Q. Do I need a Visa to visit Ireland or other European Union countries?
A You do not need a Visa or other permit if staying abroad in Europe for less than three months. You must hold a current valid US Passport.
Q Is it easy to travel between Dublin and other European Capital cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin and Rome?
A It is both easy and inexpensive. Most capitals in Europe are easily reached within a two-hour flight and there are many low-cost flights out of Dublin airport.
Q Can I travel freely within the European Union during my stay in Ireland?
A You can travel freely within the European Union with your US Passport.
Q What is the legal age for the consumption of Alcohol in Ireland.
A You can legally buy and drink Alcohol at 18 years. You should carry an I.D. when going for a drink. Many pubs in Ireland have an over 21 policy which means that they will not serve alcohol to people under 21 years of age. Again, you should carry an I.D. to establish your age.
Q What is the national language in Ireland?
A The official language is Irish but English is the language of everyday usage. All street signs and public notices appear in both English and Irish.
Q What is the currency in Ireland?
A The currency is the Euro. Ireland is a member of the Euro zone within the European Union.
Q What is the population of Ireland?
A Estimates state that there are approx. 4.24 million people currently living in Ireland and about 1.45million live in the city of Dublin.
Q I hear that it rains a lot in Ireland. What is the weather like?
A The weather of Ireland and the British isles is very similar. Since it is an island the weather never reaches extremes, as it does inland in the USA. Of the isles, Ireland gets the most rainfall. Around here they call it soft weather. This however is what gives the country its famous beautifully green countryside. Winter and spring see the most rainfall and April is traditionally a pretty rainy month with as much rain as not. The summer months are pleasant, with about 6 hours of sunshine a day and an average temperature around 20-23centigrade, or about 80-85F. One could actually make a close comparison to the weather of the Pacific Northwest in the United States, though Ireland gets more sun in the summer. One thing to watch out for is the wind. Often times the wind will accompany the rain, so when buying an umbrella, make sure it is sturdy.
Q What do I have to do to open up a bank account when I arrive?
A For a stay of under six weeks it is not necessary to open a bank account. However, for a longer stay you have to prove your residency in Ireland so the first priority is to get a letter from the college confirming your address. If you are a student at GCD and are living on campus, you can have the college issue you a letter of proof of residency. This document will have your new on campus Dublin address as well as your parents’ or permanent address in the states on it.
If you decide to live off campus, another way is to contact your bank and have them send you a bank statement from your bank back in the States. This statement must have your current Dublin address and US address on it as well. If you have a joint account with a parent or spouse they could arrange this and mail the statement to you.
After you have received your college issued document or bank statement, go to the bank and simply show them this statement and an official government issued I.D (i.e. driver’s license or passport) and you’re set.
Q I’m an outdoorsy type and like to enjoy the country side. Is there any decent hiking around there?
A Indeed, just south of the city is the Wicklow Way, a 120km hike running through the Wicklow Mountains. Of course there are shorter trails available, but this is certainly a great way to take in some of the natural beauty that Ireland has to offer.
Q How old is Dublin?
A Very old. Dublin’s official date of establishment was in 988 A.D. although evidence of its existence dates back to the second century in which it was named Eblana. Vikings were the first settlers of the city, and many artefacts, old walls and buildings have been uncovered on the first site, Wood Quay, in the present city centre.
Q Is Dublin a safe city?
A Cities, being cities, will naturally have a higher crime rate than the country side. However, Dublin is a safe destination for the visitor but obviously you should exercise normal common-sense. . If you find yourself in the situation where you can’t catch a cab and have to walk home, just stay to the main well-lit streets and you will be fine. Be smart. Don’t go walking the back streets at night by yourself.
One thing to note is that the police - Garda do not carry firearms.
Q Is the city bicycle friendly?
A Yes. There are bike lanes on all of the main streets. If you’re riding, get yourself a reflecting waist and shoulder band and a helmet.
Q What about sports? What is this hurling I keep hearing about?
A Hurling is the fastest field-sport in the world. You really just have to see it to truly understand.
