SHU in DINGLE PROGRAM GUIDE WELCOME Congratulations on your decision to go to Ireland! Ireland is a magical place filled with exciting people, amazing places to visit, interesting customs, fun traditions, and a unique history. You are especially lucky to be going to the Dingle Peninsula (Corca Dhuibhne—pronounced “Corca Gweenia.”) Within its small compass, it has more interesting antiquities, historic sites and varied mountain scenery than any other part of Ireland. This guide is filled with tips, advice and perspectives from students who have participated in our programs. Speaking of advice, SHU’s Program Director in Dingle, Seán Pól Ó Conchúir, will be there to guide you throughout your stay in Ireland. Before you depart for Ireland, in addition to reading this guide you might read Irish newspapers or new sites, such as www.rte.ie/news and www.unison.ie/irish_independent. You may also find it interesting to view Irish films before going to Dingle. These films might include Michael Collins, In the Name of the Father, Angela’s Ashes, In America, Intermission and others. Through these films you can get a brief history lesson and a taste of the Irish culture. You may also view a movie that was actually filmed on the Dingle Peninsula: Ryan’s Daughter. LOCATION Dingle (An Daingean in Irish) is in County Kerry (Ciarrai) which is also known as the Kingdom. Co. Kerry is neighbored by Co. Cork to the south and Co. Limerick to the North. A Fíor- Ghaeltacht (Irish speaking district), it attracts large numbers of people wishing to learn the language. Like the language, folk customs, crafts and lore are still very much alive in the Dingle Peninsula. Dingle, the most westerly town in Europe, is the chief town of the peninsula. Lying partly at the foot of a steep slope on the north side of Dingle Harbor, it is bounded on three sides by hills, which, towards the north, culminate to Mount Brandon (950m/3,270ft). Though a progressive town, it still retains much of its old-world atmosphere. North of Dingle town is the mighty rampart of Brandon, and on its western side lays a costal plain, studded with typical Irish hamlets and villages. This western end of the peninsula offers magnificent costal scenery. CLIMATE & CLOTHING The climate in Dingle is Influenced by the waters of the Gulf Stream and the prevailing southwesterly winds coming from the Atlantic. As such, it is difficult to predict what the temperatures will be like at any given time. You will likely have some sunny days during your stay, though rain is common in Ireland. On days that may be windy and rainy it can be quite chilly. The Irish weather can be quite changeable, with windy showers often alternating with blue sky several times a day. Many program activities and field trips are outdoors and take place rain or shine. Your enjoyment of the program will be much greater if you dress properly. Please see your “Reminders” checklist for specifics, but a few important items include: A raincoat with hood, a warm jacket, waterproof, sturdy shoes or boots for walking and hiking (these will get dirty), and sweaters and shirts for layering. When going to a pub, jeans are usually appropriate and the dress is rather casual, though you can certainly dress up a bit if you like. The clubs, however, are a different issue. Irish women are just as fashion-savvy as American women when they go to clubs, and when you do decide to venture to the Hillgrove Night Club dress accordingly (no runners). Remember, though, that you’ll be walking uphill on stone sidewalks so shoes you wear out at night need to be comfortable to walk in. Before packing, don’t forget to check with the airline to determine how much weight you are allowed for your luggage. You’ll be charged if you exceed this amount. PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP Camera Make sure you have a camera and a lot of film, or better yet bring a digital camera to share your photos with the other students in your group. Also remember your camera chargers and extra batteries. Medications If you are taking any prescription medicines abroad with you, make sure you have enough for the entire time abroad and that they are in the original containers. The containers should be clearly marked. If you are taking many medications abroad with you or medications with syringes, you should ask your physician to write a letter detailing the prescription and the necessary equipment that you are bringing. This will all help when going through customs if there are inquiries about the medications. If you have a preferred brand of an over-the-counter medication that you take, you may want to bring it with you as the American-name brand may not be available. WHAT NOT TO BRING You will not need towels, sheets, and pillows. All of this will be provided to you in your cottage. Many students find it difficult to operate electrical appliances such as hairdryers and hair straighteners, and it is recommended that you leave these at home. If you do choose to bring other appliances such as straighteners, be warned that they can become damaged due to voltage differences, even with the use of a voltage converter. A simple plug adapter will work for your laptop and will be provided to you upon your arrival. Aside from a camera and your laptop, the rule for international travel is: if you can’t afford to lose it, don’t bring it. Leave the jewelry and other valuables at home. All valuables, such as your laptop and camera (as well as your passport, medication, credit cards, money and a change of clothing), should be transported in your carry-on luggage and not checked with the airline. LANGUAGE Irish, the Irish Republic’s first official language, is a part of the Celtic family of languages, and is closely related to Scottish Gaelic, Welsh and Breton. Most people spoke Irish until the early nineteenth century, but by 1891 over 85% spoke English only. Recent figures show that 35% of Irish adults describe themselves as having knowledge of Irish. This increase is due to a national cultural revival and the creation of an independent Irish State in the early twentieth century. Today, Irish is spoken widely in areas known as the Gaeltacht, which are situated mainly along the western seaboard. The Dingle peninsula is one such Gaeltacht where Irish is the first official language, but where most local people also speak English. CURRENCY AND BANKING The currency in Ireland is the Euro. One Euro (€) is divided into one hundred cent. There are €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10 and €5 notes, and coins in denominations of €2, €1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, and 1c. For the current exchange rate, visit www.xe.com/ucc/. Major credit cards are accepted in larger and tourist-oriented establishments as well as larger grocery stores. Some small shops around town do not accept credit cards. It is recommended that you bring along a credit card. To access the money in your home bank account, you may use your ATM card. ATM’s are easily accessible in Dingle. Check with your bank to be sure your PIN works abroad and to determine if there are any additional fees. It is important to call all of your banks to notify them that you will be using your card abroad. You may want to bring some money in the form of a traveler’s check just in case you should lose your ATM card or it is demagnetized. HOUSING Your home during your stay will be beautiful holiday cottages in Dingle Town. The house has three bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, living room and dining area. There is a washer and dryer, dishwasher and microwave. You’ll be shown how to use the heaters and hot water timers when you arrive. You are certainly encouraged to be comfortable at home, but not wasteful. LAPTOP & INTERNET ACCESS Bring your laptop to use for your work. For laptops with a wireless card, there is wireless Internet access in the Díseart building, which you will have access to during the days when you have class. NOTE: There is no Internet access in your home. The town library has a free Internet service, which can be pre-booked. (One hour maximum use.) Other options for Internet service include the Internet Café in the Holy Ground. You will need an electrical adapter for your laptop. HEALTH SERVICES The Medical Centre is situated on The Mall, Dingle. (Phone number 066-9152225). The Centre is open from 10:00 until 12:30 and from 14:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday, and from 10.00 am until 12.00 noon on Saturday. There is a doctor on call outside of these times and house calls are available. Nearby chemists (pharmacies) include Walsh’s on Green Street and O’Keefe’s on Strand Street. Both open from 9:30 until 18:00 Monday to Saturday and from 10:30 until 12:30 on Sundays. Chemists fill prescriptions and sell all necessary over-the-counter medicines. TELEPHONE SERVICE You may use the SHU office phone to let your parents know you have arrived safely in Ireland. For free calls, you and your parents should set up Skype accounts Otherwise, there are public telephones in many locations throughout Dingle from which you can call home using a calling card purchased in Dingle. Also, the internet café in the Holy Ground has phone booths upstairs with very inexpensive rates to call the U.S.