Exploring Ireland Free Guide

Quick-Planning Guide

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Quick-Planning Guide

Welcome to Exploring Ireland’s Quick-Planning Guide www.exploringireland.net **Note – Your $100 USD Coupon is at the bottom of the guide.

Just beginning to plan your Ireland vacation?

Slightly confused? A little swamped with information overload?

No problem! Sit back, relax and peruse our Quick Planning Guide and you will learn all that you need to arrange your perfect Irish holiday.

Well first things first, how do you get to Ireland?

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Quick-Planning Guide

Traveling to Ireland couldn‟t be easier with a wide range of airline connections which offer great value. Dublin and Shannon are Ireland‟s two major airports, and all major flights land at one of these two points. Usually, it is cheaper to fly in and out of Dublin.

Vistors from America and Canada can arrive direct whilst guests from Australia and New Zealand are best advised to route through London. Price wars have made flights to Ireland from continental Europe and Britain more affordable than ever. No visas are required for all US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and EU residents. You will only need a valid passport. The four major carriers between the USA and Ireland are Aer Lingus, Delta, Continental and US Airways. Whilst Air Canada plies the route between Canada and Ireland. For travel from Britain, Aer Lingus and Ryanair are the best options while there is also the option of taking the ferry; companies that offer the best service are Irish Ferries, P&O and Stena Line.

Anytime is a good time to visit Ireland, as it is a year-round destination. The most popular time is summer, from early May until late September, when the weather is fine and warm. Of course there are showers (we need them to water our forty shades of green!), but all in all, it‟s a grand, fresh time. It never gets too hot, rarely exceeding the upper twenties (80 Fahrenheit), so there is no humidity, there really is nowhere like Ireland on a grand summer‟s day. Another great bonus in summer, are the endless days, which at their peak don‟t dwindle until nearly eleven o‟clock at night. It‟s a busy time, with life being injected back into the villages and rural areas after the winter, with loads of people knocking about.

In late September and October, prices begin to drop and the autumn is a beautiful time to visit Ireland, with the changing landscape and vivid colours. In addition, the weather is still mild and the crowds have died down and the major attractions are quieter.

Things become really quiet in the winter (November – February), the temperatures drop as do the prices. It is dark early and the landscape becomes more desolate but it can also be a great time to visit. Everyone wraps up warm, the fires are lit, the pubs are snug and as a tourist you really have the place to yourself. Some attractions do close or curtail their hours as do some hotels and B&B‟s but there is still plenty to see and there are more than enough places to stay.

Spring begins in earnest in March, it is a brilliant time in Ireland, as the countryside reawakens and everything starts to come alive. Tourists begin to arrive in large numbers again and everything begins to become busy once again. Hosts, tour guides and service

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staff are fresh and ready for another season which is kick-started by the ever popular St. Patrick‟s Festival.

Ireland has a mild temperate climate due to its proximity to the Atlantic and the existence of the Gulf Stream. The Atlantic has a great moderating effect on the Irish weather, as it absorbs heat in the summer and emits in the winter, making for very consistent weather. If you consider it, Dublin has almost the same latitude as Edmonton in Canada, yet we not near experience the severe Canadian winters, thanks to you Gulf Stream!

Summer temperatures generally range from 60ºF/15ºC to 70ºF/20ºC. Spring and Autumn are generally 50ºF/10ºC. Winter is between 40ºF/5ºC and 46ºF/8ºC. (Snow is rare, but showers can occur in winter.)

The trick in the “what to wear?” question in Ireland is ….. layers! You often get four seasons in one day, so you need to dispatch and put on, dispatch and put on and so on and on. And bring an umbrella and raincoat, we aren‟t this green for nothing!

The first thing you need to decide is whether you want to drive while you are in Ireland.

If you do the option for you is our Self Drive Tours of Ireland, if not you have two options - our Escorted Tours or our Coach Tours of Ireland.

