The lure of Ireland lies in its landscapes and its people, and it is through involvement with either, or both, that visitors get to experience the soul of this ancient land of saints and scholars. Ireland's hills are a walker's paradise, not only because of the extensive network of trails, but because by being on foot one gets to appreciate the lakes and rivers, the coastal views and ever-changing sky-scapes that are so much part of the Irish landscape. Watersports such as angling, sailing and surfing are popular too, and many visitors come for the golf, but the real passion of the Irish is horses - there is a potential Derby winner in every valley and a packed betting shop in every high street. The Irish weather is not the most predictable in the world, but then much of the beauty of the Irish landscape is due to its climate…and there has to be a price-tag on being nicknamed the 'Emerald Isle'. Poor weather has had positive influences on the Irish way of life. Music and song plays an integral part in daily life and visitors are able to experience this in the many pubs so characteristic of the social landscape of Ireland.

BASICS:

Time:
GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

Electricity:
230 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin and round three-pin plugs are in use.

Money:
The unit of currency is the Euro (€). Currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change and ATMs are widely available. Credit and debit cards, as well as travellers cheques, are widely accepted.

Language:
English, Irish (Gaelic) is spoken in some Western areas.

Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals require a passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals do not require a passport to visit the Republic of Ireland if arriving directly from the UK, some other sort of proof of nationality is required however. A visa is not required.

Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian nationals require a passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians require a passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals must hold a valid passport to enter Ireland, but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealanders require a passport valid for at least six months. No visa is needed for a stay of up to three months.

Passport/Visa Note:
Passports should be valid for at least six months from date of entry. It is recommended that all nationals, other than those from the EU, hold a return or onward ticket, and must have sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay.
Health: There are no special health requirements for visitors to Ireland. Health insurance is advisable unless from the UK or other EU countries, most of which have reciprocal agreements with Ireland. Medical facilities are good, and payment for treatment is usually required in cash.

Tipping:
A 10% tip will be welcomed in restaurants and cafes, but tipping is not usual in bars and pubs.

Safety:
Most visitors enjoy a fairly high level of personal safety however travellers should take sensible precautions against petty theft. Terrorism is no more a threat than in other Western countries.

Communications:
The international access code for Ireland is +353 (don't dial the first zero of the area code). The outgoing code is 00, or 048 for Northern Ireland, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main tourist areas.

IRELAND CLIMATE AND WEATHER:

Ireland has a temperate climate and is cold and damp much of the year. Summer (May to September) is the warmest and driest season and is the best time to visit, though attractions can get crowded in July and August. Winter is characterised by short, wet, foggy days and long night, but the temperature rarely gets below freezing due to the tempering Gulf Stream winds which buffet the west coast of Ireland. Some attractions are only open in summer.

DUBLIN:
Cosmopolitan, colourful and over a thousand years old, Dublin presents a fine starting point for visitors to Ireland. This capital city is split in two by the River Liffey, which gives form to the city and has no less than nine bridges spanning it. Easily explored on foot, central Dublin presents a wealth of historic landmarks, from ancient cathedrals to gracious Georgian buildings that pay testimony to days gone by. There are several attractions on both sides of the Liffey, ranging from gaols and castles to the birthplaces of famous poets and writers and guided literary trails.

Not far from the city in County Wicklow are the Wicklow Mountains, where hills and glens, forests and waterfalls attract weekend walkers and nature-lovers. Dublin Bay, which lies between the mouth of the River Liffey and the Dalkey headland, is the site of several small coastal towns and the ferry port of Dun Laoghaire. County Kildare is a region of rich farmland and fine reputation for the breeding of thoroughbred horses, while the similar counties of Louth and Meath have evidence of early civilisations and a wealth of castles and monasteries.

Trinity College
Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and counts Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde, along with many other great thinkers and writers, amongst it past-students. This 16th century complex is home to many glorious buildings, beautifully manicured lawns, cobbled squares and the campus of the University of Ireland. The celebrated Book of Kells, which dates from the 8th century and is considered to be one of the oldest books in the world, is housed in the College’s Collonades Gallery. Other illuminated manuscripts taken from ancient monasteries are also on display.


Temple Bar district
The hub of Dublin’s nightlife is to be found in this quaint, cobbled district, which is full of shops, traditional pubs, theatres, cinemas and trendy clubs laid out on pedestrianised streets. Busking fiddlers, an overwhelming choice of restaurants and beautifully restored buildings add to the feel of the place and make it worth a visit. The area is bordered by the Liffey on one side and Dame Street on the other. The main street running through the area also is called Temple Bar.


