Celtic Tours World Vacations ♣ 1860 Western Ave. ♣ Albany, NY 12203 ♣ 800-833-4373 ♣ www.celtictours.com Ireland ––– discovering the Emerald Isle! Ireland is a wonderfully warm and welcoming country. No matter where you travel, you will find Irish hospitality in every part of the country. From the Giants Causeway to the Dingle Peninsula to the bustling city of Dublin, the friendliest of islands begins to work its magic the moment you arrive. Ireland, at 172 miles long and 302 miles wide, has many things to see and do. With unspoiled coastlines, spectacular scenery, a rich culture, and warm and welcoming people, you will soon find that you’ve come home again to Ireland! The Emerald Isle is home to two countries; the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. However, it is seamless to the traveler, as there are no longer any borders, but there are two currencies, with the Euro in the Republic and British Pound Sterling in the north. Choosing a self-drive vacation gives you the opportunity to create the perfect itinerary to suit your needs and what you want in your Ireland vacation. A self-drive vacation is independent, and before planning, it is a good idea to do some research on Ireland to determine what you want to see and do. Here is a brief outline of the regions of Ireland, which may help you in determining what route is best for you. We’ve also created a few sample itineraries to help you with your vacation planning. You should also review Celtic Tours brochure and tours online featuring coach tours that will give you an idea on what to see and how far you should drive in a day for comfort. GettinGettingg to Ireland There are four major airports in Ireland; Dublin, Shannon, Belfast and Cork. However, no international flights come into Cork. Most self-drive vacations choose to fly into one city and return from another – generally into Dublin and out of Shannon or vice versa. However, flights may not operate in/out of Shannon on a daily basis. Check with your travel agent to see what dates will work for you and your desired routing. The choice of carrier is up to you, with Ireland currently being serviced by Aer Lingus, Delta, United, US Airways, American Airlines and Air Canada (subject to change and with seasonal availability). Celtic Tours World Vacations ♣ 1860 Western Ave. ♣ Albany, NY 12203 ♣ 800-833-4373 ♣ www.celtictours.com TidbTidbitsitsitsits and such; ♣ PASSPORTS : You will need a valid passport to travel to Ireland. (It should be valid for 6 months from your travel date). ♣ Ireland is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time – keep this in mind when calling home. ♣ Euro is the currency in the Republic of Ireland (IRL), with Pound Sterling is the currently in the North of Ireland (N. IR). ♣ You will need to exchange your US dollars to Euro in IRL or to Pound Sterling in N. IR. Foreign exchange bureau are available throughout the country in banks, tourist information offices, and airports. ♣ Major credit cards are accepted throughout Ireland and ATM’s are readily available. However, some cards do charge an “international transaction fee”. Check with your bank prior to departing. ♣ ELECTRICITY : The electrical current in Ireland is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC). Wall sockets take plugs with 3 flat-pins, as in the United Kingdom. To use American appliances both a converter and adapter are required except for dual voltage appliances, which need only an adapter, for example laptop computers. ♣ LANGUAGE : Ireland has two official languages; Irish and English, with dual-signage in place nationwide. English is spoken throughout and is the everyday working language, while Irish is generally confined to certain regions in the south-west, west, and north-west coastal areas, areas more commonly known as the Gaeltacht. ♣ In case of emergency dial 112 or 999 and ask the operator for the service required. ♣ Munster, Leinster, Connaught and Ulster make up the four regions of Ireland, with 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and 6 counties in the North of Ireland (NOI) – where does your family hail from? ♣ Capital city of Ireland is Dublin ♣ Ireland has a temperate climate; rarely freezing in the winter months, whilst not very hot in the summer months. Weather can alter dramatically from day to day; it can change from fair to showery and back again to fair in a matter of minutes – dress in layers and have an umbrella handy just in case. ♣ Driving is on the LEFT side of the road and the steering wheel is also on the “other” side. ♣ Don’t be afraid when asked if you want to go for “a bit of craic” – this is Irish for FUN! ♣ Ireland is a literary find! With famous literary