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Active Language Learning - About Ireland

Ireland is an Island of 84,288 km2. She is divided into four provinces of Leinster (12 counties) Ulster (3 counties) Connacht (5 counties) and Munster (6 counties). The population of these four provinces is approximately 3.5 million.

Irish Climate

Climate in winter is mild and temperature in summer due to the prevailing southwesterly winds and the influence of the warm waters of the North Atlantic Drift. The coldest months of the year are December, January and February when the temperature averages around 4°C. June, July and August are the warmest months with temperatures around 17°C to 25°C. Ireland's wettest area is the west with between 1,000 mm and 1,300 mm of rain annually. Dublin and its coastal strip is the driest area of Ireland with annual rainfall of less than 750 mm. Light rain jackets are recommended throughout the summer months and a heavier more substantial coat for the winter period.

Transport to and from Ireland

Transport to and from Ireland is served by a range of regular and comfortable surface and air services, which require advanced bookings especially in the peak holiday season when many services operate to full or near full capacity. During the Easter and Christmas periods early advantage bookings are essential. The main air and sea services are as follows:

By air: Dublin Airport From: Britain, Europe and North America
Shannon Airport from: Britain, Europe and North America
Cork Airport from: Britain and Europe

By sea: Rosslare From: Le Havre and Cherbourg (France)
Cork From: Le Havre and Roscoff (France)

Dublin Transport

Internal transport service in Dublin is served by DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit), an electric rail service, serving the coastal commuter belt around Dublin from Howth on the northside to Bray on the south. Also a substantial commuter bus operates throughout the City. Dun Laoghaire has no less than nine bus services running throughout its general area. There is a regular and easily accessible taxi service available and its based on metered mileage but is a lot more expensive than public transport. There are several car hire companies available on request.

Irish Currency

Currency in Ireland is the Euro €. It is divided into 100 cents (100c). Currency notes are issued in values of €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10 and €5. Coins are issued to the value of 200c (€2) €2, €1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, and 1c. The Euro came into use in Ireland in January 2002.

Banks in Ireland

Banks in Ireland are open from Monday to Friday 10.00 to 16.00 hours and open until 17.00 on Thursdays. Cash dispensers are widely available throughout the country. There are a limited number of Bureau de Change outlets but tend to be more expensive with charges. Most credit cards are accepted in Ireland.

Public Holidays in Ireland

Public Holidays in Ireland are New Year's Day (1 January); St. Patrick's Day (17 March - if it falls on a Sunday the following Monday is a public Holiday); Good Friday; Easter Monday, first Monday in June and August, last Monday in October, Christmas Day (25 December); St. Stephen's Day (26 December).

Public Phones in Ireland

Public phones, coin or card, are plentiful in many outdoor locations all over Ireland. Local, trunk or international calls can be dialled direct from these phones. Callcards can be purchased in School Office, post offices and retail outlets and are in denominations of 10, 20, 50 and 100 units. International Reverse Charge calls or collect calls can be made from any phone. The International Operator Service number is 114 and Ireland's emergency number is 999, which is free of charge.

Shopping in Ireland

Shopping in Ireland with its many exciting and distinctive products offers the visitor items ranging from the highly sophisticated and contemporary to the traditional. Things to buy in Ireland include Irish hand-woven tweed, linen, lace, knitwear, glass, pottery and silver.

Television and Media

Television and Media in Ireland is served by 4 national television stations RTE1, RT2, TV3 and TnaG. With the influence of cable there is up to 20 channels available at any one time. There are also foreign channels broadcasting news and current affairs every day. The Irish Times and the Irish Independent are the two main national newspapers. Foreign newspapers can be bought at main outlets daily.

Irish Industry

Industry is centred on 4 main areas. Tourism would be very high on the agenda also Agriculture, Fishing and Information Technology.