FAQs about Ireland
FAQs about Ireland
Who will be welcome me?
When booking your course you can book an airport transfer to take you directly to your accommodation, or you can travel by public transport. If it is your first visit to Ireland we strongly recommend that you book a transfer. To travel by public transport take any bus to the city centre (about 30 mins). If you book a transfer with Planet Course we will collect you from your designated airport. Host family students are taken directly to their family and groups are taken to their centre and met there by the host family.
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What is the weather like in Dublin?
It is said that it is possible to experience all four seasons in one day in Dublin sometimes! So in one word, the weather is changeable! We recommend that students bring warm clothes, one raincoat and an umbrella. During the summer months this is not so important but it is best to have these items at short notice. For more information regarding Irish weather, please visit the official Meteorological Office's website at www.met.ie.
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What currency is used in Ireland?
The currency in Ireland is the Euro (€). Students from outside the Euro zone should change their money before coming to Dublin as some currencies may be difficult to change in Ireland. It is recommended that students do not arrive in Dublin with large sums of cash, travellers cheques are recommended for students bringing money with them. Most Dublin vendors accept credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, Amex as well as Cirrus and Maestro cards.
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Which are the main industries in Ireland?
Industry is centred on 4 main areas. Tourism would be very high on the agenda also Agriculture, Fishing and Information Technology.
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When are the national holidays in Ireland?
- 1 January (New Year's Day)
- 17 March (St. Patrick's Day)
- Easter Monday (Easter Weekend)
- First Monday of May, June, August (Public Holidays)
- Last Monday of October (Public Holiday)
- December 25th (Christmas Day)
- December 26th (St. Stephen's Day)
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What are the time differences with Ireland?
Ireland is in GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) which means we are one hour behind Central European Time.
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Is it easy to find work in Dublin?
There are part time jobs available in Dublin. EU students will usually find work quite easily while non EU students will be required to prove they are eligible for part time work. The minimum wage in Ireland is € 7.65 per hour.
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What sport can I play in Dublin?
Just about every sport you could wish to play is available in Dublin. Ireland's national sports are part of the GAA and include Gaelic Football, Hurling, Handball and Camogie.
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What is television and radio like in Ireland?
Ireland has three television stations: RTE1 & RTE 2 are the national stations with TV3 and an all Irish station TG4. Dublin also receives most of the UK stations including Sky, BBC, UTV and Channel 4. Ireland has two main radio stations run alongside RTE1 & Network 2; Radio 1 & 2FM while Dublin has a wide variety of local and national radio stations to choose from depending on your taste in music / style.
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How can I call my friends and family from Ireland?
Ireland has three mobile phone operators: O2, Vodafone and Meteor. Each offer different tariffs for roaming calls (using your mobile phone in Ireland) and for pre paid Irish sim cards which you may or may not be able to use in your mobile. If you are bringing your mobile phone with you it is best to check with your mobile phone operator if you will be able to use an Irish sim card in your handset and which network they recommend. Students can also avail of a large number of internet and call centres located throughout the city, especially in the city centre who offer long distance calls and internet access at a very reasonable price. Nevertheless, public phones, coin or card, are plentiful in many outdoor locations all over Ireland. Local, trunk or international calls can be dialled direct from these phones. Callcards can be purchased in post offices and retail outlets and are in denominations of 10, 20, 50 and 100 units. International Reverse Charge calls or collect calls can be made from any phone. The International Operator Service number is 114 and Ireland's emergency number is 999, which is free of charge.
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What banks are in Ireland and what time do they open?
Bank of Ireland (BOI), Allied Irish Bank (AIB), Ulster Bank accept Maestro and Cirrus. EU students generally do not have to pay penalties using their ATM cards in Ireland. This varies from bank to bank. Banks in Ireland are generally open from 9am to 4pm, some banks open late on Thursdays until 5pm. Should long term students wish to open a bank account while in Dublin we can assist by giving you a letter of attendance and details of your current host family to the bank when you are opening your account.
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How do I get around Dublin if I don't have a car?
Dublin is well connected by public buses, local area trains (DART) and our new light tram system (LUAS). Students may purchase a foreign student travel ticket from Dublin Bus head office with a letter from the school which will allow them unlimited travel on Dublin Bus and Rail services. Most busses stop running at around 11pm - midnight. There is a service called Night Link which is run by Dublin Bus but student travel tickets will not cover this service. Taxis are also available for students in Dublin with over 12,000 taxis servicing the capital every day!
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What is driving like in Ireland?
In Ireland we drive on the left hand side of the road. Students bringing their cars to Ireland must abide by import laws (for more on this see www.revenue.ie). Generally people visiting Ireland with a full drivers licence may drive legally in Ireland so long as they are insured in full.
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Do I need an electrical adaptor?
The electrical voltage in Ireland is 230V, plugs in Ireland have three square pins. Students may wish to buy an adapter before they arrive in Dublin, adapters are usually readily available in most airports. Adapters are available in Ireland but you are more likely to get a UK/Ireland adapter in your own country than you are to get an adapter for your country in Ireland.
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