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Places to Stay
| Dublin | Cork | Waterford |
| Sligo | Tipperary | Limerick |
| Meath | Westmeath | Donegal |
| Dublin Traffic | Telephone Charges | Tax free shopping |
| Tax free airport shopping | Taxi fares | Accommodation charges |
| Contact information | Smoking in Ireland | Map of Ireland |
| Public Holidays | Irish Weather |
| Trinity College and Book of Kells, Dublin 2 |
Trinity College Dublin is the oldest university in Ireland.
Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, the College is in an
enviable position in the heart of Irelands capital. Its forty
acre site retains most of its cobbled squares and other world
seclusion.Th e gardens and parks have a unique collection of
buildings dating from the 17th to the 20th century. The Book of
Kells a 9th century illuminated manuscript of the four gospels
is on view in the Old Library along with the Book of Armagh and
the Book of Durrow. The Book of Kells picturing the word exhibition
is an excellent introduction to the manuscript explaining its history,
the symbols and how it was made.
14 April-22 December
| Guinness Hopstore, Dublin 8 |
The Guinness Hopstore, a handsome four storey building, houses the World Of
Guinness Exhibition, an Advertising Gallery The Guinness Zone which displays
Guinness Advertising past and present, an audio visual show on the history of
Guinness in Ireland, a model Cooperage and Transport Museum, a Souvenir Shop,
a Coffee Shop and a lively bar where you can sample some of Dublins finest brew
at your leisure. The Hopstore is open seven days a week and should be a part of any
visitors itinerary around the city
11 April-30 September, 1 October-24 December, 27 December-31 March
| Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 |
Any Dubliner will tell you that no trip to Ireland's fair city would be complete without a visit to its historic and beautiful Zoo.
More than 900,000 visitors came during 2007 making Dublin Zoo one of Ireland's best loved visitor attractions.
Only 3km from the City Centre in the vast Phoenix Park, a wander around our 30 acres will take you on a voyage of discovery that stretches from the fringes of the Arctic to the Plains of Africa via Indian Rainforest.
The Zoo of today is a place where the joy of learning about wildlife and conservation is at the heart of everything. Today Dublin Zoo is recognised as one of the most modern in Europe - and is increasingly an integral part of European Zoo breeding programmes. Crucially though - it's a great day out for all the family.
See lions and tigers, gorillas, chimpanzees and orang-utans, rare monkeys, rhinos, hippos, giraffes and many more exotic and endangered species - and of course our new beautiful baby elephants - the first of their species to have been born on Irish soil.
As well as the multitude of animals children will love the pets' corner, the unique meerkat restaurant, city farm and the safari train ride around the African Plains.
| Newgrange Neolithic Tomb, Slane, Co. Meath |
5000 years old and therefore older than the pyramids!
This is an afternoon tour to Newgrange Neolithic Passage Tomb.
The tomb has architectural links to the prehistoric maritime
peoples of Portugal, Northern Spain, Brittany and Denmark.
There is also an opportunity to learn about the famous Battle
of the Bo yne where William of Orange defeated James II of
England in 1690. Departs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday
at 13.20 from Dublin Tourism Centre, Suffolk Street.
1 January-31 December
| Lakes of Killarney, Kerry |
The three main lakes of Killarney occupy a broad valley stretching south
between the mountains. The three lakes and the mountains that surround
them are all within the Killarney National Park. The Lower Lake is
nearest the town, it is studded with islan ds and has Muckross Abbey
and Ross Castle on its eastern shore. The Lower Lake is separated from
the Middle Lake (sometimes called Muckross Lake) by the wooded peninsula
of Muckross. At the tip of the Muckross Peninsula is the quaint Brickeen
Bridge and Dinis Island is further on with its sub-tropical vegetation and
views of the 'Meeting of the Waters'. A narrow straight called the Long
Range leads to the island-studded Upper Lake, which is surrounded by lush
vegetation.
| Muckross House, Killarney, Co. Kerry |
Discover the magnificence of Muckross, as Queen Victoria did in 1861.
More than a century after her visit much remains the same in this fine
Victorian mansion, set in the spectacular scenery of Killarney National Park.
The gardens benefit from the natu ral setting of the mountains and lakes of
Killarney. Rolling grasslands lead on to an expanse of mature rhododendrons,
punctuated by boles of Scots pine. The rock garden, on a natural outcrop of
limestone, has winding steps, small paths and a collection of Rollinn dwarf
conifers and shrubs. Entry to gardens free.