Self Drive Tours of Ireland What is a Self Drive Tour of Ireland?

A Self Drive Ireland driving vacation is suited to both the first time visitor to our shores or indeed, the seasoned veteran. Exploring Ireland will co-ordinate a rental car, an itinerary and all your accommodation; you simply arrive, hit the roads of Ireland and enjoy the trip! We will ensure that you have the most enjoyable, interesting and relaxing of Ireland Tours.

What are the benefits of a Self Drive Tour of Ireland?

All of our Ireland Tours are customised to suit your particular needs, interests and requirements. You will be assigned a Personal Tour Ireland Operator who will deal with you from the moment that you contact us and who will work with you through the initial

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Quick-Planning Guide planning, the development of your exclusive itinerary right through to the finalising of your specific Ireland vacation. Indeed, they will be with you throughout your Ireland Tour as they will be at the end of the phone should you require them for advice or assistance during your stay.

Exploring Ireland are an unseen, guiding and helpful hand ensuring that things run very smoothly for you. With nothing to worry about, you can concentrate on what you are here for - enjoying yourself! Some visitors arrive in Ireland with the intention of driving aimlessly and selecting accommodation as they go. However, the standard of accommodations vary widely and accommodation is often completely booked out.

Exploring Ireland‟s accommodations are the best there is, we have a select and exclusive list which we deal with, they are our partners, we know them and they know us, so Exploring Ireland‟s guests are well looked after.

Which Self Drive Tour should I choose?

All of our Self Drive Tours are chock-full with historical sites, stunning scenery, adorable villages, interesting characters and countless exciting and stirring possibilities. Our itineraries are specifically structured to contain the very best that Ireland has to offer.

They range across different timescales and include various areas and regions of Ireland.

So click onto www.exploringireland.net, read through our itineraries and see which one suits you. Of course, if you wish to do something completely different, we will be delighted to work with you to achieve the Ireland Tour that you are looking for.

What type of accommodation will I be staying in?

Every Ireland Tour can be tailored to suit whatever accommodation that you wish to stay in. We cover the full range, so whether you want to end your days in intimate Bed & Breakfasts, homely guesthouses, luxury hotels or stately castles, just tell us and we will arrange it for you. Indeed, if you want to stay in a mixture of lodgings, we will be more than happy to organise it for you.

What type of car will I be driving?

You can choose from a wide variety of cars from an extensive fleet. We cater for all tastes, group sizes and requirements. Choose from economy, compact, intermediate, full size executive models, premium executive models, station wagons/estates, people carriers (MPV‟s) or 4x4‟s.

You can choose either automatic or manual (stick shift) for all models, all of which have car insurance, unlimited mileage and 24 hour roadside assistance. No matter the type of Ireland driving vacation that you pick, you will travel in style, in safety and with a full

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Quick-Planning Guide support staff behind you.

So what is the procedure?

Contact us by phone or e-mail, we will listen to what you want your Self Drive Tour of Ireland to be, when you want to go and what you want to experience. We will advice you as to the best way to get exactly what you want, to do what you wish to do and to see what you have always wanted to see.

We will put together a suitable package that meets all your requirements with an all inclusive price, together then we can review your package and make any amendments or

changes that you decide upon. You can then decide in your own time if you wish to accept the package. If you accept, we will send you a detailed itinerary of your Ireland driving vacation that will include particulars of your accommodation arrangements and your car.

We will then work with you right up until the time that you are due to arrive and indeed, we are at the end of the line if you require our assistance during your Ireland Tour. Your car will be ready for you upon your arrival and way you go!

Escorted Tours of Ireland What is an Escorted Tour of Ireland?

An Escorted Ireland driving vacation is a tailor-made trip, where every facet your tour is organized by us for you.

