FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS AND OTHER ANNUAL EVENTS IN Dublin

There are a number of festivals, holidays and other events celebrated in Dublin each year. The main ones are listed below.

Saint Patrick's Day is a major holiday in Dublin and across Ireland. Celebrations include a huge parade with pipe and brass bands, street theatre, Irish songs and music, etc. Visitors from around the world flock to Dublin at this time, because although this holiday is celebrated around the world, nothing can match the excitement and atmosphere of the festivities in Ireland.

One week of world-class theatre and entertainment, offering outdoor and indoor performances ranging from great classics to works by emerging playwrights, whether by local or international artists.

This is Ireland's biggest architecture festival, during which Dublin buildings of all types and periods open their doors to the public. In many cases, this event is the only time during the year when visits by the public are allowed. The perfect opportunity to discover the full range of architecture in Dublin: Viking, medieval, Georgian, Victorian and contemporary. Special guided tours are offered by architects, historians, other professionals and enthusiasts.

Commemorates the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Guy Fawkes tried to set fire to the British Parliament and assassinate King John 1^st. The plot was revealed and the conspirators executed. Ever since, the Irish celebrate that day and hold representations of Fawkes during fireworks displays.

This exceptional event of local craftsmanship takes place in Dublin's major squares, the market on St Stephen's Green Park being one of the most beautiful. Various stands offer gastronomic products and Christmas gifts.

Dublin rings in the new year with a three-day festival of arts, culture and live entertainment. Highlights include concerts, DJ sets and other shows. Among the major sports of the Dublin New Year Festival: Temple Bar district, Dublin's Castle Royal Chapel, Christ Church and College Green.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER IN Dublin

Month	Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°)	Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°)	Average Rains (MM)	Best Time to Travel
January	2/36	8/46	70/2.8	Not the best period to go
February	2/36	7/45	50/2.0	Not the best period to go
March	3/37	10/50	54/2.1	Good period to go
April	4/39	11/52	51/2.0	Good period to go
May	7/45	14/57	55/2.2	Good period to go
June	10/50	17/63	562.2	Good period to go
July	11/52	19/66	50/2.0	Good period to go
August	11/52	19/66	71/2.8	Not the best period to go
September	10/50	17/63	66/2.6	Not the best period to go
October	8/46	14/57	70/2.8	Not the best period to go
November	4/39	10/50	64/2.5	Not the best period to go
December	3/37	8/46	76/3.0	Not the best period to go

Dublin International Airport

The Dublin International Airport is located, near the city of Swords, about 11 kilometres (7 miles) north of Dublin's city centre.

• Two terminals:
  • Terminal 1 (Air France)
  • Terminal 2

• By car:
  • Accessible via the M50 and the M51.
  • Four parking facilities are available for short-term parking, located near both terminals (EUR 3.00). The airport also offers three long-term parking lots connecting to the airport (from EUR 8.00 per day).
  • Several car rental companies have counters in the arrivals hall.
• By shuttle bus
  • Four private companies run shuttle bus services connecting the airport to central Dublin, with fares starting at EUR 6.00 each way.
• By bus
  • More than 10 private companies operate local bus routes between the airport and central Dublin, with fares starting at EUR 2.00.
• By taxi
  • Taxis are available at the ranks outside each terminal. The trip to central Dublin takes about 15-20 minutes and costs around EUR 25.00 (night fare is EUR 35.00).

• Services: shops, bars and restaurants, free Internet access (Wi-Fi) available in the airport.
• Telephone: +353 (0)1 814 1111
• Website: http://www.dublinairport.com

GETTING AROUND Dublin

Dublin is an ideal city to explore on foot, because many of the sights are within a fairly short walk of each other. But if this option does not appeal to you, the city has a very efficient public transport system serving all parts of the city.

By bus

Buses in Dublin are reliable and run at frequent intervals, making them the best transport option in the city. Bus stops within the city centre are divided into six areas: Parnell Square, O'Connell Street, The Quays, Trinity College, Nassau Street and St Stephen's Green. EUR 1.55 for a one-way ticket with the Leap Card, EUR 2.15 without it. If you decide to use cash to purchase your fares, make sure you have exact change.

Useful tip: For EUR 7, the Leap Card offers a day of unlimited travels in all buses (EUR 27.50 for one week).

By tram

Although the system is mainly intended for suburban commuters, its two lines (called “Luas”) can also be useful for getting around the city. Ticket vending machines are located at every stop. One-way tickets from EUR 2.10 (valid for 90 minutes) and round-trip tickets from EUR 3.70 (valid for 1 day).

By taxi

Taxis are plentiful in Dublin and are therefore an interesting transport option, especially at night. A trip within the city centre costs between EUR 5 and EUR 10.

By bike

Numerous bike lanes have been set up in and around the city. The Dublinbikes service offers more than 950 bikes in self-service, spread around 58 stations across town. Subscription to the service costs EUR 5 for three days and a EUR 150-deposit is requested. The first half hour is free. Beyond, count EUR 0.50 for one hour and EUR 6.50 for 4 hours (for more information, visit www.dublinbikes.ie).

Furthermore, various independent shops offer bike rental services. Count EUR 15 per day on average.

Visitor information

Upon your arrival in Dublin, you can get in touch with local tourism professionals for further information and to help organize your stay.

Offers practical information and useful recommendations (accommodation, restaurants, public transport, festivals, cultural events, etc.).

• Address: Visit Dublin Centre 25 Suffolk Street Dublin 2
• Website: www.visitdublin.com

Fáilte Ireland also operates an official website offering comprehensive information and listings for accommodation, activities, tourist attractions and special offers throughout the country, including Dublin.

Website: http://www.discoverireland.ie

Currency and Exchange Rates

The currency used in Ireland is the Euro (EUR).

HKD 1 = EUR 0.12

EUR 1 = HKD 8.33

The above exchange rate is given for information because is variable.

Medical information

See your doctor before you travel. It is also recommended to take out insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation before your trip. Chicago counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists.

There are no vaccination requirements for visitors to Ireland.
For more information, contact Air France's international vaccination centre:

• Address: 38, quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris
• Website: https://www.vaccinations-airfrance.fr/
• Telephone: +33 (0)1 43 17 22 00
• To make a vaccination appointment:
  • online (click here)
  • call the centre at +33 (0)1 43 17 22 00

There are no food safety risks in Dublin.

It is recommended to drink bottled water in Dublin.

Administrative formalities

Entry requirements for Ireland

For a stay of less than three months, travellers from the Schengen area, as well as those from the countries of the European Union not included in the area, need only be in possession of a national identity card or a passport valid for the duration of their stay in order to enter Ireland.

As a general rule, extra-European travellers are subject to visa requirements, although citizens of some countries may enter Ireland for a short stay of up to 90 days without a visa.

To find out whether you will need to obtain a visa for your stay, visit the website of the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service:

www.inis.gov.ie/

Useful addresses

To enjoy peace of mind during your stay in Dublin, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.

Good to know

+353

+ phone number (without 0)

-8 : 00
of time difference with
Hong Kong

Start of daylight saving time: last Sunday in March
End of daylight saving time: last Sunday in October

Usually open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Usually open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

230 V / 50 Hz

Tipping
Tipping is not a common practice in Ireland, regardless of the quality of service provided. On the other hand, in both hotels and restaurants, the bill always includes a service charge of between 10 and 15%.