1 July-31 August, 1 September-23 December
| Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry |
The Great Blasket Island off the Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, is known for
its historic, cultural and literary heritage. In the 1920's and 1930's,
native Blasket writers produced books which have become classics of their
kind. Sadly, as its young people continued to emigrate, the Blasket community
declined. The island was abandoned in 1953 when only 22 inhabitants remained
and has been designated a National Historic Park. The state of the art Blasket
Centre, on the mainland in Dun Chaoin, celebr ates the islanders and their
unique literary achievements. It is dedicated to the native Irish language.
11 April-31 October
| Cliffs of Moher, Lahinch, Co. Clare |
Just north of Lahinch, on the coast of West Clare, are the Cliffs of Moher.
Natural ramparts against the might of the Atlantic, they rise in places to
over 215m and stretch for almost 8km. It is here that the visitor can most
easily get a feel for the wildness of the terrain over which the Celts
wandered. O'Brien's Tower, constructed in the early 19th century as a
viewing point for Victorian tourists, is located on Mohers highest cliff.
From its vantage point you can view the Clare coastline, the Aran Islands
and mountains as far apart as Kerry and Connemara. The Cliffs can be visited
daily, all year round.
| Powerscourt Gardens, Co. Wicklow |
One of the worlds great gardens, Powerscourt is situated 12 miles south of
Dublin in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains.The garden was begun by
Richard Wingfield in the 1740s and stretches out over 45 acres. It is a
sublime blend of Formal gardens, sw eeping terraces, stauary and ornamental
lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over
200 variations of trees and shrubs.The 18th Century Palladian House, designed
by the German born architect Richard Castle, now incorporates an innovative
shopping experience, terrace cafe and house exhibition.The exhibition the actual
evolution of Powerscourt House, from the original owners, its buildings, from a
castle and then into a Country House. Visit from 1 March-31 October, 1 November-31 December.
A word of caution: If you plan to visit this attraction then plan your trip carefully.
If you are travelling from the Dublin direction then set off either before 7am or after 10pm
as the traffic on the approach road can be very heavy. Similarly try to leave no later
than 3pm in the afternoon to avoid the rush hour.
| Blarney Castle, Co. Cork |
Blarney Castle is one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles.
An ancient stronghold of the MacCarthys, Lords of Muskerry and one of the strongest
fortresses in Munster, its walls are eighteen feet thick in places.
The famous Blarney Stone is embedded in the Battlements.
The last admission to the castle and grounds is 30 minutes before closing.
Open from June to September and located in Cork.
| The Blasket Islands, Kerry |
The Blaskets are red sandstone rocks sprawled in the Atlantic,
two miles beyond the westernmost tip of the peninsula.
There are four big islands, Inishmore the Great Blasket,
Inishvickillane, Inishtooskert, and Inish na Bro, and three smaller ones:
Beginish, Youngs Island and Illaunboy. There is also a great sea rock,
the Tearaght, 19 hectares long and 602 feet high, and a multitude of
lesser rocks and reefs. Ruined hermitages and forts which exist on several
of the islands, show that they w ere occupied in early historic times.
The marauding Vikings were undoubtedly familiar with the Blaskets and may
even have had bases in the area in the 9th and 10th centuries.
| Connemara, Galway |
Covering 2,000 hectares of Connemara mountain countryside, this beautiful area
is one of Ireland's five national parks. Two short signposted nature trails,
which start at the Visitor Centre in Letterfrack, allow views of Ballinakill
Harbour, Inishbofin and Inishark.The exhibition at the Visitor Centre depicts
various features of the park and includes an audio-visual presentation.
Last admission is 45 minutes before closing.
1 July-31 August, 1-30 September. Located in Letterfrack, Galway.
| Dublin Traffic |
Traffic in Dublin has become worse in recent years due to a variety of reasons.
If you are travelling into the capital city then try to do so outside the busy
hours, typically from 7:30 to 10:00 in the morning and from 4:00 to 7:00 in the
evening. Dublin operates a series of Bus Lanes in which it is forbidden to travel
at certain hours of the day. Some Bus Lanes prohibit traffic at any time of the day.
If you arrive in Dublin Airport and Dublin City is not your immediate destination then
be sure to consider using the M50 motorway which is a ringroad around the city.