figures including James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, W B Yeats, Seamus Heaney, Brendan Behan, Brian Friel, John Banville and Roddy Doyle. No fewer than four Irish writers have had the honor of winning The Nobel Prize for Literature in the 20th century. ♣ Ireland is home to artists and bands including U2, Van Morrision, The Cranberries, The Corrs, The Chieftains, Sinead O'Connor, Boyzone and Westlife to name a few. ♣ Hurling and Gaelic Football are the national sports of Ireland. Soccer and Rugby are also played on a local, national and international level. Hotels can be difficult to find during sporting events. ♣ Horse racing is a big sport in Ireland with horse tracks located throughout the country. ♣ The international dialling code for Ireland is 353 and for Northern Ireland is 44. When dialling an Irish number from abroad, drop the preceding 0 from the local area code. Example, within Ireland, dial 01 - 294 5555, but from the US, dial 011 +353 - 1 - 293 3000 ♣ We highly recommend travel insurance – no matter where it’s purchased. ♣ Dinner can be quite expensive. Opt for an earlier pub lunch – and eat lighter in the evening for a savings. ♣ A pint will run you approx. €6 euro or more depending on how posh the pub/bar is. ♣ An international driver’s license is not necessary, but your driver’s license does need to be valid for the entire stay in Ireland. ♣ Call your credit card companies before traveling so they know you are traveling and to where. ♣ Plan to dress in layers and bring an umbrella (worth repeating). ♣ Remember no containers over 3 oz. are permitted and any liquids should be stored in a see through zip lock bag in your carry-on luggage. Larger containers must be in your checked luggage. ♣ Know the luggage weight limitations for the airline you are flying. Most allow for one checked bag at 50 lbs., but please double check their applicable website before departure. ♣ Take time in planning what you want to see and do. Even though Ireland is a relatively small country, don’t try to see everything in one week. Celtic Tours World Vacations ♣ 1860 Western Ave. ♣ Albany, NY 12203 ♣ 800-833-4373 ♣ www.celtictours.com Things You Should Know When Renting a Car in Ireland Driving on the left is usually the biggest concern for travelers renting a car in Ireland, but travelers should also be aware of the car rental policies and prices they may incur to avoid disappointment. ♣ Luggage capacity is limited! A car may have room for 5 passengers, but this does not mean it will have room for 5 large suitcases and carry-on bags as well. Check with your agent to make sure you are renting a car that will accommodate not only you, but your luggage! ♣ Insurance is mandatory in Ireland for Celtic Tours rentals – either purchased in advance or at the car rental company. ♣ Basic insurance coverage (Collision Damage Waiver – CDW), is basic insurance coverage and does carry a high deductible, up to a €2,500 deductible. A hold is placed on your credit card for the duration of the rental. ♣ You can buy (advance purchase or at rental counter) Super CDW which waives the deductible. However, drivers from 23-24 will still have a deductible. ♣ Most credit cards DO NOT cover car rental insurance in Ireland. When checking with your credit card company, make sure you receive confirmation in writing and be sure to bring the document with you when you travel (World MasterCard and Canadian Visa usually DO cover insurance). ♣ If your credit card DOES cover car insurance in Ireland, you will be required to sign extra documents to waive the rental company’s insurance and will be required to leave a hefty deposit or a hold on your credit card when insurance is declined. This is a temporary hold until the car is returned undamaged. Beyond the straightforward cost of your rental car, there are other fees and restrictions that may apply such as; ♣ Additional Driver – €9.50 per day plus tax ♣ Baby seat rentals – €40 per hire (€100 if not returned) ♣ Location Service Charge - €26 per rental including tax (only on Exclusive car rentals. This fee is waived on rentals that include CDW and Super CDW). ♣ One way fees to off location sites; such as Kerry Airport ♣ Any late fees (if car is dropped later than designated time) ♣ Young driver surcharge - €26 per day plus tax (plus deductible) – this applies to drivers between ages 23-24 ♣ Young drivers may only rent car groups A (Mini), B or E (Economy). ♣ GPS rental is additional and not guaranteed. Considering updating your own GPS with European maps, and it should work for you in Ireland. ♣ When you pick-up your car, be sure to note any damage/scratches and advise the car rental company at that time.