You will have your very own personal driver/guide who will meet you at the airport, escort you throughout your stay, accommodating all your needs and keeping you informed on all elements of Irish history, culture and society. We will co-ordinate your driver/guide, your car, your itinerary and all your accommodation; you simply arrive, hit the roads of Ireland and enjoy the trip! We will ensure that you have the most enjoyable, interesting and relaxing of Ireland Tours.

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Quick-Planning Guide

What are the benefits of an Escorted Tour of Ireland?

All of our Ireland Tours are customised to suit your particular needs, interests and requirements. You will be assigned a Personal Tour Ireland Operator who will deal with you the minute that you contact us and who will work with you through the initial planning, the development of your exclusive itinerary right through to the drawing up of your specific Ireland vacation.

You will be assigned your very own expert Driver/Guide who will facilitate all your needs and help you learn so much about Ireland. All of our Driver/Guides are very experienced, knowledgeable and a lot of fun! In addition, you will be shown the real Ireland and will not miss any sites of importance or places of beauty, indeed your guide will reveal to you many hidden gems. Also, any questions or queries you may have throughout your Ireland Tour can be answered immediately, as you have your very own Irish expert sitting beside you!

Which Escorted Tour should I choose?

All of our Escorted Tours are chock-full with historical sites, stunning scenery, adorable villages, interesting characters and countless exciting and stirring possibilities. Our itineraries are specifically structured to contain the very best that Ireland has to offer.

They range across different timescales and include various areas and regions of Ireland.

Of course, if you wish something completely different, we will be delighted to work with you to achieve the Ireland Tour that you are looking for.

Can I design my own Escorted Tour of Ireland?

Of course, you can! We have a comprehensive number of Escorted Drive Tours that suit every desire, taste and interest. However if you wish to design a tour yourself we will assist you with every aspect, so that you will receive the Ireland Tour that is exactly what you want.

What type of accommodation will I be staying in?

Every Ireland Tour can be tailored to suit whatever accommodation that you wish to stay in. We cover the full range, so whether you want to end your days in intimate Bed & Breakfasts, homely guesthouses, luxury hotels or stately castles, just tell us and we will arrange it for you. Indeed, if you want to stay in a mixture of lodgings, we will be more

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Quick-Planning Guide than happy to organise it for you.

What type of transport will I be in?

You can choose from a wide variety of cars from an extensive fleet. We cater for all tastes, group sizes and requirements. For groups of 1-3, you will travel in a Mercedes EClass or similar, for groups of 4-8 you will travel in a luxurious mini-van and for groups of 8-50 you will travel on one of our top of the range touring coaches.

All are fully insured, unlimited mileage and 24 hour roadside assistance. No matter the type of Ireland driving vacation that you pick, you will travel in style, in safety and with a full support staff behind you.

So what is the booking procedure?

Contact us by phone or e-mail, we will listen to what you want your Escorted Tour of Ireland to be, when you want to go and what you want to experience. We will advice you as to the best way to get exactly what you want, to do what you wish to do and to see what you have always wanted to see.

We will put together a suitable package that meets all your requirements, an all inclusive price and a free Ireland guide and we will e-mail or post it to you. Together then we can

review your package and make any amendments or changes that you decide upon. You can then decide in your own time if you wish to accept the package.

If you accept, we will send you a detailed itinerary of your Ireland driving vacation that will include particulars of your accommodation arrangements and your car. We will then work with you right up until the time that you are due to arrive and indeed, we are at the end of the line if you require our assistance during your Ireland Tour. Your Driver/Guide will be waiting for you at the airport with a warm welcome and then away you go!

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Quick-Planning Guide

What is a Coach Tour of Ireland?

Our coach tours offer all the advantages of a luxury cruise - without the water! Programs encompass airport transfers, daily sightseeing program, full breakfasts, table d'h么te dinners, medieval banquets, cabarets, traditional Irish evenings and visits to attractions.

We urge you to compare the tour features to those of our competitors to understand why we have earned our excellent status for quality and value.

