Ireland Travel Planning & Travel Tips

Embassy Contact Information:

Americans living in or visiting Ireland are encouraged to register at the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Ireland and obtain updated information on travel and security within Ireland. The Embassy is located at 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, telephone (353)-(1)-668-8777, after hours number: (353) (1) 668-9612, fax: (353) (1) 668-8056. Travelers to Northern Ireland should also consult the Consular Information Sheet for the United Kingdom. Further information and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the Embassy Dublin's website.

Climate:

May to mid September is by far the warmest and generally the driest time of year, relatively speaking (Ireland is usually cold and damp). The absolute best times to visit are probably from mid May to the end of June and during the month of October-the weather is good for touring and there usually aren't as many tourists. The rest of the summer is fine, though a bit crowded. In summer, temperatures generally fall in a range of 59 F/15 C to 68 F/20 C. Winter days can be drizzly, cold and short (the sun sets around 4 pm), but because of the Gulf Stream, the temperature seldom falls below freezing, averaging about 45 F/7 C. Winter is also an opportune time to meet the Irish-few tourists are about and you can easily find conversation at the local pub. No matter when you come, a light raincoat or windbreaker is essential, and you'll need a wool sweater and a jacket or coat, especially at night.

Calling Internationally:

In the Republic, the telephone system is known as Eircom; in Northern Ireland, it's British Telecom. Phone numbers in Ireland are currently in flux, as digits are added to accommodate expanded service. Every effort has been made to ensure that the numbers and information in this guide are accurate at the time of writing. If you have difficulty reaching a party, the Irish toll-free number for directory assistance is tel. 11811. From the United States, the (toll) number to call is tel. 00353-91-770220.

Electricity:

The Irish electric system operates on 220 volts with a plug bearing three rectangular prongs. The Northern Irish system operates on 250 volts. To use standard American 110 volt appliances, you'll need both a transformer and a plug adapter. Most new laptops have built-in transformers, but some do not, so beware. Attempting to use only a plug adapter is a sure way to damage your appliance or, worse, cause a fire.

Travel Insurance for Ireland Trips:

You should consider the benefits of travel insurance as part of your Ireland travel planning. Most travelers look for travel tips that discuss the importance of travel insurance and travel insurance through Travel Guard can provide important coverage for your trip.

Whether you're taking a family vacation or business trip, Travel Guard has a plan for your Ireland trip. These plans may include valuable medical expense coverage, trip interruption, medical emergency assistance and treatment services and more. And with Travel Guard's 24-hour assistance line, your coverage can act as a travel guide should your plans change.*

For more than 20 years, Travel Guard's plans have covered millions of travelers throughout the world. We're America's leading provider of travel insurance plans and assistance programs and we're here to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Coverage provided through Travel Guard is easy to buy and with our 24-hour emergency travel services it's even easier to use.

*Non-insurance services provided by Travel Guard.