Practical information about Dublin

Dublin, the capital city of the Republic of Ireland, is a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant culture, buzzing nightlife and world-class tourist attractions. It is also the main entry point for tourists to Ireland and home to more than a third of the country's population. Despite its relatively large population, the historic city itself is compact enough to be explored easily on foot.

The River Liffey flows through the heart of Dublin neatly dividing it into two. To the north of the river is the main thoroughfare O'Connell Street which is intersected by numerous small streets lined with shops. **The Irish Emigration Museum or EPIC lies on the northern river bank. Tourist attractions such as Trinity College with the Book of Kells in its Old Library, St Patrick's Cathedral and the Guinness Storehouse can be found south of the river. As you walk around the city, admire its fine Georgian architecture. Much of this was lost during the mid-20th century, considered a reminder of British rule. Today the city is proud of its architectural heritage and these beautiful buildings are home to many hotels. Providing common sense is used, reasonable precautions are taken and personal belongings are looked after, Dublin is a safe city to visit with a good reputation for its tourism sector. Check out the overview below on the things every traveller should know when travelling to Dublin!

Essential Dublin information for visitors

Emergency numbers: Should you need any of the emergency services contact them either on 999 or 112. These numbers are free from any phone.
Government and tourist offices: Most countries have an embassy or shared consular services in the centre of Dublin. The Canadian Embassy is on Wilton Terrace. The main tourist offices are located on O'Connell Street and Grafton Street in the city centre.
Temperature and weather: Compared to some areas of Ireland, Dublin enjoys a mild climate thanks to the moderating effects of the Gulf Stream. Its annual rainfall is only 737mm (28.8 inches) which is actually lower than London. Rainy days, however, are spread fairly evenly across the year so rain showers can occur at any season. Winters are mild with average daytime temperatures of 5°C (41°F) although overnight frosts are common. The average maximum temperature in summer is 20°C (68°F). The hottest temperature ever recorded was only 31°C (88°F).
Currency: The currency used in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro (€). ATMs are widely available and currency exchange offices can be found at the airport, ports and in the city.
Local time: Dublin time is GMT+1 and the city is five hours ahead of Ottawa in Canada.
Electricity: The Irish electrical supply is 230v/50Hz with plugs and sockets having three prongs. International adaptors are easily available to buy both at the airport and in many shops. Check your electrical appliances support the local voltage and frequency before using it.
Language: While the national language of the Republic of Ireland is Gaelic you are unlikely to hear it spoken in Dublin where English is the main language. You will see signs for streets and official buildings written in both English and Gaelic.
Required Travel documents: EU citizens, as well as citizens of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the USA, do not need visas to enter the Republic of Ireland. You should, however, have at least six months validity left on your passport.
Health: Health care in Dublin is free to residents and visitors from most EU countries and Switzerland. Some countries such as Australia have reciprocal arrangements with the Republic of Ireland, but most do not. It is a vital requirement that you are covered by adequate travel insurance. No vaccinations are needed to enter Dublin.
Tipping and taxes: There is no tourist tax in Dublin and tipping is not obligatory. Most people, however, do tip if they are happy with their food or a service. If a hotel porter carries your luggage or table service is provided in a pub then a tip of €1 is fine. The service charge for restaurants or taxis is generally 10% although it is becoming more common for a gratuity of 12% to be included with your bill. Check before tipping extra.

Dublin is a safe and welcoming city that likes to share its culture and history with visitors. At BudgetAir Canada, we can help you plan your holiday with our best prices and deals on Dublin flights and hotels.