What are the benefits of a Coach Tour of Ireland?

Quality is our focus. We insist on state-of-the-art luxury coaches; prompt and pleasant customer service; and the best hotels, visits and entertainment. This policy serves us well as we are highly regarded by the travel industry and you, our valued clients.

We know that you will enjoy our tours, secure in the knowledge that you will receive our consistently high standards. We provide inclusive motor coach tours to Ireland and Britain so your tour guide can focus on making your holiday a success rather than selling "optional" tours. Our well-informed guides look after you every step of the way.

Which Coach Tour should I choose?

All of our Coach Tours are chock-full with historical sites, stunning scenery, adorable villages, interesting characters and countless exciting and stirring possibilities. Our itineraries are specifically structured to contain the very best that Ireland has to offer.

They range across different timescales and include various areas and regions of Ireland.

So read through our coach itineraries and see which one Can I design my own Coach Tour of Ireland?

No, all of our coach tours follow set routes, but we have a huge number of variations, so you should be able to find one that suits your requirements.

What type of accommodation will I be staying in?

You will be staying in tried and tested three and four star hotels.

What type of transport will I be in?

All coaches are modern, luxury and top of the range with bathroom facilities.

So what is the booking procedure?

Contact us by phone or e-mail, we will listen to what you want your Coach Tour to be, when you want to go and what you want to experience. We will advice you as to the best way to get exactly what you want, to do what you wish to do and to see what you have always wanted to see.

We will put together a suitable package that meets all your requirements and an all inclusive price. Together then we can review your package and make any amendments or changes that you decide upon. You can then decide in your own time if you wish to accept the package.

If you accept, we will send you a detailed itinerary of your Coach Tour of Ireland that will include particulars of your accommodation arrangements. We will then work with you right up until the time that you are due to arrive and indeed, we are at the end of the line if you require our assistance during your Ireland Tour. We will direct you where in Dublin you are to meet your tour and then away you go!

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Quick-Planning Guide

1) How do I book my Exploring Ireland vacation?

Contact us by phone or e-mail, we will listen to what you want your Exploring Ireland vacation to be, when you want to go and what you want to experience. We will advise you as to the best way to get exactly what you want, to do what you wish to do and to see what you have always wanted to see.

We will put together a suitable package that meets all your requirements, an all inclusive price and a free Ireland guide and we will e-mail or post it to you. Together then we can review your package and make any amendments or changes that you decide upon. You can then decide in your own time if you wish to accept the package.

If you accept, we will send you a detailed itinerary that will include particulars of your accommodation arrangements. We will then work with you right up until the time that you are due to arrive and indeed, we are at the end of the line if you require our assistance during your stay in Ireland.

2) Do I need a passport, visa or other documents?

No visas are required for all US, Canadian and EU residents. You will only need a valid passport.

3) Do I need vaccinations to travel to Ireland?

No 4) What airport do I fly into and out of?

The bulk of international arrivals land in Dublin, while some land in Shannon (although for private tours we can arrange pick-ups for you in Belfast or indeed wherever you arrive throughout the island).

5) If I book a coach tour are transfers included from the airport?

As soon as your booking is confirmed you will received a confirmation document.

Please take this to the CIE desk in the arrivals hall at Dublin Airport. You will pick up the transfer to the hotel from here.

Please ensure that you are in Dublin Airport by 10.30am. This will give sufficient time to get through the airport and get the last transfer at 12noon. If you miss this transfer you will need to make independent arrangements to get to the hotel.

6) What ages are appropriate for the coach tours?

Children have to be over the age of ten. However there is no upper age limit on any coach tour.

11) What type of meals are served on the Coach Tours?

Meals are provided as specified in each tour program. Dinners in hotels are on a table d‟hôte basis.

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Quick-Planning Guide 12) Can you accommodate special dietary needs?

If you require special dietary requirements, please let us know in advance and we will

pass your details onto the hotels, who will do their best to cater for your needs.

