The island of Ireland situated in the north Atlantic on the fringe of Western Europe is a country steeped in history, culture, beauty and of course, well known for its traditional music and craic.With a coastline stretching approx 4800km (3,000 miles) the scenery is breath taking, where many rock indentations and magnificent peninsulas form the shoreline. Ireland’s landscape is a mixture of many shades of green, from the rugged mountains and lush glens to the plantations surrounding fishing lakes.
                          
The best way to see Ireland is by car and while the major highways are of a very high standard, many secondary roads tend to be narrow, bumpy country lanes, driving on these lanes can be a pleasure with scenic treasures around every corner.

The people are known all over the world for their friendly approach offering a wave of the hand at every opportunity, this is also a proud sporting nation where many world champions have hailed.

Ireland is without doubt, one of the most popular destinations in the world for a holiday. With a wide range of activities and places to visit, you won’t be left short on things to keep you entertained. Its mayor towns and cities are bustling with shops, restaurants and street music, and with many trendy bars and nightspots, the Irish atmosphere is here for all to enjoy.
                                                
Climate
                                                                                            
Ireland gets a lot of rainfall. Temperatures vary from approx 19-20 degrees during the summer and 0 to 3 degrees during winter. The average national temperature is 9 degrees Celsius.

Accommodation
                                                                                  
Rental self catering accommodation is of a very high standard and property owners take great care and pride in presenting their holiday homes to the public. It is vital to book your accommodation well in advance when you are planning a visit. You will find accommodation in any one of Ireland's 32 counties from the most remote and picturesque location to the very heart of the bustling cities. Self-catering accommodation includes houses, apartments and cottages. There are even traditional-style thatched cottages that are fully equipped and located in carefully selected beauty spots.

Communication

Telephone charges are among the most expensive in Europe. If you must ring home then do so after 6pm in the evening as this is when the economy rate begins. Public or hotel payphones or credit card telephones in hotel lobbies tend to be very expensive. Country code: 00 353 followed by the area code.

International Operator is 114 National Operator is 10.112 is the European Emergency number and can be used in Ireland and all over Europe.International direct dialling from Ireland is available to over 200 countries. Dial 00 following area code of country.  There is a wide range of international mobile phone carriers and coverage is good. Internet is readily available; Internet cafes exist in nearly every town.

Language

Although Irish (Gaelic) is the official language, English is the language of the overwhelming majority of the population. Official documents are printed in both languages.           

Religion
92% of the population are Roman Catholic, the remainder being Protestant, with Jewish and Islamic minorities.                                                                                                         

Public holidays

The following days are public holidays in Ireland, when many shops, banks and amenities may be closed:
January 1st (New Years Day).
March 17th (St. Patrick's Day).
Easter Monday (often in mid or late April).
First Monday in May (May Bank Holiday).
First Monday in June (June Bank Holiday).
First Monday in August (August Bank Holiday).
Last Monday in October (October Bank Holiday)
25th December (Christmas Day).
26th December (St. Stephen's Day).

Cuisine

Most recipes are made of vegetables, meat and fish as they have been the main source of food in Ireland for hundreds of years. Potatoes, parsnips, carrots and cabbage are the primary vegetables. Apples are the most common fruit, eaten fresh or made into cakes, breads and pies. Strawberries and rhubarb also appear in puddings, jams, crumbles and tarts.                            

Champ, is a mixture of mashed potatoes and scallions served in a mound with a well of melted butter in the center and traditionally eaten with a spoon. Irish stew is made from lamb, beef or mutton, with potatoes, onions, and parsley. Coddle is a dish traditionally associated with the capital. It consists of layers of roughly sliced pork sausages and rashers with sliced potatoes and onions, easy to prepare and quick to cook. It is often eaten in the winter months.

Guinness, or locally known as “the black stuff” is the most popular drink amongst the Irish.

 Driving    

All Irish vehicles are right hand drive. Speed limits are 50kph (30mph) in towns and cities.
80kph (50mph) on local roads.
100kph (60mph) on national roads.  
Motorway speed is120 km/hr.                                                                                     .
It is illegal to use a mobile phone. Heavy fines, three months' jail and a six-month driving ban can be imposed.

Drink and driving is very serious. Heavy penalties for those found to be above the legal blood/alcohol limit, IE, 0.08%. Random breath tests can take place at any time.

Seat belts are compulsory in the front and rear of a car in both the Republic or Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Children under 12 year’s are not permitted in front seats.Minimum Driving age is 17 years.                             Parking is strictly enforced, particularly in Dublin city. Tow trucks are in operation. Parking meters operate in the downtown area, check signs for rates.
A single yellow line by the sidewalk signifies parking at certain times only.

Fuel costs in Ireland are approx at European average levels.

Car Hire

Car hire is widely available from all air and seaports as well as major hotels and outlets. All international hire companies are represented in Ireland, as well as local operators. Age requirements vary from a minimum of 21 to a maximum of 70 years. A full license from the driver’s home country is required, and the driver will normally be required to have had at least two years’ experience. It is advisable to book hire cars in advance, especially in the peak season, and a child seat should be ordered in advance also. Please advice the car hire company if you intend to drive into Northern Ireland.

Taxi

Taxis are available in most parts of Ireland. The rates vary around the country, please ask for a price from the drivers before a journey. Taxis can be booked at hotels, rail and bus stations or taxi stands.

Currency

Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents.
Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.

Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Money can be exchanged in banks, airports and in bureau de change.

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted. ATMs are available everywhere, catering for Cirrus and Maestro symbols.

Traveller,s cheques are accepted throughout Ireland. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, visitors are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Banking hours are Mon-Fri 0930-1630. In Dublin, banks stay open Thurs until 1700; there are also late opening nights in other parts of the country. Please check.

Post office hours are Mon-Fri 0900-1730/1800; Sat 0900-1300. Sub-post offices close at 1300 one day a week.

 Shopping

Mon-Sat 0900-1730/1800. Many towns have a late night opening on Thursday or Friday until 2000/2100 and smaller towns may have one early closing day a week. On Sunday, main shopping centers and some of the larger department stores open 1200-1700/1800. Many smaller supermarkets in towns and villages also open.

Things to know

Smoking is banned in all public enclosed/working spaces, including pubs, bars and restaurants. Tipping in Ireland is 10 to 12%. Many hotels and restaurants add this as a charge indicated on the menu or bill. Tipping is not customary in bars unless you have table service when a small tip is sufficient.

The Irish are modest and don't really like a showoff.

There is less formal wear than in most European countries and casual dress is widely acceptable. Women, however, often dress up for smart restaurants and social functions.

Handshaking is usual, and greetings will often be informal.

The legal drinking age is18, although some bars will insist that patrons are over 21 and carry ID. Children under 18 years must leave establishments by 2100.