General
Tourist
Information
Language
Irish (Gaelic) and English are the two
‘ˆϐ‹…‹ƒŽ Žƒ‰—ƒ‰‡• ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‡’—„Ž‹… ‘ˆ
Ireland, and street and road signs are all
bilingual. In Gaeltacht areas Irish is
spoken daily, however English is spoken
by everyone. In Northern Ireland, English
‹• –Š‡ ‘ˆϐ‹…‹ƒŽ Žƒ‰—ƒ‰‡Ǥ Š‡ ”‹•Š Žƒ‰—ƒ‰‡ǡ
Gaelic, is also taught in many schools, and
summer schools. Ulster Scots, spoken in
Northern Ireland, is on the increase and
is being taught to those who are keen to
explore another facet of their national
identity.
Currency
The euro is the local currency of the
‡’—„Ž‹… ‘ˆ ”‡Žƒ†Ǥ ‡ ‡—”‘ …‘•‹•–• ‘ˆ
100 cents. Notes are €5, €10, €20, €50,
€100, €200 and €500. Coins are 1c, 2c,
5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2. In Northern
Ireland, as in the rest of the United
Kingdom, sterling is the local currency.
Stg£1 consists of 100 pence. The notes
consist of £5, £10, £20, £50 and £100. The
coins are 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and
£2. The currencies of the Republic of
Ireland and Northern Ireland are not
interchangeable.
Pubs
The legal drinking age is 18 years. Some
pubs will insist patrons are over 21 years
ƒ† …ƒ””› •‘‡ ˆ‘” ‘ˆ ‹†‡–‹ϐ‹…ƒ–‹‘Ǥ
(Legislation in the Republic of Ireland
stipulates that children under 18 years
are not allowed in premises that serve
alcohol after 21.30hrs.) Pubs are open 7
days a week, usually from 10.30hrs in the
Republic of Ireland. Closing times vary
through the week but usually range from
ʹ͵Ǥ͵ͲŠ”• ‘†ƒ› Ȃ Š—”•†ƒ› ƒ† ˆ”‘
00.30hrs Friday – Saturday. Sunday
‘’‡‹‰ Š‘—”• ƒ”‡ ͳʹǤ͵Ͳ Ȃ ʹ͵ǤͲͲŠ”•Ǥ ’‡-
ing hours in Northern Ireland are, gener-
ƒŽŽ›ǡ ͳͳǤ͵Ͳ Ȃ ʹ͵ǤͲͲŠ”• ‘†ƒ› Ǧ ƒ–—”†ƒ›
ƒ† ͳʹǤ͵Ͳ Ȃ ʹʹǤͲͲŠ”• —†ƒ›Ǥ ƒ› ’—„•
have extended opening hours, particularly
at the weekend. All pubs in the Republic
of Ireland are closed on Good Friday and
Christmas Day, and no alcohol is sold.
Climate
Ireland has a mild, temperate climate
with summer temperatures generally
ranging from 60°F/15°C to 70°F/20°C.
Temperatures in spring and autumn are
generally 50°F/10°C and in winter
between 40°F/5°C and 46°F/8°C. Snow
is rare but rain showers can occur at any
time of the year.
For up to the minute weather reports visit
erireland.com/weather
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