Phoenix Park
Just two miles (three km) west of the city centre, Phoenix Park offers peace and quiet from the buzz of the city. It is considered the largest urban park in Europe boasting splendid landscaped gardens, ornamental lakes and large grasslands. It is the perfect environment for runners, walkers and sports enthusiasts who flock here to enjoy the park's facilities. Fallow deer can be seen browsing in the leafy woodland and it’s a great place for watching the world go by. Within the park is the residence of the president of Ireland, Aras an Uachtarain, and Dublin Zoo.


Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle was founded in 1204 by order of King John, who wanted a fortress constructed for the administration of the city. It has been added to and rebuilt many times so that all that remains of the original structure is the Norman Tower. By the early 17th century the castle was fully developed with Law Courts, meetings of Parliament, the residence of the viceroy and a council chamber. The magnificent, gilded State Apartments were added in the 18th century and are still used for state occasions today.

Address: Dame Street; Telephone: (01) 677 7129; Website: www.dublincastle.ie; Opening time: Monday to Friday 10am to 4.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 2pm to 4.30pm;


National Museum of Ireland
The National Museum is the place to see the treasures of ancient Ireland - it is a policy to gather all important artefacts in this one museum. Included in this selection is jewellery dating back to the 8th century BC and medieval antiquities such as the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice. Also housed here is the 12th-century Cross of Cong, an ornate reliquary of wood, bronze and silver, said to contain a fragment of the True Cross. The museum showcases important exhibitions on Irish history including Prehistoric Ireland, Viking Ireland and The Road to Independence (1900-1921).

Address: Kildare Street; Telephone: (01) 677 7444; Website: www.museum.ie; Opening time: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, and Sunday 2pm to 5pm; Admission: Free


Guinness Storehouse

Guinness is now brewed all over the world but St James’s Gate, in the heart of Dublin, was where Arthur Guinness set up the business in 1759. The Guinness Storehouse celebrates Ireland’s favourite brew by taking visitors on a journey, floor by floor, through the past, present and future of the world-famous beer. The glass atrium is shaped like a pint glass and each floor explores a different aspect of ‘everything anyone ever wanted to know about Guinness’, from the brewing process to who drank the first pint. The tour finishes with a complementary pint of the famous stout in the top floor Gravity Bar, which is also the ideal place to watch the sunset over Dublin and admire the 360° views. During the July and August summer program there are also tasting sessions available, exhibitions and delicious Irish meals from a table d’hôte menu in the Brewery Bar or Source Bar.

Address: St James’s Gate; Telephone: (01) 408 4800, or (0)1 453 8364; Website: www.guinness-storehouse.com; Transport: Bus 51B and 78A from Aston Quay, bus 123 from O’Connell Street or Dame Street. During July and August a complimentary bus service operates from Bewley’s in Westmoreland Street to the Storehouse, departing hourly from 6pm (last departure 8.45pm) and returning on the hour from 7.30pm to 11.30pm; Opening time: Daily 9.30am to 5pm (late closing in July and August with last entry at 9pm);

The National Library
The highlight of this historic library is the great domed reading room which has been home to many Irish students, including James Joyce. The library also contains a heraldic museum, which exhibits coats of arms and banners, but of most interest to tourists may be the genealogical office, where staff can help trace any Irish roots. Its consultation service on ancestry is available Monday to Friday 10am to 12.30 pm and 2pm to 4.30pm.

Address: 2 Kildare Street; Telephone: (01) 603 0200; Website: www.nli.ie; Opening time: Monday to Wednesday 10am to 9pm, Thursday and Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 1pm; Admission: Free


St. Patrick's Cathedral
Ireland's largest church, St Patrick’s Cathedral is erected on the site where St. Patrick is believed to have baptized his converts to the Christian faith. The current building dates back to the 12th century, although it's been restored and altered over the years. Jonathan Swift was dean of St. Patrick's from 1713-1745, during which time he penned Gulliver's Travels. Visitors can still see his tomb and pulpit.

Address: Patrick Street; Telephone: (01) 475 4817; Website: www.stpatrickscathedral.ie; Opening time: 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday. Services take place on Sunday at 8.30am, 11.15am and 3.15pm; Admission: Free

Glendalough
Glendalough is only 18 miles (30km) south of Dublin and is a popular destination for day-trippers. Despite this the site has a very tangible spirituality that can be experienced whilst standing amidst the remains of the monastic settlement. The Gaelic name translates to ‘valley of the two lakes’ and there are some breathtaking walks around the ruined monastery and along the clear-as-glass lakes. St Kevin founded the monastery in the 6th century and it became a great European centre for learning. His body lies in the 9th century cathedral and the site is adorned with St Kevin’s Cross, carved in about 1150. Other buildings here have survived from the 8th and 12th centuries, the most famous of which is the round tower, standing 112ft (34m) high with a base measuring 52ft (16m) in circumference.

