While visiting the 'Emerald Isle' visitors are often beckoned to adopt a slower pace. Ireland's idyllic green countryside, bold coastline, many castles and timeless villages recall earlier eras. For those searching for a slightly faster pace, Dublin has much to offer. Ireland's capital has lively nightlife and a vibrant cultural scene. A rental car provides the best means to see this entire island nation.
To contact Auto Europe from Ireland, dial 00-800-223-5555-5.

Entry Requirements
U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter Ireland for visits of less than three months. All animals entering Ireland are quarantined for a period of six months.

Local Time
Ireland is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Time in the United States and Canada.

Languages
Ireland is officially bilingual, but nearly everyone uses English as the everyday language. Only a few people actually converse in the traditional Gaelic.

Electricity
220 V. Plugs with three flat pins are standard, although some older buildings may have the older round-pin plugs.

Local Tourist Information
Irish National Tourist Board
Fáilte Ireland
Baggot Street Bridge
Baggot St, Dublin 2
www.failteireland.ie
Phone: 00 353 1 6024000
Fax: 00 353 1 6024100
Dial 01 for calls to Dublin from outside the city. If calling from overseas, drop the zero.
* Tourist information offices are situated in town centers, airports and ferry ports throughout Ireland. Hours vary, but they are generally open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The information desk at Dublin Airport (01-280-6984) is open daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Customs
Travelers are not required to pay duty on an appropriate amount of items for their personal use during their visit. In addition, the following duty-free allowances apply: no more than 1 liter of liquor and 2 liters of wine; and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco.

Currency Exchange
Banks offer the best exchange rates. Banks are open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays but may close from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in rural areas. Hours extend until 5 p.m. on Thursdays in Dublin and in most other towns there is one evening per week the bank offers the extended evening hours. This varies from city to city, you will want to double check locally for more information. ‘Bureaux de change’ and other exchange facilities have extended hours but charge higher commission rates than banks. Many post offices also can exchange currency. ATM machines are readily available in urban areas, and can be found in or around banks in rural Ireland.

Tipping
A 10-15% tip is included in many hotel and restaurant bills. When not included, add a tip of about 10%. Tipping is not customary in pubs. A 10% gratuity is usual for taxi drivers and €.50 is acceptable for porters and washroom attendants.

General Business Hours
Museums: Typical hours are 10 am to 5 pm weekdays, 10 to 1 on Saturday and 2 to 5 on Sunday. Post offices: 9:00 am (9:30 on Wednesday) to 5:30 pm weekdays, 9 am to noon Saturday. Restaurants: Breakfast is served from 8 to 10 am. Lunchtime is from noon or 12:30 to 2 pm. Dinner is served between 7 and 9:30 pm -- but high tea at 5, followed at bedtime by a snack, is traditional in many B&Bs. Shopping: Stores usually operate from 9 am. to 5:30 pm Monday through Saturday. Some stay open later on Thursday and Friday. Shopping centers may have extended hours daily, and a limited number of supermarkets are now offering Sunday hours as well.

Value Added Tax
13.5%