| General Information |
DUBLIN AIRPORT
Delegates should ensure when booking flights to Ireland that they book to arrive in Dublin Airport. For information about Dublin airport please visit http://www.dublinairport.com
Dublin Airport Information – Tel + 353 (0) 1 814 1111
For flight information at Dublin Airport visit http://www.dublinairport.com/gns/flight-information/overview.aspx
VISAS AND PASSPORTS*** Please ensure to Read!
Passports - European Union citizens do not require a passport or visa to enter Ireland, but most carriers by air or sea require some form of identification with photograph (usually either a passport or National Identity Card.) Visitors are advised to check what form of ID is required with the individual airline, tour operator or travel agent before travelling.
Visas - Visitors from other countries do require a passport, and it is wise to check with your travel operator whether your originating country requires a visa. Ensure to discuss with your travel agent and review the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland website for full information http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=8777
If you require a visa you may request a letter of booking confirmation from the conference desk once payment is completed in full for registration. No letter will be issued prior to full registration being completed. It is advisable that you have booked and paid for accommodation for the duration of your stay and request a confirmation of this through your hotel. This should be included with your visa application.
Note that VISA applications can take 6+ weeks for Ireland - ensure that you have left ample time.
1. Do I need a visa http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=8777
2. To apply using the Online AVATS process https://www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx
Before beginning the online process you should have the following information to hand:
1. Passport and details of any previous passports – number, date of issue/expiry
2. Details of any previous Irish visa applications
3. Contact details for your host in Ireland
4. Itinerary
Following submission of your online application using AVATS, note that you will also be required to submit a signed summary of your application form, original passport, passport-sized colour photograph, the relevant fee, and all supporting documents, to the relevant Irish Embassy/Consulate/Visa Office per your application procedures.
When you complete AVATS there will be a website shown on the printed summary of your application form for details of the appropriate office, the fee payable, and the method of payment accepted. Please ensure that you read the visa information contained on the website www.inis.gov.ie and their provided Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
TRAVEL TO THE CONFERENCE VENUE and throughout the City and Country
The conference venue, Chartered Accountants House is located on Pearse Street #47 - 49, within the heart of Dublin City Centre.
Aircoach
The Aircoach service operates a service from Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre and return.
Further details available at http://www.aircoach.ie
DART and Rail
Both the DART and mainline train provide an excellent service from many parts of Dublin. Pearse St. DART and rail station is directly across the street, while Connolly, Tara St. and Grand Canal are all a short walk away. An option may be to park at one of the suburban DART/rail stations and in most cases parking is available at the various stations along the route.
Arriving at Pearse .Station you will exit onto Westland Row, turn right and at the junction of Westland Row and Pearse St and you will see the glass façade Chartered Accountants House to your right on the opposite side of the street.
Intercity Trains
One of the capital's two mainline stations is located at Connolly Station for rail services to Belfast, Rosslare/Wexford and Sligo. Connolly station also serves DART and suburban train services to Howth and Balbriggan in the north and Bray and Arklow in the south.
Direct bus services link Connolly with Dublin's other mainline station, Heuston.
www.irishrail.ie
LUAS
The nearest Luas stop is at Connolly Station, this is now the terminus for Luas Red Line services. From early 2010 Luas will be operating a new service directly to Spencer Dock which will leave you just a short walk across the new Samuel Beckett pedestrian bridge to Chartered Accountants House. An option may be to park at the Red Cow 'park and ride' facility and take the Luas to Spencer Dock.
For further information on travel times and connection points visit: www.dart.ie , www.luas.ie
DUBLIN BUS
Dublin Bus offers a high frequency services from all over Dublin to within a 10 minute walk of the Chartered Accountants House. Routes 1, 2, 3, all operate to Pearse St. while a range of buses including the 4, 10, 11, 46A, 145 operate to College Green/Trinity area which is a 10 minute walk to Chartered Accountants House.
Full timetable details can be found on www.dublinbus.ie
Taxi Service
Hailing a taxi on Pearse St. will usually be your quickest and easiest option if you are traveling that bit further than the city centre, however there are a number of taxi ranks nearby including outside Pearse St. station and a short walk away on Dame St near Trinity College.
Another option is order a taxi
•National Radio Cabs - 01 677 2222
•Xpert Digi Taxis - 01 667 0777
There are a large number of taxi services available in the city centre. Taxis from the airport to the city centre are readily available outside the Arrivals Hall. Ensure to only travel in a registered taxi - they will have their taxi license displayed on the dashboard. Taxis are readily available all over the city with listed Taxi ranks in most main tourism areas.
Bicycles
Dublin is one of many European cities that offer a bike sharing scheme for its many visitors and residents. You will see throughout the city centre the dbs or Dublin bikes parked throughout the capital. For information on how to hire visit www.dublinbikes.ie These are a fun way to explore Dublin.
Car Hire
Hertz Car Hire www.hertz.ie and Avis Car Hire www.avis.ie , both are located at Dublin Airport and have locations within Dublin city centre.
OTHER DETAILS
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 10:00-17:00
Climate
Mild and temperate (showers can occur any time of the year.)
March temperatures can range from lows of 4 degrees C to high of 11. It has been known to snow in previous years!
Electricity
Electric Current: 240 Volts AV
Plug type: 3 large flat prong British type plug. BS1363 system.
Insurance
All attendees are advised to arrange private travel insurance. The meeting organisers and committee accept no liability for personal accidents or damage to property while in attendance at the event. The Organising Committee of reserves the right to amend and alter the meeting programme and events without prior notice and accepts no liability as a result of such actions.
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.
Smoking
Ireland has introduced a 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.
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.