Telephone: (0404) 45325; Website: www.heritageireland.ie; Opening time: Daily 9.30am to 6pm (until 5pm from October to March);


James Joyce Museum
Nine miles (14km) south of Dublin, the Martello Tower is one of 34 towers built in 1804 to protect Ireland against a possible Napoleonic naval invasion. The tower was demilitarised in the 1860s and is now home to the James Joyce Museum. In 1962 Sylvia Beach, the Paris-based publisher of Ulysses, founded the museum here. It was the place where Joyce stayed in 1904 and where he was inspired to set the opening chapter of his book. The exhibition hall contains first editions of most of Joyce's works as well as other memorabilia.

Telephone: (01) 280 9265; Opening time: Monday to Saturday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, and Sunday 2pm to 6pm;

Shannonbridge
Situated in County Offaly, 120 miles (200km) west of Dublin, this is Ireland's most important monastic site. Founded by Saint Ciaran in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon it includes the ruins of a cathedral, eight churches (10th-13th century), two round towers and three high crosses. It provides the visitor with a real sense of what monasteries must have been like in their day. The Visitor Centre displays a large collection of grave slabs, hosts numerous exhibitions and provides further interest with an audio-visual show. As this is a very popular attraction, visitors may experience queues during the summer months.

Address: Shannonbridge, County Offaly; Telephone: (0905) 74195; Transport: Shannonbridge is 13 miles (21km) from Athlone, signed from the N62, and 12 miles (20km) from Ballinasloe signed from R357. Coach tours can be organised from Dublin;

SOUTH AND WEST
Nine counties comprise the South of Ireland, five in the southeast and four in the southwest. In the Southeast, County Wexford is favoured for its sandy beaches and pretty harbour towns; County Carlow for its Celtic monuments and historic sites; County Waterford for its crystal glass factory and attractive fishing villages and resort towns; County Kilkenny for its medieval churches and well-preserved Norman city and County Tipperary for its lush dairy pastures. In the Southwest, County Cork is noted for its maritime identity and impressive coastal scenery as well as being the site of Ireland's most famous attraction, the Blarney Stone. Kissing this stone is said to impart the gift of eloquence. County Kerry is loved for its rugged scenery and the Dingle Peninsula, which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean as the westernmost point of Europe. County Limerick is home of the vibrant city of Limerick, which is an important centre of music; and County Clare is noted for its outstanding landscapes and the Cliffs of Moher. In the West is County Galway with its vibrant city and wild scenery.

Cork
Situated on an estuary that opens onto the Atlantic Ocean, Ireland's second largest city has been likened to Dublin without the traffic; it is crammed with cosy pubs and cultural attractions. Sights include the 19th century Cork City Jail, the protestant Finbarr's Cathedral, and the Cork Museum, which is largely given over to the nationalist struggle in which Cork played an important role. Popular day trips from Cork include Blarney Castle and Kinsale. Cork is five hours from Dublin by car or bus.

Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle is one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles, built around 1446. An ancient stronghold of the MacCarthys, Lords of Muskerry and one of the strongest fortresses in Munster, its walls are 18ft (five metres) thick in places. Located on the parapet of the castle is the famous 'Blarney Stone'. According to local legend, after kissing this stone, one will have the gift of eternal eloquence, or 'the gift of the gab'. To do this, visitors must first position themselves on their back, then lean their head back and downwards over the edge of the battlements, with the help of an attendant, in order to kiss the underside of the stone. The last admission to the castle and grounds is 30 minutes before closing.

Address: Five miles (eight km) from Cork; Telephone: (021) 438 5252; Website: www.blarneycastle.ie; Opening time: Monday to Saturday: May 9am to 6.30pm. June - August 9am to 7pm. September 9am to 6.30pm.October -April 9am to sundown. Sundays: 9.30am to 5.30pm.;

Kinsale
Kinsale is an old fishing village just 18 miles (29km) south of Cork. Best known for the world renowned Old Head Golf Links, with its spectacular setting on a narrow head leading out into the Celtic Sea, Kinsale has a number of sights of interest including The Courthouse and Desmond Castle. Built as a custom house by the Earl of Desmond in the 16th century, Desmond Castle has a colourful history, ranging from Spanish occupation in 1601, during the Battle of Kinsale, to its use as a prison for captured American sailors during the American War of Independence. Know locally as 'The French Prison' after a tragic fire in which 54 prisoners, mainly French seamen, died in 1747. The castle was also used as a borough jail from 1791 to the onset of the Great Famine when it was used as an auxiliary workhouse tending to the starving populace. Two miles (3km) outside Kinsale is Charles Fort, constructed in the late 17th century on the site of an earlier coastal fortification, it is a classic example of a star-shaped fort. William Robinson, architect of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Dublin, and Superintendent of Fortifications, is credited with its design. As one of the largest military forts in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. The most significant of which include the Williamite War in 1690 and the Irish Civil War in 1922-1923. Across the estuary is James Fort, an earlier structure, which was designed by Paul Ive in 1602. Kinsale has also earned itself the reputation as the gourmet centre for Ireland with numerous award-winning pubs and restaurants, and the annual Gourmet Festival in October.

