TRAVEL TO CORK
USEFUL INFORMATION
Electricity
220 / 240 volts . 3 Pin Plug.
Driving in Ireland
Traffic in Ireland drives on the left.
Language
The main languages are English and Irish and most signposts in the Republic are bilingual. English is spoken by everyone while Irish is generally confined to pockets of the south-west, west and north-western coastal areas. These are very interesting areas to visit if you have the opportunity.
Money
Ireland are enthusiastic members of the EU and the Euro is our currency. The Euro has 100 cents in the euro with coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 & 50 cents and 1 and 2 euros. Euro notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euro.
Foreign exchange bureaus are available in most banks, post offices, Tourist Information Offices, airports, some shops and accommodation. Bureau de Change kiosks are also situated in many towns and most cities. There are no exchange controls in Ireland. Any sums of money in any currency can be freely brought into or taken out of the country without disclosure or other formalities.
Time
From March to October, Ireland operates on GMT Greenwich Mean Time + 1 hour.
Tipping
In Ireland, tipping is not expected but is appreciated. It is typical to add 10% to the bill in restaurants and hotels.
Smoking
Ireland were the first EU country to introduce the smoking ban. Smoking is banned in all public areas and work places, including restaurants, pubs and bars. Smoking is still permitted in hotel bedrooms which are specifically designated as smoking bedrooms by the hotel. Smoking in bedrooms in guest houses and bed and breakfast accommodation is at the discretion of the owner. There are substantial penalties in place for those found to be in breach of these regulations.
Tax
Refunds Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged at 23% 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.
Weather
Ireland enjoys a temperate climate, with mild winters and relatively cool summers. The daily temperature in August is on average 17°C.