General Information

Dublin was founded by the Vikings in 841, it is Ireland’s capital city, steeped in history and buzzing with energy. Medieval, Georgian and modern architecture provide a backdrop to a friendly cosmopolitan city. Dublin is a thriving centre for culture and is home to a great musical and literary tradition, its native sons include Shaw, Yeats, Joyce, Wilde and Beckett.

The city’s attractions include castles, museums, art galleries, pubs and cafes. Within half an hour of the city are mountain walks, stately homes and gardens, numerous golf courses, sandy beaches and fishing villages.

Dublin - UNESCO City of Literature

Dublin is the birthplace of James Joyce and Nobel Literature Prize winners William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett. UNESCO recognizes Dublin as a City of Literature, reflecting the city’s rich tradition of writers and writing, a city with words at its heart – in its river, Joyce’s Anna Livia – in its conversations, its streets and its storytelling. Dublin pays tribute to it literary heritage in the many fine statues of writers which grace the city, notably Wilde, Joyce, Shaw and many others. Streets and bridges, the newest of which is named after Samuel Beckett, also commemorate Dublin literary greats. Whether you want to visit the city’s landmarks, its literary pubs, and bookshops, take a guided tour or see new work performed, Dublin won’t disappoint.

The city’s attractions include castles, museums, art galleries, pubs and cafes. Within half an hour of the city are mountain walks, stately homes and gardens, sandy beaches and fishing villages. Dublin is a vivacious and welcoming capital. It has great transport links so delegates will find travelling here easy and the compactness of the city means it’s only a leisurely walk to your next stop. It is well renowned for its friendliness and generous hospitality so visitors won’t be disappointed. There is one major international airport in Dublin, situated approximately 10km north of the city center.

A city of fine Georgian buildings, Dublin has excellent shops, museums, art galleries, antique shops and a range of pubs and restaurants. It has four major theatres, including the world famous Abbey theatre, concert facilities, art galleries and cinemas.

Temperature

Ireland enjoys a temperate climate, with (until recently) mild winters and relatively cool summers. Mean daily temperature in May is 17 °C. Dublin enjoys reasonable sunshine and rain belts reaching the east coast are frequently light and generally clear within a few hours. However it is always wise when travelling to Ireland to pack rain gear or an umbrella.

Shopping

Dublin has a busy city centre shopping area around Grafton Street and Henry Street. There is a huge range of products to bring home – from traditional Irish hand-made crafts to international designer labels. Things to buy: woollen knits, tweeds, crystal, Claddagh rings, pottery, silver and music. Shopping hours are from 9.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Saturday, with shops open until 8.00pm on Thursdays, and many shops open from 2.00pm – 6.00pm on Sunday.

Insurance

The Conference Organising Committee or its agents will not be responsible for any medical expenses, loss or accidents incurred during the conference. Delegates are strongly advised to arrange their own personal insurance to cover medical and other expenses including accident or loss. Where a delegate has to cancel for medical reasons, the normal cancellation policy will apply. It is recommended that citizens from EU countries bring with them a current EHIC card.

Tax Refunds

Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged at 21% on most goods. Cash back is the simplest and most widely used VAT refund service that issues cash refunds on departure for a handling fee. Ask for cash back form when you make your purchase.

Tipping

A small tip is appreciated for good service. Tipping is not usual in pubs and bars. Tip cabs 10% and porters 60c per bag.

Currency

The currency in Ireland is the Euro.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards are widely accepted.

Smoking Policy

Under Irish law smoking is not permitted in pubs, restaurants, hotel lobbies and all enclosed public buildings.

Electricity

240 volts

Time

From March to October, Ireland operates on GMT.

What to Pack

Include jeans and casual wear. Smart dress for the gala dinner. Rainwear and comfortable shoes are advised.