) on motorways. Trains and buses are a handy alternative, and you can traverse cities in Ireland in a fairly short period of time. In Dublin, the LUAS light rail will take you out to the coastal suburbs, while buses and cabs can ferry you around the rest of the city.
Checklist:
Rain Gear: The gray and rainy Dublin weather will be one of the biggest factors in any holiday, so pack accordingly. Bring an umbrella small enough to tuck in your bag or pocket when the skies clear.
Jacket: Pack an overcoat or waterproof jacket, even in the summer. Getting soaked through isn’t much fun, and sometimes the rain blows sideways.
Layers: Even when it’s cold outside it’s warm inside, so pack clothes that can be peeled off once you’ve found shelter.
Sturdy Walking Shoes: The best way to get around Dublin is on foot, so you’ll probably do lots of walking; be prepared.
Good Street Map: They sell excellent maps at the Dublin tourist office, and it’s a good idea to get one before you set off. Don't rely on skimpy free maps from your hotel.
Driver’s License: If you’re planning to rent a car, you’ll need a valid driver’s license and a healthy dose of courage.
