Population density remains low, only Dublin can claim true city
status on a worldwide scale, and its population of 1.2 million is far
The total population of the island is around 5 million.
Life in the country often seems untouched by time, the pace of life
is noticeably slower. This coupled with the natural friendliness of the
people means Ireland is a place where one can truly relax.
Ireland is an island of 84,288 sq. km (32,544 miles). At its longest
it measures 485km (302miles), and at its widest it measures 304km (189
The highest mountain is Carrantuohill coming in at 1,040 metres(
The longest river is the Shannon stretching for some 370 kms (230
miles) to the Atlantic.
The largest lake is Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland.
The island is divided into four provinces
- Ulster (9 counties) is in the north
- Munster (6 counties) is in the south
- Leinster (12 counties) is in the east and
- Connacht (5 counties) is in the west.
Time in Ireland is as GMT.
Ireland has a temperate climate, winters are not very cold and
summers not very warm.
The influence of the sea, and Ireland's island nature mean that
visits are possible at any time of the year.
Average temperatures in the coldest months of January and February
are 4oC rising to between 17oC and 20oC
in the summer months of July and August, it is during this time that
tourism is at its peak.
The brightest months are May and June. Rain can be expected at any
time of year, the driest part of the island is the greater Dublin area
on the east coast.
Ireland has two official languages, Gaelic and English.
English is the everyday language used by the vast majority of the
Small communities do exist where Irish is the spoken language; these
are mostly restricted to the western side of the country.
Mains electricity is supplied at 220 Volts (50 cycles). Plugs are
flat with three pins. An adapter is needed to convert to the right plug
A transformer is needed to convert American appliances (except for
dual-voltage equipment which needs only an adapter).
In most hotels and restaurants a service charge of 10-15% is added to
the bill. A small tip is appreciated for good service.
Tipping is not usual in pubs, except when you are served at your
Cabs are tipped 10%.
Telephone tones and their significance vary from country to country.
These are the tones used throughout the island of Ireland:
- Dial Tone - a continuous high pitched tone
- Ringing Tone - a repeated double beat tone (burr-burr)
- Engaged Tone - a high pitched, broken tone (beep-beep-beep).
Public Phones in Ireland
There are public telephones in many outdoor locations, as well as in
Telecentres, public buildings - including rail and bus stations, shops,
pubs, restaurants and hotels. Local, trunk and international calls can
be dialled direct from these phones.
Telecom Eireann, the national phone company, has introduced
Cardphones in cities and towns throughout Ireland. Cards can be
purchased in Telecentres as well as post offices and retail outlets,
displaying the Callcard sign.
Cards can be purchased in 10, 20, 50 and 100 unit denominations.
Operating instructions are displayed in each kiosk or on the payphone
For location of Cardphones and Callcard Agents ring Freefone 1800 250
A list of all Irish regional codes and International direct dialling
codes is contained in the front of the telephone directory.
International Credit Cards
Credit cards from most countries are accepted by the international
telephone exchange for costs incurred by calls back to the country in
which the card was issued.
In case of emergency, Dial 999 and ask the operator for the emergency
service you require: Fire, Gardaν (Police), Ambulance, boat and coastal
Rescue, Mountain and Cave rescue.
When the emergency service answers, state the address or location at
which help is needed.
Calls to these services are free of charge.
The Irish Pound (or Punt), is made up of 100 pence. Please check with
your bank for rates of exchange.
Punts can be purchased at foreign exchange departments at your local
bank or at any bank in Ireland (including those located at airports
which are open for all flight arrivals).
ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) are located at most banks and most
accept major credit cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard, as well as
Plus and Cirrus debit cards.