This toll-road should be used by visitors arriving in the airport and wishing to travel
to all destinations except the city centre itself. Similarly visitors travelling to the airport and wishing to avoid the city centre gridlock should try to interface to the M50 at some point and therefore avoid
the traffic delays.
| Telephone charges |
Telephone charges are among the most expensive in Europe. If you must ring
home then do so after 6pm in the evening as this is when the economy rate begins.
If you have an international dialing service from your local operator you
should definitely consider using it. There are other options such as SWIFTCALL
who are long distance telephone call merchants. You could arrange to purchase
a EURO 10 call-card from them before your trip, especially if you think you
will be ringing home frequently. Do not use public or hotel payphones or credit
card telephones in hotel lobbys as they are very expensive.
| Tax free shopping |
VAT (sales tax) is refundable to non-European Union visitors on purchases
that they bring back home with them. Be sure to obtain the tax refund
documentation from the store where the item is purchased.
The refund is processed at the refund agency's counter at the airport
of departure. A refund service charge is payable, and
the balance due to you can usually be credited to your credit card account or
paid in a currency of your choice.
| Tax free airport shopping |
All principal Irish airports have extensive tax free shopping areas. In the case of Dublin Airport
you can call their Duty-free Express number 1800 747747 to check availability of and/or
pre-order your tax free shopping in advance.
| Taxi fares |
Taxi fare rates vary around the country but in the urban centres drivers will
usually charge EURO 10 as a minimum for a short journey. Travel from Dublin
Airport to the city centre should cost about EURO 30 to EURO 40
(depending on the time of the day). Taxi drivers are allowed
to use the Bus Lanes that are prohibited to other drivers.
| Accommodation |
It is vital to book your accommodation well in advance when you are planning to visit Ireland.
There are a variety of different accommodation options available to visitors including
traditional Irish 'bed and breakfasts' which can charge anywhere from EURO 30 to EURO 100
depending on the quality of the accommodation and the time of the year (a big consideration!).
Hotels of decent quality can cost anywhere from EURO 50 upwards per person. Expect to pay 80 to 100 for decent 3-star accommodation. These generally
include breakfast although the new Jurys hotels offer accommodation without breakfast.
| Contact Information |
If you are within the Dublin area you can ommit the prefix 01
for any of the numbers below that have that prefix.
The emergency services can be contacted by telephoning 999.
This number is accessible free of charge from any telephone and is
the initial contact when requiring the Police (Garda), Ambulance,
Fire Brigade or Lifeguard emergency services.
The American Embassy can be contacted by telephone at 01/6688085.
The English Embassy 01/2053700
The Australian Embassy 01/6761517
The Canadian Embassy 01/4781988
Lost or stolen Thomas Cook Travellers cheque can be reported
to 1800/409170 or 01/6771307
Visa Credit Cards 1800 558002
Mastercard Credit Cards 1800 557378
American Express Credit Cards 1800/626000 and 1800/709907
The national airline is Aer Lingus at 01/7052222
| Map of Ireland |
Click on the map above to see an enlarged version
| Smoking in Ireland |
There is a complete legal prohibition on smoking in government offices,
cinemas, restaurants, national heritage centres, etc. Smoking in Pubs is
now completely banned. Smoking on streets is allowed.
| Public Holidays |
The following days are public holidays in Ireland, when many shops, banks and amenities may be closed: January 1st (New Years Day), March 17th (St. Patrick's Day), Easter Monday (often in mid or late April), first Monday in May (May Bank Holiday), first Monday in June (June Bank Holiday), first Monday in August (August Bank Holiday), last Monday in October (October Bank Holiday), 25th December (Christmas Day), 26th December (St. Stephen's Day).
| Irish Weather |
In Ireland it can rain at any time anywhere so bring a light rain-jacket with you! Temperatures vary from about 19-20 degrees Celsius during Summer to 0 to 3 degrees Celsius during Winter. The average national temperature is 9 degrees Celsius.