However we cannot guarantee that they will be able to fulfil all needs.

13) Are the coach tour itineraries appropriate for travellers with special needs?

Passengers necessitating unique attention must advise Exploring Ireland at time of booking. Passengers who require particular assistance must travel with a qualified travel companion as drivers and guides cannot provide individualized help.

As our coaches are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, all tour members must be able to mount 3 or 4 steps into coach.

14) How much luggage is allowed on coach tours?

Handling of one piece of luggage per person is included in the cost of all coach tours.

Only one suitcase per person is permitted and size should not exceed 30 x 20 x 10 inches. Luggage is carried at ownerâ€&#x;s risk throughout the tour unless insured.

Hand baggage and small articles such as coats, umbrellas or cameras are entirely in the care of the passengers.

14) Are tips included?

Tips are not included in the price. It is not necessary to provide a tip, although most passengers do give the guide something.

15) What is the cancellation policy for Exploring Ireland Coach Tours?

Cancellation outside 70 days results in full forfeiture of deposit. Cancellation between 69 & 46 days results in a charge of 25% per person of total cost of tour.

Cancellation between 45 & 8 days results in a charge of 35% per person of total cost of tour.

Cancellation between 7 & 1 day results in a charge of 50% per person of total cost of tour.

Cancellation on day of departure results in 100% per person of total cost of tour.

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Quick-Planning Guide There is a minimum cancellation fee of 35 Euros per person.

16) What is the cancellation policy for Exploring Ireland Self Drive and Escorted Tours?

You can see the cancellation policy here: http://www.exploringireland.net/why-exploring-ireland/terms-of-service/ 17) What if the Coach Tour is cancelled by the operator?

If it becomes necessary to cancel a coach tour prior to departure, Exploring Ireland will offer the next available date at no additional land cost or will make a full refund of all monies paid to.

Exploring Ireland cannot accept responsibility for any additional costs or fees relating to such a tour booking or for any cancellation penalties due to non-refundable airfares.

16) If I book an Escorted Tour where do I meet my Driver/Guide?

Your Driver/Guide will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall at the airport. They will be holding a placard with your name and they will be with you throughout your tour, all the way to dropping you back to the airport for your departing flight.

17) If I book a Self Drive Tour how and where do I pick up my car?

On confirmation of your booking, Exploring Ireland will send you documents that you will present at the rental desk in the arrivals hall of the airport at which you arrive.

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Quick-Planning Guide

Currency Republic of Ireland The euro is the currency of the Republic of Ireland.

One euro consists of 100 cent.

Notes are €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500.

Coins are 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2.

Northern Ireland In Northern Ireland, the currency is sterling.

One pound sterling consists of 100 pence.

Notes are £5, £10, £20, £50 and £100.

Coins are 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2 Credit Cards Any credit cards that bear the Visa or MasterCard symbol will be widely accepted in Ireland. Visitors with other cards should ask in advance or check if that card is on display where they wish to use it. Credit cards make the perfect travelling companions: they‟re ideal for major purchases and let you withdraw cash from selected banks and ATMs. ATMs are usually linked to international money systems such as Cirrus, Maestro or Plus.

Bear in mind, though, that each transaction incurs a currency conversion fee and credit cards can incur a cash advance interest rate charges.

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Banks Banking hours are generally 10.00am to 4.30pm Monday through Friday. Some banks are open on Saturday. ATM (cash) machines are located at most banks and accept most credit and debit cards.

Vat and Tax Refunds 

To be able to claim a tax refund you must be a non-EU visitor to Ireland. Look for the „Tax-Free Shopping‟ sign in the windows of participating stores. You must complete a valid tax refund document obtained from the retailer and present the tax refund document and goods to Customs on departure from the EU. A customs officer will check the goods and validate the tax refund document. You can receive your refund on the spot at some airports, otherwise you should mail the validated tax refund document back to the store and a refund will be issued.