Galway
Galway, with its narrow streets full of vibrant pubs and old stone shop fronts, is an exceptionally enjoyable, free-spirited place to spend a few days, especially if they coincide with one of the cultural festivals held during various months of the year. There is the February Jazz Festival, the Easter Festival of Literature and the July Arts Festival, when the streets are alive with music and dancing and the town feasts on Guinness and oysters. The town is a good base from which to explore the west coast. To the East is lies scenic, rolling farmland while to the West is the exceptionally beautiful Connemara and Aran Islands.

Connemara
Wild and barren, Connermara is a stunning patchwork of bogs, green valleys, mountains and lakes. On the coast are beautiful fishing villages and some superb white beaches washed by turquoise water - if by chance the weather is good, one could mistake it for Paradise. The Connemara National Park encompasses the remarkable granite peaks of the Twelve Bens and is wonderful walking country.

Aran Islands
Aran Islands, with their magnificent wild terrain, display evidence of the years of battering by wind and water. The islands - Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer - lie about 30 miles (48km) out across the mouth of Galway Bay and are criss-crossed by miles of stone walls and dotted with some fine iron age archaeological sites. The islands' isolation allowed Irish culture to survive when it had all but disappeared elsewhere. Irish is still the native tongue, and until recently people still wore traditional Aran dress. The women still knit the famous Aran sweaters; historically each family used a different pattern in order to recognize fishermen drowned at sea. The islands are a haven for botanists and nature lovers with their abundance of flora, fauna and nesting birds.

Waterford
On first glance Waterford looks like any one of Europe's ports with their dull quays and ugly cranes, but once one has entered its old city walls dating from the Viking period, the town takes on a decidedly medieval feel. It has many narrow alleyways and ancient buildings, including Norman Reginald's Tower. The legacy of the Georgian era has been etched into many of its fine buildings including the City Hall and Bishop's Palace. The city is best known, of course, for its world-famous crystal; the factory, located outside town provides guided tours for visitors.

CONTACTS:

Irish Tourist Office, Dublin: +353 (0)1 605 7700 or www.ireland.travel.ie
Irish Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 462 3939
Irish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7235 2171
Irish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 6281
Irish Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3022
Irish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 5062
Consulate-General of Ireland, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 (0)9 977 2252
US Embassy, Dublin: +353 (0)1 668 8777
British Embassy, Dublin: +353 (0)1 205 3700
Canadian Embassy, Dublin: +353 (0)1 417 4100
Australian Embassy, Dublin: +353 (0)1 6645 300
South African Embassy, Dublin: +353 (0)1 661 5553
New Zealand Consulate-General, Dublin: +353 (0)1 660 4233
Emergencies: 112/999

AIRPORTS:

Dublin Airport (DUB):
Location: 7 miles (11km) north of Dublin, near the M50 and M1 motorways.
Time: GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).
Car parking: +353 (0)1 8144328.
Transfer to the city: Several bus services, involving more than 700 buses, connect the airport to all parts of Dublin and the city's central train station both day and night. Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall, the fare is best agreed in advance and should be around €20 to the city centre.
Facilities: Airport facilities include a bureau de change and ATMs, numerous restaurants, pubs and bars, several shops, a church and tourist information. Disabled passengers are well catered for; travellers with special needs are advised to contact their airline in advance. Parking: One short-term car park close to the terminal; one off-site long-term car park serviced by free shuttle service.

Shannon Airport (SNN):
Location: 15 miles (24km) from Limerick City and Ennis, and 56 miles (90km) from Galway City.
Time: GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).
Transfer to the city: Taxis operate day and night, buses and coaches operate during the day to Limerick and other Irish cities.
Facilities: Shannon Airport is fairly small and facilities are not extensive, but include a bureau de change, ATMs, restaurants and bars and several shops. There are good facilities for disabled passengers; travellers with special needs should contact their airline in advance. Parking: Short- and long-term car parking is available.

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Lastly and I hope you don't need it, but should you require consular help - here are the details

Irish Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 462 3939
Irish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7235 2171
Irish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 6281
Irish Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3022
Irish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 5062
Consulate-General of Ireland, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 (0)9 977 2252
US Embassy, Dublin: +353 (0)1 668 8777
British Embassy, Dublin: +353 (0)1 205 3700
Canadian Embassy, Dublin: +353 (0)1 417 4100
Australian Embassy, Dublin: +353 (0)1 6645 300
South African Embassy, Dublin: +353 (0)1 661 5553
New Zealand Consulate-General, Dublin: +353 (0)1 660 4233
Emergencies: 112/999