Know Before You Go Ireland

Welcome To Ireland

Ireeland has it all… from poets and painters to fine food and culture. Enjoy spectacular landscapes, historical sights, charming villages and bustling cities, then have a pint in a corner pub or kiss the magical Blarney Stone. We cannot wait to say fáilte (welcome!) on the trip of a lifetime.

HEALTH

Brendan recommends that you consult your physician prior to departure to discuss your personal health requirements. If you are on a regular course of medication or if there are medicines that particularly suit you, we recommend that you bring an adequate supply for your entire trip. For easy access when traveling, please keep all your medication in your hand luggage, not in your suitcases.

LANGUAGE

English is spoken throughout Ireland, with Gaelic still in use in some small towns.

LOCAL CURRENCY

In the Republic of Ireland the euro is used. Northern Ireland uses the British pound sterling.

ATM outlets are very common throughout Ireland. It is possible at ATMs to draw cash on presentation of your credit card, though this may incur fees/interest payments—check with your bank before departure. It is a good idea to deposit sufficient funds into your accounts prior to departure and then use your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access them. Check with your bank card company regarding possible ATM availability.

Credit cards, mainly Visa, MasterCard and American Express, are also widely accepted throughout Ireland. We recommend calling or visiting your bank and credit card companies online to advise them you will be travelling, as some will block card use when they notice unusual international activity.

CLIMATE & CLOTHING

Ireland’s climate is temperate year round with cool summers and mild winters. The temperature ranges from about 4°C in the winter to 21°C in the summer. As it can be rainy anytime during the year, a folding umbrella and lightweight raincoat are recommended.

ELECTRICITY

The standard voltage throughout Ireland is 230v AC and 50hz with a type G outlet. You will need a converter and adaptor for any electrical appliances you bring.

GETTING AROUND Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Belfast are larger cities, and attractions are often not within walking distance of one another, therefore use of their extensive public transportation systems can be helpful.

Buses: There is an excellent countrywide bus service offering travel all over Ireland. For places that are inaccessible by rail, the bus can be your best option.

Trains: Rail travel is very popular in Ireland and is a scenic, convenient and comfortable way to get to your destination on time.

Dart and Luas: In Dublin, the Dart suburban rail has service between Malahide, north of Dublin and on the scenic east coast, and Greystones, south of the city with 25 stations along the route. The Dublin Luas tram system is a Light Rail Transit (LRT), connecting the outskirts of Dublin city into the downtown area. There are 67 stations on 2 lines across the city.

Taxis and Hackneys: There are taxis operating in Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Galway and Belfast; in other areas you may have to call a hackney (privately hired taxi).

Car Rentals: Rentals are available and, once you are accustomed to driving on the opposite side of the road, are a great way to get around. It is best to reserve your car before you leave. Talk to your travel agent or Brendan Representative for details.

SHOPPING & TIPPING

FEXCO Tax Free Shopping: VAT is Value Added Tax and is included in the sale price of goods in Ireland. When a registered FEXCO HORIZON card is swiped at the point of sale, the card stores details of each purchase and upon your departure, receive your VAT refund at the FEXCO desk or kiosk in the departure areas of the Dublin, Shannon or Cork airport or claim your VAT refund from home. Note that only participating outlets which display the FEXCO Tax Free shopping sticker will qualify, please visit www.shoptaxfree.com for details.

Tipping is expected everywhere in Ireland. For restaurants, 10 – 15 percent is customary and taxi drivers will expect a 10 percent tip.

ASSISTANCE ABROAD

If you require assistance or encounter any difficulties during your stay in Ireland, or if you wish to book further tours during your stay, please contact your Brendan Representative. The Embassy can also help in some specific instances.

IMPORTANT: This information sheet is for guidance only and although accurate at time of printing, cannot be guaranteed at the time of travel.

Important Information For Your Trip

To help make your Brendan Guided Vacation hassle-free from the start, please read this information before you leave home.

YOUR DOCUMENTS

All your airport transfer and pre-departure accommodations details can be found in your travel documents wallet—please read this information and check your booking details carefully. If you have any concerns, please contact your Travel Agent or Brendan Vacations’ consultant before you leave home.

Will I need a visa?

You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your guided vacation. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks prior to your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your Travel Agent and the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.

Why do I need to register on MyBrendan?

Every travel moment counts and to ensure that your trip runs seamlessly, as well as making sure we can contact you in the unlikely event of an emergency, we require all our guests to register before they travel. This is easily done on our travel portal, MyBrendan.

Your luggage allowance

Please consult your Brendan Vacations Specialist on luggage allowance.

When will I receive my booking documents?

Travel documents are usually sent 21 days prior to your trip's departure.

Will I need any vaccinations?

This will depend on the destinations you are travelling and your personal health circumstances. Be sure to speak to your Travel Agent or doctor to find out if vaccinations are required. If you are taking medication or suffer from any form of illness, ensure you have an adequate supply of medication before departing for your vacation.