ABOUT CP3 GROUP

GENERAL INFORMATION

	IRELAND INFORMATION				DUBLIN INFORMATION

IRELAND INFORMATION

Population:

The population of the Republic of Ireland is just over 4.2 million people, while the Greater Dublin area is home to 1.6 million people.

Language:

English is the spoken language in Ireland. Irish, or Gaelic (Gaeilge), the ancient Celtic language of the country is also spoken by about 5% of the population. You will notice that signposting in most places, including Dublin, is bilingual. ‘An Lár’ , for example, means city/town centre and this is often displayed on buses heading to the city centre.

Airport and Airlines:

Dublin International Airport is about 12km north of the city centre. The airport is managed by the Dublin Airport Authority (www.daa.ie).

For information on destinations that fly direct to Dublin, log on to http://www.dublinairport.com/flight-information/destinations-and-airlines

Currency & Banking:

Since 2002, along with 12 other EU member states, the currency in the Republic of Ireland is the EURO (€).There are seven denominations of Euro bank notes in different colours and sizes. They are denominated in 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 euro.  The Euro is divided into 100 cents and coins come in a variety of denominations. There is also a coin for 1 Euro and 2 Euro.

Credit cards, particularly Mastercard and Visa, are widely accepted in Ireland. American Express and Diners club are accepted by some establishments.

The majority of banks in Ireland are open from 10.00 to 16.00 with most open until 17.00 on Thursday. Outside of these hours there are ATMs (cashpoints) available outside banks, in many commercial outlets and on the main thoroughfares. You may require a particular type of bank card to withdraw from these machines (Cirrus and Plus are the two most popular networks along with the major creditcards), and you may be charged for the service.

Most major banks also have a foreign exchange facility.

Electricity & Voltage

Electrical plugs are three-pin, therefore for many an adaptor will be required. These can be purchased quite easily, and should also be available at your hotel’s reception. Shaving sockets in hotels generally support the international two-pin 110 VAC shaver. The standard voltage in the Republic of Ireland is 220 VAC at 50 Hz.

Smoking

Dublin was Europe's first smoke free capital city. Since March 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 (if you request a smoking room), or in private accommodation.

Telephone & Emergency Code

The international dialling code for Ireland is + 353. The local area code for Dublin
is 01.

Cell Phones: Before leaving your home country check that your cell phone is compatible with an Irish network.

Emergency numbers are 999 or 112. Specify whether you require the police (Gardaí)
an ambulance, the fire service or coastal rescue.

Time Zone

Ireland is on Western European Time along with the UK and Portugal.

Tipping

Tipping in Ireland is not ‘standardised’ and so remains a matter of personal discretion. It is usual to tip staff for service in restaurants. A service charge is sometimes included in the bill so check to ensure that you do not tip twice. Tipping depends on the level of service provided. A rough guide is between 12-15 % of the bill.

Weather 

The dominant influence on Ireland's climate is the Atlantic Ocean. Consequently, Ireland does not suffer from the extremes of temperature experienced by many other countries at similar latitude. March and the Spring months are generally mild and rainfall is to be expected. Irish weather is difficult to predict at the best of times so it is advisable to expect all forms of weather in any one day. Always carry an umbrella and your sunglasses! As a guide, average temperatures in summer range from 16-20°C / 60-67°F and in winter, from 4-7°C / 39-44°F.

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DUBLIN INFORMATION

“When I die Dublin will be written in my heart”

-James Joyce-

In the wake of a remarkable economic boom, Dublin's landscape has changed immeasurably in what seems just one short decade. With most of the cranes, builders and Luas-fueled delays now departed, Dublin ranks, more than ever, among the top tourist destinations in Europe, and this vibrant city hums with a palpable sense that it is creating a new cultural heritage. With a wealth of attractions, many within walking distance of each other, Ireland’s largest city provides a sense of history, culture, music and a bustle that is truly unique.

Orientation:

Lying on the east coast of Ireland, the Greater Dublin area sprawls around the arc of Dublin Bay, bounded to the north by the Howth hills and to the south by the Dalkey headland. The city is split in two by the river Liffey; the river divides the city into the north and south. Two canals - the Grand Canal in the south and the Royal Canal in the north - form semi-circular arcs around the centre. North of the river, the main streets are O'Connell St, and the shopping area in and around Henry St .

Immediately south of the river is the hub of Dublin, Temple Bar, where you'll find a concentration of pubs, restaurants, shops and a number of art galleries. Nearby Trinity College (Ireland’s oldest University) is at the southern end of Grafton St, the city's most exclusive shopping street. On the south side you'll also find the best examples of Georgian Dublin, with stately houses and elegant parks including St.Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square.

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