Ireland is one of the best kept secrets in Europe. With dramatic
coastland, misty mountains and lush, green valleys, you can lose
yourself in its inspiring wilderness. Cormorants skim the surface of the
glacial lakes of Kilarney National Park, while lonely fishing villages
cling to the coastal downs of the Connemara hinterland. Stand on the
Dingle Peninsula as the mighty Atlantic crashes on the rocks below and
look out over thousands of miles of untamed ocean to the far off coast
of America.
For all its natural beauty, the heart and soul of
Ireland lies in its pubs. The uninhibited enthusiasm and warmth of the
Irish hosts – helped by the lively music and the steady flow of cider
and Guinness – are the memories that live longest with most visitors to
the island. Whether you opt for the city nightlife of Dublin or Belfast,
the sophisticated pleasures of Cork or the charming, historical pubs of
Derry or medieval Kilkenny, you’ll soon feel right at home.
This
attitude translates easily into business, with meetings generally
relaxed and friendly affairs. Relationships are important but don’t take
so long to build – you’re trustworthy until proven otherwise.
Once
your affairs have been concluded, get out beyond the cities and explore
the country’s heritage. The Neolithic passages at Brú na Bóinne, an
ancient complex of burial tombs, are a thousand years older than
Stonehenge, while the Dun Aengus hill fort is worthy of a visit for the
desolate beauty of wildflowers blooming atop jagged coastal cliffs.
Getting there
Cork, Dublin and
Shannon are the main international airports and cheap tickets are
generally available on budget carriers. Irish Ferries and Brittany
Ferries operate sea routes between France and the British mainland
respectively.
Getting around
Distances
are short but public transport is infrequent and expensive. Car rental
is a considerable advantage in getting around. The train and bus
networks are comfortable but limited, while regular ferries service some
of the smaller islands off the coast.
Local information
Language: English, Irish Gaelic
Time: UTC
Climate: Temperate. Warm summers, cool
winters, rainfall throughout the year. Temperature: Max 20°C (July),
Min 2°C (January). Rainfall: Max 75mm (August), Min 40mm (April)
Currency: Euro
Business etiquette: Suits are
generally worn. Appointments are usually required but business meetings
are generally relaxed. Shake hands with everybody at a meeting and be
sure to smile. Avoid direct confrontation; humour is used to avoid
potentially difficult situations.
Tipping:
Tipping is not widely practiced.
Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco;
1l alcoholic beverage above 22 percent or 2l alcoholic beverage below
22 percent; 2l of table wine; 60ml of perfume; 250ml of eau de
toilette.
Safety: Crime in
Ireland is generally low, though incidents of petty theft, fraud and car
crime are rising in Dublin and some other urban areas.
Laws: It is illegal to smoke in
places of employment including pubs and restaurants.
Healthcare: Vaccination for tetanus
required. Excellent medical facilities available, European citizens get
free healthcare with an EHIC card. Travellers from beyond the EU may be
charged and are advised to take out health insurance.
Socket type: Type G
