Airport
Located on the edge of Europe, less than six hours from the east coast of the United States, two hours from many mainland European capitals and 50 minutes from London, access to Ireland is simple from most parts of the world. Thousands of flights from the US, EU and UK arrive in Ireland every week, with Dublin, Shannon, Cork, Kerry and Belfast Airports always ready to cater for international visitors. As the only country in Europe to offer US Customs and Immigration pre-clearance prior to departure, travelling back across the Atlantic from Ireland couldn’t be more convenient.
Airport Transfer
Dublin Port Tunnel cuts journey time from the airport to the city centre, to 12-15 minutes. Air coach bus services operate from the airport and tickets cost approximately €15-€20 return. Taxis are readily available for hire outside the airport. A taxi journey into the city centre from the airport should cost approximately €25-€30. Most international car rental companies have representation in the airport terminals.
Banking Services
Banks in Ireland generally open around 10:00 and close about 16:00, Monday to Friday. Selected banks may open on Saturday mornings. ATM machines are located at most banks and elsewhere in cities, towns and villages. They accept most credit and debit cards. Traveller’s cheques are no longer widely accepted on the island of Ireland.
Credit and Debit Cards
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout the island of Ireland and American Express is accepted in some places but not all. Credit cards can be used for purchases and to withdraw cash from ATM cash machines (although this usually is accompanied by a fee). You can also withdraw cash from ATMs with your MasterCard or Visa debit card. Fees will still be charged but at a lower rate to credit cards. Ireland uses the ‘chip and pin’ system for debit and credit card transactions. Most retailers will accept swipe cards but please note this is not always guaranteed.
Climate
In Ireland, an umbrella and sunglasses are your best friends! But while it rains in Ireland, of course, long showers are quite rare and it’s what keeps us green. The mild climate makes every season suitable to visit Ireland. In summer the average daytime temperature inland is approximately 18°C.
COVID-19
We will work together with the Convention Centre Dublin to ensure we are taking all necessary safety measures during this time. We support the national and international efforts against the virus and we will follow the advice of the HSE (Health Service Executive in Ireland) and NPHET (National Public Health Emergency Team) in relation to hosting the Congress in 2022.
COVID-19 Travel Advice
Dublin Airport provides travel advice for all arriving passengers. Make sure you are eligible to enter Ireland before starting your journey. Please find the up-to-date information here.
Culture and Entertainment
Dublin is a truly unique capital that’s steeped in tradition yet young at heart. It is a coastal city within easy reach of rolling countryside and mountains, a place that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul. There is so much to see and do in and around Dublin. Visit www.visitdublin.com and have a look at the insiders’ tips tab.
Currency
Ireland’s currency is the Euro. Because most places you visit will be able to take your credit or debit cards, you don’t need to take much cash. In fact, there is really no reason to get Euros before you leave.
Electricity
The voltage in Ireland is the same as the rest of Europe (220 volts). Unless you are coming from the UK, you’ll need to use an adapter for plugs.
Emergency Numbers
Dial 999 or 112 for emergency services but hopefully you won’t need to use these.
Food and Drink
When it comes to food on the island of Ireland, start at the very beginning. The purity of the natural produce here has made the island one of the most talked about food destinations in Europe, with artisan cheese, exceptional beef and lamb, fresh-off-the-boat seafood and much more.
The green pastures, deep valleys and abundant waters surrounding the island have helped create outstanding natural flavours that you won’t get anywhere else. From sublime smoked salmon to the creamiest butter imaginable, Ireland’s food boasts an impeccable provenance and can be best enjoyed here in the very place from which it comes.
Language
We have two official languages, English and Irish. English is the most widely spoken.
Phoning in Ireland
When using your mobile phone keep in mind that only digital phones with Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) services and a roaming agreement will work on the island of Ireland.
Shopping and Opening Hours
Most shops in Dublin typically open from 09:00-18:00 Mondays to Saturdays, extending their opening hours every Thursday until 20:00. Some of the city’s shopping centres and department stores open every day until 20:00 or 21:00. Currently, nearly all stores on Sundays are open from midday until 18:00.
Time Zone Information
We kindly invite you to use the TimeZone Converter if you have any doubts about the schedule.
Tourist Information Offices
To make the most of your holiday in Ireland, make sure your first stop is a visit to one of the DiscoverIreland tourist information centres where you will receive free and independent advice, information, maps and literature to enhance your holiday experience. Centres are located around the country.
Visit the Dublin centre at https://www.discoverireland.ie/dublin/visit-dublin-centre-suffolk-street The friendly and professional staff are happy to help you discover the capital city and the many places of interest around the country, including the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Alternatively, visit the overall DiscoverIreland website here.
Transport
Dublin is a walkable city, easy to get around and easy to navigate.
Public transport is certainly not the only way to travel around Dublin or Ireland but it’s one of the best! All the island’s public transport is overground, so it’s easy to enjoy the sights and scenery along your journey.
Jump on our coastal train, the DART, to discover the beautiful towns and villages dotted along the Dublin coast or use our extensive public bus network to travel the city and suburbs. There’s the Luas tram system to get you out to the suburbs too, as well as bicycle hire throughout the city. If you are here for a few days then the best value across rail, bus and Luas options is the Leap Visitor Card. Download the official Transport for Ireland Journey Planner to view all Dublin’s transport options. It’s completely free and covers all services, including walking!
The Convention Centre offers a Taxi Butler in their Lobby. This yellow box gives the option to request a Taxi by simply pressing a button.
Travel Insurance
When booking travel insurance, please ensure that the insurance includes protection from COVID related risks, such as having to change/cancel travel plans or additional medical bills for treatment while in a foreign country.
Visa Information
It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to take care of his / her visa requirements. Attendees who require an entry visa must allow sufficient time for the application procedure. Attendees should contact the nearest embassy or consulate to determine the appropriate timing of their visa applications. It is recommended to apply for a visa at least 3 months in advance of the congress.
If your visa is not granted in time for you to attend the conference and you have paid the registration fee in full, the registration fee minus a handling fee of EUR 50.00 will be refunded not later than 14 days after the congress. You will receive this refund if the visa was applied for in time, and proof of this, together with an official notice from the embassy confirming that a visa could not be granted, is forwarded to K.I.T. Group (Conference Organiser).
The Republic of Ireland’s passport and visa requirements vary for different nationalities so check with your local Irish embassy or consulate before you travel. EU citizens need a valid passport or national identity card to enter the Republic of Ireland. Always check what form of ID is required by your individual airline, ferry company or travel agent before travelling. Although the Republic of Ireland is a member of the EU, it is not in the Schengen Area so Schengen visas do not apply.
Nationals from countries which are not exempt will require a Conference/Event visa to attend the Congress. There is an extensive list of countries requiring a visa available here. Requirements for Short Stay Conference Visa are available here.
You can also find out about visa requirements from your local embassy or consulate. Anyone coming to the Republic of Ireland on a visa and wishing to visit Northern Ireland, England, Scotland or Wales, would need a multiple entry Irish visa and a UK visa as well. Your passport must be valid up to the return date of your trip to the Republic of Ireland.
Wondering what to pack?
Choose layers of clothes that are easy to put on and take off when the temperature changes. Take a sweater (even in summer), waterproof jacket, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella. Although the sun may not seem very bright, it is still important to use sunscreen. The hottest months, July and August, get about 18 hours of daylight and it can stay light as late as 23:00. Hence the well-known saying about Irish summers: “there’s a long stretch in the evening”.