Key Information
Car Rental
Car rental age requirements and restrictions
Republic of Ireland
Drivers under 25 must have their full licence for at least 24 months prior to the date of rental. The minimum age to rent a vehicle is 21 years. Drivers under 25 (ie, drivers aged 21, 22, 23 or 24) are subject to an insurance surcharge of €25 per day. All drivers under 25 are liable for the first €1,200 of damage to the car (excess). The surcharge is paid when collecting the car and is not included in the quoted price.
The minimum age to be a named driver in a minivan, minibus or luxury car rental is 25 years
Climate
Ireland's climate is influenced by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream and the prevailing southwesterly winds from the Atlantic Ocean. All of which means Ireland is never exposed to extremes of weather.
The coldest months are January and February, while July and August are the warmest. Over the year it generally gets no colder than 1 degree Celsius (34F) or warmer than about 20 degrees Celsius (68F). Ireland is famous for its rain. It can rain at any time but more often in the winter and western region of the country. The annual number of days with more than 1mm of rain varies between about 150 in the drier parts and over 200 in the wetter parts of the country.
Click here for a weather forecast of County Meath
Concessions
The island of Ireland widely recognises concessions. Men and women over the age of 60 are recognised as senior citizens or old age pensioners and enjoy a variety of discounts and privileges.
Ireland’s also very student friendly with many attractions offering a reduced student rate/admission charge obtainable on the presentation of a valid student ID card.
Currency & Credit Cards
The Euro is the currency of the Republic of Ireland. One Euro consists of 100 cents.
Notes are: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500
Coins are: €2, €1, 50c. 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c
Any credits cards that bear the Visa, Mastercard or American Express symbol are widely accepted in Ireland.
Disabled Travellers
Most public places are wheelchair accessible. A useful contact for disabled travellers is National Disabilty Authority, Tel +353 (0) 1 608 0400, Email www.nda.ie
Emergency Numbers
The number for all emergency numbers is 999 or 112. The call is free but should only be used in cases of genuine emergency.
In the case of a vehicle breakdown- Contact the AA (Automobile Association) 1800 66 77 88 or RAC motoring service 0800 828 282
Getting around
Republic of Ireland
On the trains: Children under five travel free, while children from five to 15 years old pay half fare. Check out www.irishrail.ie for more information.
On the buses: Children under 16 are charged fares at such special child rates as may be specified from time to time. One child under three will be carried free if accompanied by and in the charge of a fare-paying passenger, provided that the child does not occupy a seat to the exclusion of another passenger. Check out www.buseireann.ie for more information.
Where doubt exists as to the eligibility of a child for a reduced fare, it is the responsibility of the passenger claiming the child fare to produce evidence of age.
Language
English and Irish (Gaelic) are the two offical languages of the Republic of Ireland. Street and Road signs are in both languages. In Gaeltacht (Gaelic Speaking areas) such as Rathcairn Gaelic is spoken daily. However, English is the number one way of communication.
Maps
Click to Download a map of Meath pdf, 1,927kb
Smoking Ban
The Republic of Ireland has a ban on smoking in all places of work which includes nightclubs, pubs and restaurants.
Telecommunications
Mobile Phones
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.
Pay Phones
Pre-paid phone cards are widely available both in the Republic and Northern Ireland and both are convenient and effective to use.
Telephone Codes
If calling the Republic of Ireland from abroad all telephone numbers must be prefixed with 00 353 (drop the first 0 of the local code).
Telephone Enquiries
Republic of Ireland
While in the Republic of Ireland contact: Directory Enquiries - Tel: 11850
International Directory Enquiries - Tel: 114
Golden Pages Talking - Tel: + 353 1 618 8000
Time Differences
Ireland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) which is the same as the UK but different to every other country in Europe. Clocks are put forward one hour mid-March and back one hour at the end of October.
Tips for Safety
1. Don't carry all your money together. If travelling as a couple or in a group split the money between you.
2. Don't carry more money with you than you intend to spend.
3. Be careful when using ATM (cash machines), cover the key pad when typing your Pin code.
4. If you need to carry excess cash always use a discreet money belt.
5. Don't leave luggage or valuables exposed inside a parked car.
6. Remember it is not a legal requirement to carry your passport in Ireland.
Vaccines
No vaccines are necessary when travelling to Ireland unless you are travelling from an area where there is currently a notified infectious illness.
