- Emergencies
- 112. 112 or 999 reaches the Gardaí (police), ambulance, fire and coast guard from any phone. For small things, a pharmacy is the first stop.
- Tipping
- Not expected in pubs. In restaurants with table service about 10–12.5% is usual, unless a service charge is already on the bill. No cover charge. Tap water is free if you ask. In pubs you order and pay at the bar.
- Cards and cash
- Cards and phone payments work almost everywhere, even in small pubs and shops. Euros. Use bank ATMs, and pay in euros when a card machine offers your home currency.
- Phone
- An eSIM bought before you go is usually the cheapest data; most 'Europe' plans include Ireland (check). Three, Vodafone and Eir sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at Dublin Airport.
- Plugs
- Type G, 230 V. Three square pins (Type G), the same as the UK. Australian and NZ plugs are Type I, so bring an adapter.
- Tourist tax
- No tourist tax on beds in Ireland (check).
- Book the busy sights
- The Book of Kells at Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse sell timed tickets online, and summer slots go early; booking ahead is also usually cheaper.
- Rain and wind any month
- Expect showers in every season, especially in the west. Layers and a rain jacket matter more than a warm coat.
- Rounds in the pub
- In a group, people take turns buying a round of drinks; join in, or say early on that you'll get your own.
- Pub food and music
- Pub kitchens often stop serving by about 9pm. Traditional music sessions are usually free and start around 9 or 9.30pm.
- Getting around Dublin
- A Leap Visitor Card or a Leap Card costs less than cash fares on buses, Luas trams and DART trains; Dublin buses don't give change (check).
- Traffic drives on the left
- Look right first when crossing the road. Country roads are narrow and winding, so allow extra time if you drive.
