General Info Further Details
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Banks & Currency
The Euro (€) is the currency in use in Ireland. Visa and Master Card are all widely accepted in pubs, shops and restaurants throughout the country. Traveller’s cheques can be cashed at most hotels and banks. Bank Opening Hours – Mon, Tues & Fri 10.00-16.00; Wed 10.30-16.00; Thurs 10.00-17.00hr The hotel at present offers an ATM within its premises, but there will also be some limited currency exchange facilities should you require.
Climate
Mild and temperate (showers can occur any time of the year.) August weather can be variable. Temperatures range from 18 – 24 °C
Clothing
Delegates are reminded of Ireland’s variable weather (It is why we are so lush and green!) During the congress we would recommend standard neat attire.. Jeans and casual wear is appropriate but we would ask that if you are attending any tours- ensure to have comfortable shoes and a rain jacket. The Dinner will be smart evening wear (not black tie)
Electricity
Electric Current: 240 Volts AV Plug type: 3 large flat prong British type plug. BS1363 system.
Insurance
All congress attendees are advised to arrange private travel insurance. The congress organisers and committee accept no liability for personal accidents or damage to property while in attendance at the conference. The Organising Committee of 30th IALP reserves the right to amend and alter the conference programme and events without prior notice and accepts no liability as a result of such actions.
Language
The official language of the congress is English.
Shopping
General opening hours are Monday-Saturday from 09.00-18.00 with later opening hours on Thursday evenings. Most major stores/shops open on Sunday – some with reduced opening times from 10.30 to 18.00. The main shopping districts are in Grafton Street and Henry Street. One of the largest shopping centres is in Dundrum Town Centre shopping village http://www.dundrum.ie/ Kildare Shopping Village is a designer outlet centre www.kildarevillage.com located about 35 minutes’ drive from Dublin city.
Smoking
Ireland has a strict ban on smoking. Smoking is prohibited in public areas within Ireland including all bars, nightclubs and restaurants. If required you should enquire whether your accommodation bedroom is a smoking or non-smoking room. Please use the smoking areas designated outside venues.
Tax Refunds
Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged at 23% on most goods when purchased in a store. Click the link to read more about whether you can claim and the process https://www.shoptaxfree.com/tourists/vat-explained/
Tipping
Tipping is a generally accepted practice in restaurants, bars, taxis and hotel porters. A service charge may be included in some restaurants and should be stated on the menu, but otherwise this is a discretionary item.
Telecommunications/ Cell Phones
For international delegates, only digital phones with GSM subscriptions and a roaming agreement will work on the island of Ireland. Visitors should consult with their supplier before departure. Networks widely available are O2, Vodafone and Meteor. The country code for dialling Ireland is +353