FAQ My Holiday Ireland

Have you got questions about Ireland before you leave? Check out the most commonly asked questions below. If you don’t see the answer to a question you have, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d be happy to help. FAQ My Holiday Ireland - Questions about IrelandWill My Holiday Ireland be able to help me after I arrive in Ireland?

Yes! My Holiday Ireland offers you 5-star travel assistance & support while you are in Ireland. If you’re lost, give us a call and we’ll direct you to your accommodations.  If you need to make a change, call us.  One of our agents, your personal consultant, is always available to you.  At My Holiday Ireland we treat each of our clients as if they were a Gold Club member, regardless of the tour you choose. We take the trust you’ve placed in us seriously.  You have entrusted us with your greatest gift—your time.

Are there any extra costs with my Ireland travel package?

No. With My Holiday Ireland, you’ll be guaranteed the price of your accommodations and car rental, lodgings or bus tours, and excursions. There are no hidden charges or surprises.

What should you pack?

Pack sweaters, comfortable clothes, and perhaps a rain poncho and/or umbrella.  The best way to stay warm is to dress in layers.  When the sun blasts through a grey sky, you want to peel off that sweater and soak up the sun wearing a t-shirt.  If you’re hiking, pack shoes you’ve worn for a while.  This is no time for sore feet!  If you’re going to a spa destination, casual but classy is always a safe bet.  Be yourself and wear what makes you comfortable. Ireland is a casual country.

What is the time in Ireland?

Ireland is in the same time zone as the UK (GMT) 5 hours ahead of NY, and 8 hours ahead of CA.  (Truthfully, Ireland has its own time zone.  We just haven’t come up with a way to put it on our clocks yet!)

Is Ireland safe?

Ireland is most likely the safest country in Europe.  As in any large city, you should be aware of your surroundings in some parts of Dublin, especially at night.  Violent crimes in Ireland against tourists are so rare as to be almost non-existent.

Do I need a passport?

Yes! Make sure your passport is up-to-date in advance of your departure date.  Your passport should not expire within 6 months of your return date. If it does, you will need to renew it before travelling to Ireland. Again, we want our customers relaxed, not stressed out before they’ve even left home! Customs is extremely easy when passing from the US, Canada, or UK into Ireland.

Where can I smoke in Ireland?

Smoking is no longer permitted in public places.  This comes as a great relief to many visitors who are accustomed to this practice at home. It gives you many more options, particularly spending late nights at pubs.  All are smoke-free!

What will the weather be like?

“You know it’s summer in Ireland when the rain gets warmer.” – Hal Roach
We can count on one thing:  There is a general pattern of seasons, but we are a country of idiosyncrasies, and weather is surely one of them. The hottest days of the year may occur in April or October.  The coolest may be in June. There’s a very large upside to this:  If your schedule allows you to travel off-season, do so!  Air flights are a terrific bargain in the spring and fall.

Where can I find internet access?

To find internet service, check out cybercaptive and cybercafe. You will rarely be far from someplace to get on the net and check your messages.  More hotels and cafes are wi-fi hot spots.  Remember: Bring a connection kit of the right power and phone-plug adapters.  You can buy international converters–so you can charge your phone or laptop–on Amazon.com and most computer stores in the US.  You can also get them in many stores in Ireland.  We think it’s best to get what you need before you leave home!

Will my cell/ mobile phone work in Ireland?

All UK/ European mobile phones will work in Ireland. Some US cell phones and US cell phone companies provide service in Ireland.  Call your service provider and ask them to activate a feature called international roaming.  If it’s not available, and even if it is, sometimes it’s easier and much cheaper to rent a cell phone for your trip.   It’s best to rent the phone before you leave home.  A rental allows you to pay in-country rates—considerably cheaper.  My Holiday Ireland is happy to rent you a phone and mail it to you before your departure.  You can also buy temporary phones in some of the larger stores. Or if you’re not interested in that, Wi-fi is very common in hotels, restaurants and pubs in Ireland.

What is the best way to exchange money?

Some people like to change their money into euros before they arrive in Ireland.  You’ll be paying a fee for this, so if you choose to do so, don’t exchange very much.  (It costs money to convert it back into dollars!)  Your best option is to use ATM machines.  They are plentiful, and their rates are good.  Walk into any bank—they also have good rates.  The worse exchange rates are those offered at the front desk of a hotel or at the airport.

How do I get the best value for my euro in Ireland?

Live like a local.  You know this is true at home, and it’s also true when you travel.  A handy tip:  If you feel like having a picnic or eating in, order your food “take-away.”  Food you take out costs less than the same food while sitting down to eat.  Many places have take-away, and you’ll find this a good bargain.  Eat local dairy products, beef, fresh and fabulous vegetables, and steaming pub chowder.  This is a country that loves food.  Go where the locals go, including the grocery store. Grocery stores such as Tesco, Aldo and Lidl will get you the most cost effective food without compromising on quality. You’ll save money and you’ll eat very well!

 

Have you decided that you don’t want to visit Ireland but like our company? Check out Let’s Go Travel for all your holiday needs outside of Ireland