|
Population
The population of the Republic Ireland (26 counties) is over 3.5 million.
Dublin is the largest City with over one million inhabitants, Cork the second
largest City and Limerick, Capital of the Shannon Region, is the third largest
with a population of over 75,000. The Shannon Region has a population of nearly
400,000 people.
Language
Everyone in Ireland speaks English. Officially the country is bilingual, English
and Irish (the Gaelic language).
Electric Current
The standard electrical supply is 220 volts AC (50 cycles); plugs are flat, with
three pins. If required, small travel transformers should be purchased before
departure to Ireland.
Shopping Centres
All shops are generally open from 09.OOH to 17.30H Monday to Saturday. Many
small local shops, and grocery shops in villages and small towns open daily
until 22:00. Shopping centres normally have one or two late night openings each
week. Some shopping centres are also open on Sunday afternoons. Duty-free
shopping is available at Shannon International Airport and at other airports and
on-board ferries.
Weather
Influenced by the Gulf Stream, Ireland has a mild temperate climate with
summer temperatures generally ranging from 14 to 16 degree Celsius (60-70 degree
Fahrenheit). The temperatures in Spring and Autumn are generally around 10
degree Celsius (50 degree Fahrenheit) and in Winter between 4 and 7 degrees
Celsius (30-40 degree Fahrenheit). Clothing Casual wear, sweaters, and jeans for
touring; jacket and tie or cocktail dress for fine dining. Rainwear and
comfortable shoes are advisable. For a detailed Weather forecast in Limerick
City (The capital city of the Shannon Region) click here.
Banking & Currency
The unit of currency is the Euro. Banks are normally open from Monday to
Friday 1 0.00h to 16.00h. Many Banks stay open until 17.00h on Thursdays.
Visitors are advised to change their bank notes at banks and Bureau de Change
centres to get the best exchange rate. Most credit cards, including all cards
carrying the Eurocheque symbol are accepted in hotels, restaurants, petrol
stations, clothing and gift shops. ATM's located at most banks in big centres
accept major credit cards.
Post offices
Post offices are normally open from 09.OOH to 17.30H Monday to Friday and 09.OOH
to 13.OOH on Saturday. Almost every town and village in the Shannon Region has a
main post office or a sub post office.
Tourist Information
There is a network of Tourist Offices in the Shannon Region. These offices
are all staffed by trained advisors who are there to ensure that visitors are
provided with advice and a range of services that will enable them to enjoy the
Shannon Region to its fullest. In addition to providing free advice, they also
offer a range of products and services - free and saleable literature, maps,
travel guides, accommodation booking services and, in some offices, indicated
below, Bureau de Change facilities.
|
