General Information

Dublin/Ireland

The island of Ireland is 450 km long and 300 km wide and is divided into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Ireland enjoys a rich diversity of ethnic groups and cultures. English is spoken by everyone in Ireland and in some area’s Irish is spoken also. Ireland is a place of breathtaking scenery and is steeped in history.

Dublin is Ireland’s capital city buzzing with energy. Medieval, Georgian and modern architecture provide a backdrop to a friendly cosmopolitan city. Dublin is a thriving centre for culture and is home to a great musical and literary tradition, its native sons include Shaw, Yeats, Joyce and Beckett. The city’s attractions include castles, museums, art galleries, pubs and cafes. Within half an hour of the city are mountains walks, stately homes and gardens, sandy beaches and fishing villages.

Visa Application / 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 Conference 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 and accommodation will apply.

If you need to apply for a visa, please register for the conference, pay your registration and accommodation fees in full and request a visa letter from Elva Hickey at elva@conferencepartners.ie

Please note the Irish Embassy will only accept a visa letter if it states that the delegate has registered for the conference and has paid their registration fee and accommodation fees in full. The Irish Embassy will only accept original letters from us so please allow enough time for us to post the visa letter to you.

Temperature

Ireland enjoys a temperate climate, with mild winters and relatively cool summers. Mean daily temperature in June is 18 °C. Dublin enjoys reasonable sunshine and rain belts reaching the east coast are frequently light and generally clear within a few hours. However it is always wise when travelling to Ireland to pack rain gear or an umbrella.

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 Congress 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 card.

Tax Refunds

Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged at 21.5% 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. Rainwear and comfortable shoes are advised.