General Information about Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is split into four administrative units. These are, Dublin City, Fingal, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, and South Dublin.

The city clings to a crescent shaped bay, spreading inland from a bustling port to the surrounding hills. The centre is small, walkable and riddled with distractions, from the historical, fantastical and legendary to lots of very real shopping, eating and entertainment options. Look up as well as around, and enjoy the Medieval, Georgian and ultra-modern architecture, and of course the ever-changing sky.

Within half an hour of the city mountain walks, stately homes and gardens, castles, sandy beaches and fishing ports provide the perfect foil to the bustle of the metropolis.

Visit Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, a lovely county south of Dublin city where the visitor can explore many a delightful village and town, enjoy a magnificent coastline, relax in wonderful countryside or enjoy numerous leisure pursuits.

Fingal to the North of the city covers an area of 173 square miles, stretching from the River Liffey and the city boundary to Balbriggan. Endowed with magnificent coastline, lovely river valleys, tranquil country lanes, quiet villages and burgeoning towns, Fingal provides a host of offerings to the visitor.

Situated between the city of Dublin and its rural hinterland, South Dublin offers the visitor a unique opportunity to obtain an experience of both the city and county. Deep river valleys divide the county into distinct neighbourhoods and provide ready-made green belts uniting the Liffey Valley with Dublin and Wicklow Mountains. There is a wide array of attractions, facilities and services at your disposal, all waiting to be discovered.

Dublin Castle - In 1204, King John commanded the building of a fortress for the 'administration of justice and for the custody of treasure.'


The James Joyce Bridge, spans the River Liffey between Ushers Island and Ellis Quay and leads directly to Blackhall Place.


James Joyce is at once Dublin's most local and most international writer and is considered to be one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. One of his best known short stories is "The Dead" from "Dubliners".


The Temple Bar is named after a 28-acre cultural, historic and small business neighbourhood in the heart of Dublin city centre. The area has cultural centres for film, music, theatre, design, visual arts and children's cultural activities. It also offers accommodation, shopping, eating out and socialising.

Population

Dublin has a population of just over 1.1 million.

Weather

Dublin has a mild, temperate climate. Showers can occur at any time of the year, but usually pass quickly. Average temperatures in summer range from 16-20°C / 60-67°F and in winter, from 4-7°C / 39-44°F.

Entry and Customs

Passports are not required by British citizens born in the United Kingdom and travelling from Britain although identification may be needed.

Citizens of European Union states and Switzerland may use a passport or national identity card.

All other nationalities must have a passport.

Money

The currency is the Euro (€). The Euro came into operation in January 2002.

Banks are open Monday – Friday 10.00 - 16.00 with late opening on Thursday until 17.00.

Most bank ATM machines in Dublin accept the ‘Plus’ or ‘Cirrus’ symbols and credit cards are widely accepted.

Personal cheques from British banks are not accepted anywhere in Ireland.

Language

English is the spoken language in Ireland. Irish, or Gaelic (Gaelige), the ancient celtic language of the country is also spoken by about 5% of the population.

Shopping

Shops generally open from 09.00 – 18.00, Monday – Saturday with late opening on Thursday until 20.00.

In the city centre many shops open on Sundays from 12.00 until 18.00 and some of the larger Shopping Centres open late during the week.

For those outside the European Community there is a tax refund scheme in operation for purchases in some shops.

Smoking

Dublin is now Europe's first smoke free capital city! Since March 29th 2004, a smoking ban in the work place has been in force. The primary purpose of the prohibition is to afford protection to workers and the public who are exposed to harmful environmental tobacco smoke. Dublin pubs, night clubs, restaurants and cafés are now smoke free zones. You can still smoke out of doors, in your hotel room, or in private accommodation.

Electricity

220 / 240 volts (50 cycles) is the standard electrical current and a 3 square pinned adapter may be required.

Telephones

Mobile telephones can be brought into Ireland. It is advisable to check that the system you use will operate in Ireland. There are also plenty of public telephones dotted throughout the city. International call cards can be purchased in many locations around the city.

To make an international call:

Direct dialling

00 + Country Code + Area Code + Local Number

Medical Care

Visitors from EU countries are entitled to medical treatment under the EU Reciprocal Medical Treatment agreement. Before you travel you should collect an E111 form. Check that the doctor or dentist that you use is registered with the Irish Health Board and inform him or her that you want to be treated under the EUs social security arrangements.

Visitors from other countries should check with their insurance agent or broker before travelling.

In the event of an emergency, visitors may telephone or go directly to the casualty department of the major hospitals.