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VAT is charged on almost everything, but please note that refunds only apply to goods being taken out of the country, not services. VAT and tax refunds are not available to EU visitors.

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Food & Drink

Over the best decade or so, Ireland has experienced something of a culinary renaissance; gone are the days when people came in spite, tourists now flock to our shores because of the food. Irish beef, seafood and dairy has long being the envy of the world and the Irish are now enjoying the food that they have long deserved. Top chefs are championing local ingredients and traditional practices that have being far too long ignored. Hence, farmer‟s markets are springing up all over the country as are courses on the forgotten arts of cheese-making, bee-keeping, pig-curing and fish-smoking. Use the following sources to track down local producers – www.bestofbridgestone.com – extensive coverage of artisan producers plus the best restaurants serving their produce. www.irelandmarkets.com – definitive list of local farmers markets. www.irishcheese.ie – the farmhouse cheese-makers association, with every small dairy covered. www.slowfoodireland.com – organisation supporting small producers, with social events across Ireland.

You will find local produce name-checked on menus across the country, from Dublin Bay prawns and Connemara salmon to Skeaghanore duck and Kilbrittan lamb. Best of all, the visitor does not need to go to expensive restaurants to enjoy such fare; it is easy to find well-cooked, homely food in small restaurants and cafes throughout Ireland. Every area in Ireland has a local specialty that should not be missed. While exploring the rugged west coast, sample the renowned local oysters with Guinness. In the south, feast on mussels fresh from the sea with Irish soda bread and flavorsome Irish butter. No visit to Northern Ireland would be complete without experiencing an Ulster fry, consisting of potato bread fried with locally cured bacon, sausages, free-range eggs and mushrooms.

And make a point to join the locals in the ritual of stopping at a roadside stall for some juicy Wexford strawberries, the traditional summer treat abundant in the fruit-growing areas along the east coast

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GLOSSARY OF FOODS AND FOOD TERMS For those more adventurous foodies!

Barmbrack: one of the few yeast leavened breads made in Ireland.

Increasingly more varieties are being added. This delicious fruited bread is a special treat for Halloween when tiny charms are often tucked inside, bringing luck to the finder.

Black Pudding: a thick sausage made from well seasoned lard and oatmeal with the addition of pig's blood. It is served sliced and fried, often with eggs, as a supper.

Boxty Bread: a flat round bread, marked in floury farls and made from mashed potatoes, flour, and buttermilk, and leavened with soda.

Champ: hot mashed potatoes served with a pool of melted butter. Each spoonful is dipped in the butter.

Dublin Coddle: traditional Saturday night supper in Dublin said to prevent hangovers. Chunks of bacon and pork sausages are stewed with sliced onions and potatoes, seasoned with salt and pepper and served like a thick soup.

Colcannon: Scottish dish of hot potatoes mashed with another well-cooked vegetable (often cabbage or turnips) and served with melted butter.

Corned Beef and Cabbage: pickled brisket is slowly simmered in water.

Near the end of the cooking time, wedges of cabbage are added and cooked till tender. The meat is sliced and served with the cabbage wedges; the broth is reserved to use as a soup base for another meal.

Crubeens: pig's feet.

Cumberland Pie: a two-crusted pie made with a potato and flout pastry filled with rolls of bacon and beaten eggs. Cut in wedges after baking.

Stirabout: what else would you be calling oatmeal porridge that is made by stirring the water about then adding the oatmeal (fine not flake) in a stream?

White Puddings: a type of thick sausage made from well-seasoned oatmeal and lard boiled in sausage skins. Usually sliced, then breaded and fried before serving.

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Quick-Planning Guide Topography The entire island at his longest is 486 km (302 miles) from north to south and 275 km (170 miles) from east to west; and yet Ireland offers an impressive topographical variety. True, there is grass and an abundance of it, but there are areas of notable exception.

