Traveller’s
Information
Welcome Desk
There will be an IFA information desk for delegates on Monday (24th July) and Tuesday (25th July) in the arrivals hall of Dublin Airport to assist delegates with any queries.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Ireland is an island on
the north western edge of Europe. It is 486
kilometres long and 275 kilometres wide. Ireland has 3,172
kilometres of coastline – the longest coastline per head of population in Europe. The Republic of Ireland occupies
three-quarters of the island and its capital city is Dublin. Ireland, with its
beautiful scenery, offers a range of attractions to the tourist including
ancient archaeological sites and monuments, a variety of sporting
activities such as fishing, riding and golf, as well as traditional dancing
and music.
Population
5.5 million, over 1.5 million live in Dublin.
Dublin
Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, is built on the River Liffey and is also situated beside the sea, yet close
to both the countryside and mountains. A city of fine Georgian buildings, Dublin has been influenced by its Danish,
Norman and English antecedents. It has excellent stores and shops, museums,
antique shops and a range of pubs and restaurants. Among the goods for
which Ireland is particularly well known are tweed,
knitwear, linen, glass, lace and silverware. These can be purchased from
most department stores or specialist handcraft shops. It has four major
theatres, including the world famous Abbey theatre, concert facilities, art
galleries and cinemas. There is a wide variety of sporting facilities
including golf courses, sailing and racecourses.
Climate
Ireland
enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters and relatively cool summers.
Mean daily temperature in June and July is 18 C. Dublin
enjoys reasonable sunshine and rain belts reaching the east coast are
frequently light and generally clear quickly. However it is always wise
when travelling to Ireland
to pack a rain mac or umbrella.
Documentation
Everyone entering Ireland
must have a valid passport, or in the case of European Union Member States,
a national identity card. Visas are required for some countries. Delegates
should check with their local Irish representation. A valid driving license
is required to drive in Ireland.
Please note that it can take up to 8 weeks to process a
visa application and early application is recommended. The Congress Organising Committee, or its agents, cannot accept any
responsibility for visa applications. Where a delegate is unable to attend
because of failure to obtain a visa on time, the normal cancellation policy
for registration fee will apply. Please contact elva@conferencepartners.ie if you require a letter of invitation for
your visa application.
Shopping
Dublin has a
busy city centre shopping area around Grafton
Street and Henry
Street.
There is a huge range of products to bring home – from traditional
Irish hand-made crafts to international designer labels. Things to buy: woollen knits, tweeds, crystal, Claddagh
rings, pottery, silver and music. Shopping hours are from 9.00am to 6.00pm
Monday to Saturday, with shops open until 8.00pm
on Thursdays, and many shops open from 2.00pm
– 6.00pm on Sunday.
Insurance
The Conference Organising
Committee or its agents, will not be responsible
for any medical expenses, loss or accidents incurred during the congress.
Delegates are strongly advised to arrange their own personal insurance to
cover medical and other expenses including accident or loss. Where a
delegate has to cancel for medical reasons, the normal cancellation policy
will apply. It is recommended that citizens from EU countries bring with them a current EHIC (E111
form no longer valid).
Tax Refunds
Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged at 21% on most goods.
Cash back is the simplest and most widely used VAT refund service that
issues cash refunds on departure for a handling fee. Ask for cash back form
when you make your purchase.
Tipping
A small tip is appreciated for good service. Tipping is
not usual in pubs and bars. Tip cabs 10% and porters 60c per bag.
Currency
The currency in Ireland
is the Euro.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards are widely
accepted.
Smoking Policy
Under Irish law smoking is not permitted in pubs,
restaurants, hotel lobbies and all enclosed public buildings.
Electricity
220 volts
Time
From March to October, Ireland
operates on Greenwich Mean Time + 1 hour.
What to Pack
Include jeans and casual wear. Jacket and tie for fine
dining. Rainwear and comfortable shoes are advised.
Tours
A number of tours have been outlined in this brochure
but for those wishing to travel independently, the most convenient mode of
transport is car hire. There are train and coach connections between the
major towns, but to really experience Ireland
wandering is essential! Ireland
offers a range of accommodation including various grades of hotels and
guest houses and our world famous B&B’s where travelers stay with Irish
families in their homes and are provided with accommodation, usually
en-suite, and a hearty Irish breakfast.
Access to
Dublin
Dublin is easily accessible by both air and sea!
By Air
Dublin is easily accessible from the UK, Continental Europe and the east and west
coast of the USA. There are more than 47 scheduled airlines flying into Dublin Airport, which is located 12 km from the city
centre. Dublin
Airport serves 7 domestic, 29 UK, 36 Continental European and 9
international destinations. Log on to www.dublinairport.com
for airline contact details.
Access from Dublin Airport to Dublin City
There are a
number of private and public bus services that operate from outside the
airport arrivals terminal:
Aircoach, a privately run bus service, operates
between the airport and a number of city hotels and locations. www.aircoach.ie
Airlink (bus 747), operated by Dublin Bus, will
bring you directly from the airport to Busaras,
the central bus station, located in the city. www.dublinbus.ie
AerDart is a combined bus and train service that
will bring you from Dublin Airport to any DART station along the route for
an all-inclusive price. www.dublinbus.ie
There are also a
number of other public bus services operating between the airport and
various destinations.
By Sea
It is also
possible to get to Dublin by ferry via Holyhead, Liverpool and Isle of Man ports in Britain. Dublin has two ferry terminals – Dublin Port, located in the city centre, is serviced
by bus and Dun Laoghaire ferry terminal, south of the city, is
easily reached by a 20 minute car or DART train journey.
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