| Dublin |
Hotels and Guesthouses:
The Shelbourne Hotel 01/6616006
The Westbury Hotel 01/6791122
The Skylon Hotel 01/8379121
Jurys Christchurch Inn 01/4540000
Mont Clare Hotel 01/6073800
Budget:
Egans GuestHouse 01/8303611
Earl of Kildare Hotel 01/6794388
Eglinton Manor 01/2693273
Fitzwilliam Guesthouse 01/6625155
Landsdowne Lodge 01/6605755
Maple Hotel 01/8740225
Redwood Lodge 01/6685019
| Cork |
Hotels and Guesthouses:
Quality Hotel 021/275858
Metropole Hotel 021/508122
Imperial Hotel 021/274040
Jurys Hotel 021/276622
Fitzpatrick 021/507533
Budget:
Garnish House 021/275111
Hotel Isaacs 021/500011
Lough Mahon 021/502142
Saint Kildas 021/273095
Redclyffe 021/273220
| Waterford |
Hotels and Guesthouses:
Granville Hotel 051-305555
Towers Hotel 051/875801
Jurys Hotel 051/832111
Dooleys Hotel 051/873531
Forte Travelodge 1800/709709
Budget:
Coach House 051/384656
St. Albans 051/358171
Marsuci 051/370429
| Sligo |
Hotels and Guesthouses:
The Southern Hotel 071/62101
Tower Hotel 071/44000
Sligo Park Hotel 071/60291
An Cruiscan Lan 071/62857
Millhouse, Ballymote 071/83449
Tree Tops Town House 071/60160
Budget:
Clarence Hotel 071/42211
Lisadorn 071/43417
Atlantic Hotel, Enniscrone 096/36119
Beach Hotel, Mullaghmore 071/66103
Pier Head House, Mullaghmore 071/66171
Cawleys, Tubercurry 071/85025
Ocean View Hotel, Strandhill 071/68115
| Tipperary |
Hotels and Guesthouses:
Mount Juliet Estate 056/24455
Grants Hotel 0505/23300
Cashel Palace Hotel 062/62707
Dundrum House Hotel 062/71116
Budget:
Baileys of Cashel 062/61937
Orchard 051/645355
Legends Guesthouse 062/61292
Hearns Hotel 052/21611
Glen of Aherlow 062/56146
Brighton House 052/23665
| Meath |
Hotels and Guesthouses:
Old Darnley Lodge 046/32283
Granvue House 042/75109
Station House Hotel 046/25239
Ardboyne Hotel, Navan 046/23119
Conyngham Arms, Slane 041/84444
| Westmeath |
Hotels and Guesthouses:
Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone 0902/9244
Royal Hoey Hotel, Athlone 0902/72924
Shamrock Lodge, Athlone 0902/92601
Bloomfield House, Mullingar 044/40894
Crookedwood House, Mullingar 044/72165
Greville Arms, Mullingar 044/48052
Riverview House, Athlone 0902/94532
Temple Farmhouse, Moate 0506/35118
Meares Court Farmhouse, Mullingar 044/55112
Shelmalier House, Athlone 0902/73190
| Donegal |
Hotels and Guesthouses:
Redcastle Hotel, Moville 077/82073
Sand House Hoel, Rossnowlagh 072/51777
Rathmullan House 074/58178
Fort Royal Hotel, Letterkenny 074/58100
Shandon Hotel, Dunfanaghy 074/36137
Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town 073/21014
Kees Hotel, Ballybofey 074/31018
Malin Hotel, Inishowen 077/70770
Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny 074/22700
Hyland Central hotel, Donegal Town 073/21027
Budget:
Moorland Guesthouse, Donegal Town 073/34319
Castle Inn, Greencastle 077/81426
Park House, Dungloe 075/21351
Beach Hotel, Bundoran 074/55303
Teach Campbell, Bunbeg 075/31545
Creevy Pier hotel, Ballyshannon 072/51236
| Limerick |
Hotels and Guesthouses:
Castletroy Park Hotel 061/335566
Glentworth Hotel 061/413822
Greenhills Hotel 061/453033
Hanrattys Hotel 061/410999
Jurys Hotel 061/327777
Limerick Ryan Hotel 061/453922
Derbert House, Kilmallock 063/98106
Dunraven Arms, Adare 061/396633
Budget:
Alexandra Guest House 061/318472
Clifton House 061/451166
Cruises House 01/315320
Carrabawn House, Adare 061/396067
Courtenay lodge, Newcastlewest 069/62244
Rathkeale House, Rathkeale 069/63333
Devon Inn Hotel, Templeglantine 069/84122
| Tourist Report |
This document is free for your use and is an extract from the companion report - Ireland: 100 things to do, 500 places to Stay which is available from the Information about Ireland Site. This excellent report will finally solve the problem of where to stay during your visit to Ireland. You will not be bored either because all the information you need to visit the 100 top attractions in Ireland are provided in this crammed report. It gives you the benefit of being the ONLY guide you wil need on your adventure in Ireland. Further details are available at the download center where you can also save (and then print) the information on this page for free! Click here and you are on your way!
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