The Burren Stretching across northern Co. Clare from the Atlantic coast to Kinvara in neighbouring Co. Galway, the Burren is a unique limestone landscape that was shaped underneath the mighty Atlantic Ocean millions of years ago, that rose to the surface after an enormous geological cataclysm. It is a tremendously bizarre place - hectares upon hectares of silvery limestone stretching across swooping hills and plunging valleys. And yet, in summer it blooms with colour as exquisite and rare wildflowers grow in the narrow fissures. Peppered amongst this rocky desert are ancient burial chambers and medieval ruins.

Boglands Over one-sixth of Ireland is covered by bog land; A bog is a type of wetland characterized by a thick mat of partially decomposed plant material and highly acidic water. The conditions for bog formation are abundant in some regions of the Northern Hemisphere, which is where the majority of the world's bogs are found. In addition to being unique ecosystems, bogs have also been useful for humans for thousands of years, providing a source of fuel in the form of peat. Bogs start out as slow moving rivers or ponds which are slowly taken over by sphagnum, a genus of moss which encompasses over 150 species. Cooler weather promotes bog formation, because the moss decays very slowly, sinking to the bottom of the bog while a layer of growing moss accumulates on top, restricting oxygen supplies to the lower water while also blocking heat. As a result, plant material decays very slowly, and the water becomes acidic.

Mountains The topography of the island of Ireland features a hilly, central lowland composed of limestone surrounded by a broken border of coastal mountains. The mountain ranges vary greatly in geological structure. The mountain ridges of the south are composed of old, red sandstone separated by limestone river valleys. The limestone valleys appear as deep green grooves that tend to run in an east-west direction. Granite predominates in the mountains of Galway, Mayo, and Donegal in the west and north-west, as well as in Counties Down and Wicklow on the east coast. A basalt plateau covers much of the north-east of the country.

The central plain, broken in places by low hills, is extensively covered with glacial deposits of clay and sand. It has considerable areas of bog and numerous lakes. The island has seen at least two general glaciations. Everywhere ice-smoothed rock, mountain lakes, glacial valleys, and deposits of sand, gravel and clay mark the passage of the ice.

Communications Internet Access If you plan to carry your lap-top or palm-top computer with you, remember that the power supply voltage in Ireland may vary from that at home. To avoid frustration, your best bet is to purchase a universal AC adaptor and a plug adaptor, which will enable you to plug in anywhere. Most hotels and some B&Bâ€&#x;s will have Wi-Fi. Mobile Phones & Phone Codes Ireland uses GSM 900/1800, which is compatible with the rest of Europe and Australia

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but not with North American GSM 1900 (though some specially equipped North American phones do work here). There are four service providers in Ireland. Vodafone is the most popular, followed by O2 Ireland, Meteor and 3. All four service providers are linked with most international GSM providers, which will allow you to roam onto a local service once you arrive in Ireland. This means that you can use your mobile phone to make local calls, but will be charged at the highest possible rate for all calls. For around 40 Euro, you will get a Ready-to-Go pre-paid phone, your own number and anywhere up to 25 Euro free airtime.

When calling the Republic of Ireland from abroad. Dial your international access code, followed by 353, followed by the domestic number minus the initial „0‟. When calling Northern Ireland from abroad, dial your international access code then 44 28, and then the local number.

Time In winter, Ireland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). In summer, the clock shifts to GMT plus one hour, so when it is noon in Dublin, it is 3am in Los Angeles and Vancouver, 7 am in New York and Toronto, 1pm in Paris, 8pm in Singapore, and 10pm in Sydney.

Recommended Travel Literature on Ireland     

Round Ireland with a Fridge – Tony Hawks Ireland in a Glass of Its Own – Peter Biddlecombe McCarthy’s Bar – Pete McCarthy The Height of Nonsense – Paul Clements A Secret Map of Ireland – Rosita Boland

Best Irish Movies 1.

