• We use the Euro (ATMs everywhere) or if you’re in shop, you can always ask if they do “cash back”.
  • If you want to know how much something is in Sterling, divide by 5 and multiply by 4. The rate today (16th October 2014) is £1 is €1.26.
  • We use 3 pin plugs same as you guys.
  • If you’re taking taxis you will need cash, but if you have a HAILO account, you can use that here too and pay for it later on your account.
  • In theory you can travel without a passport between the UK and Ireland but you do need a valid ID – so just bring your passport (no, we’re not like the French, the hotel won’t keep your passport during your stay)
  • We have no 24 hour pubs but there are plenty ways to drink responsibly in Ireland. Pubs stop serving at 12.30am on Friday and Saturday, Late bars and Nightclubs stop serving at 2.30 am. Unlike in the UK then there’s what we call here “drinking up time” of another 30 minutes to get everyone out of the establishment in a chilled way. If you want to keep going in Dublin you can head to the Leeson St. Bars which stay open until 4 am and sure there’s always a Residents Bar back in the Hotel if you’re still thirsty/standing. Oh yeah if someone rings a bell or the lights flash in the pub, it means it’s “last orders”, not dodgy electricity
  • Like the UK, there’s no smoking in pubs, cafes, clubs etc but almost every pub has a covered smoking area.
  • Casinos are not strictly legal in Ireland, however that doesn’t mean we don’t have them ! If you want to go to a Casino, you have to become a member, join online in advance and there’s no filling out forms in the rain at 2am. It’s no big deal to become a member.
  • Getting here is simple – either fly into one of the 7 airports, try aerlingus.com, ryanair.com, flybe.com, britishairways.com or easyjet.com. Alternatively take the Ferry from Liverpool or Holyhead (Wales) to Dublin; from Troon or Cairnryan (Scotland) to Northern Ireland or from Fishguard or Pembroke (Wales) to Rosslare (SE Ireland) – have a few on board, start the Stag early.
  • The Police (Gardai) are very friendly and will always help you – if you’re in trouble phone 999 or 112.
  • Finally everyone speaks English (thanks to you guys), just for a bit of craic here are some Irish (Gaeilge) phrases and pronunciations to help you along.
  • Hello – Dia dhuit– deeya gwit
  • Thanks – Go raibh maith agat – guh rev moh agut
  • Where’s my coat ? – Cá bhfuil mo chóta ? – caw vwill muh chota ?
  • Two pints please – dhá piontaí le do thoil – gaw peenty le duh hull
  • Bye - Slán – slawn