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The Commitments (1991) Directed by Alan Parker The Field (1990) Directed by Jim Sheridan My Left Foot (1989) Directed by Jim Sheridan In the Name of the Father (1993) Directed by Jim Sheridan I Went Down (1998) Directed by Paddy Breathnach Adam and Paul (2004) Directed by Leonard Abrahamson Once (2006) Directed by John Carney The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006) Directed by Ken Loach The Quiet Man (1952) Directed by John Ford Breakfast on Pluto (2005) Directed by Neil Jordan

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Best Irish Fiction 1.

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Ulysses – James Joyce Dracula – Bram Stoker Gulliver’s Travels – Jonathan Swift At Swim-Two-Birds – Flann O‟Brien The Gingerman – JP Donleavy Borstal Boy – Brendan Behan Watt – Samuel Beckett The Informer – Liam O‟Flaherty Amongst Women – John McGahren The Country Girls – Edna O‟Brien

Best Irish Albums 1.

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Astral Weeks – Van Morrison (1968) If I Should Fall From the Grace of God - The Pogues (1988) Fisherman’s Blues – The Waterboys (1988) O – Damien Rice (2003) JJ72 – JJ72 (2000) Inflammable Material – Stiff Little Fingers (1979) This is the Tomb of the Juice – Republic of Loose (2004) Friendlier Up Here – The Aftermath (2008) The Joshua Tree – U2 (1987) Here’s One I Made Earlier – The Pale (1992)

Why Ireland?

Ireland is perfect for golfers, surfers, foodies, hikers, history buffs, boffins, honeymooners, kayakers, art lovers, beer connoisseurs, mystics, bog snorkelers, botanists, birdwatchers, tally-hunters, hell-raisers, trailblazers, climbers, adventurers, explorers, young families, old families, in-between families, accidental tourists, Atlantic crossing veterans, first timers, Irish dancers, ceilí queens, yard of ale swiggers, amadáns, bodhrán-beaters, root trackers, backpackers, fossil finders, seaweed haulers, camogie girls, seadogs, graveyard scrapers, sailors, singers, poets, writers, musicians, bar-flies, wild dancers, party animals, snoozers, loners, buddies, thrill-seekers, Mollies, shindiggers, Roses of Tralee, puckfairers, Valentines, long lost, newly found, museum trawlers, Viking enthusiasts, invaders, overstayers, Neolithic snoopers, addicted shoppers, family crest seekers, fine breakfasters, flanneurs, flankers, hurlers, horse lovers, mad cappers, jokers, loafers, family tree builders, the curious, theatre-goers, dudes, ringers of Kerry, Celts, Hibernians, buccaneers, cowboys, saints, scholars, scoundrels, rogues, the great and the good.

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Quick-Planning Guide

Get Your Quote Simply follow the link below to receive your no-obligation quote: http://www.exploringireland.net/contact-us/ Your $100 USD Coupon:

Coupon Terms & Conditions: 1. Must be used to book a tour within 5 days of receipt of this guide.

2. The coupon can only be used against one tour.

3. Coupon only applies to Self Drive Tours & Private Escorted Tours. It does not apply to group coach tours.

4. Only one coupon can be used per tour. No more than one person per tour can avail of the coupon.

www.exploringireland.net

Quick-Planning Guide

Client Testimonials “I have the highest regard for Robin Shortt and his company, Exploring Ireland.

My 95 year old Mom, my sister and I took a very special trip in October that was expertly planned by Robin. Every detail was in order including pre trip planning, lodging, sights, and transportation provided by our driver/guide, Ben.�

Karen Hunter, Colorado I want to say thank you from Canada, myself and my three sisters stayed in Ireland this fall and loved it. We took the five day bus tour of southern Ireland and feel so lucky to have experienced such great scenery, accommodations and Irish hospitality. Thank you so much for making a dream come through.

Rose Anne Pescod

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