Home » FAQS

FAQS

  • top

    Will Authentic Ireland be able to help me after I arrive in Ireland?

    Yes! Authentic Ireland offers you 5-star travel assistance & support while you are in Ireland. If you’re lost, give us a call and we’ll direct you to your accommodations.  If you need to make a change, call us.  One of our agents, your personal consultant, is always available to you.  At Authentic Ireland we treat each of our clients as if they were a Gold Club member, regardless of the tour you choose. We take the trust you’ve placed in us seriously.  You have entrusted us with your greatest gift—your time.
  • top

    Are there any extra costs with my Ireland travel package?

    No. With Authentic Ireland, you’ll be guaranteed the price of your accommodations and car rental, lodgings or bus tours, and excursions. There are no hidden charges or surprises.
  • top

    What should you pack?

    Pack sweaters, comfortable clothes, and perhaps a rain poncho and/or umbrella.  The best way to stay warm is to dress in layers.  When the sun blasts through a gray sky, you want to peel off that sweater and soak up the sun wearing a t-shirt.  If you’re hiking, pack shoes you’ve worn for a while.  This is no time for sore feet!  If you’re going to a spa destination, casual but classy is always a safe bet.  Be yourself and wear what makes you comfortable.  Ireland is a casual country.
  • top

    What is the time in Ireland?

    Ireland is in the same time zone as the UK (GMT) - 5 hours ahead of NY, and 8 hours ahead of CA.  (Truthfully, Ireland has its own time zone.  We just haven’t come up with a way to put it on our clocks yet.)
  • top

    Is Ireland safe?

    Ireland is most likely the safest country in Europe.  As in any large city, you should be aware of your surroundings in some parts of Dublin, especially at night.  Violent crimes in Ireland against tourists are so rare as to be almost non-existent.
  • top

    Do I need a passport?

    Yes! Make sure your passport is up-to-date in advance of your departure date.  Your passport should not expire within 6 months of your return date. If it does, you will need to renew it before traveling to Ireland. Again, we want our customers relaxed, not stressed out before they’ve even left home! Customs is extremely easy when passing from theUS, Canada, or UK into Ireland.
  • top

    Where can I smoke in Ireland?

    Smoking is no longer permitted in public places.  This comes as a great relief to many visitors who are accustomed to this practice at home. It gives you many more options, particularly spending late nights atpubs.  And all are smoke-free!
  • top

    Do you offer travel insurance?

    Yes! As the old saying goes, “Life is what happens when you’re busy makingother plans.”  In case your trip has to be postponed, travel insurancecovers you.  Authentic Ireland is proud to be partnered with theleading travel insurer.  Their rates are affordable, and a small priceto pay for peace of mind. We want you to relax when you’re here, have agreat time, and then come back again! We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance to protect your health while in Ireland as most foreign health insurance companies will not cover you should you require medical treatment. More information on our travel insurance here.
  • top

    What will the weather be like?

    "You know it's summer in Ireland when the rain gets warmer." - Hal Roach

    We can count on one thing:  There is a general pattern of seasons, but we are a country of idiosyncrasies, and weather is surely one of them. The hottest days of the year may occur in April or October.  The coolest may be in June. There’s a very large upside to this:  If your schedule allows you to travel off-season, do so!  Air flights are aterrific bargain in the spring and fall.
  • top

    Where can I find internet access?

    To find internet service, check out cybercaptive and cybercafe. The internet is not as widely used in Europe as it is in America, but you will rarely be far from someplace you can get on the net and check your messages.  More hotels and cafes are wi-fi hot spots.  Remember: Bring a connection kit of the right power, phone-plug adapters and aspare Ethernet cable.  You can buy international converters--so you cancharge your phone or laptop--on Amazon.com and most computer stores in the US.  You can also get them in many stores in Ireland.  We think it’s best to get what you need before you leave home!
  • top

    Will my cell/ mobile phone work in Ireland?

    All UK/ European mobile phones will work in Ireland. Some US cell phones and US cell phone companies provide service inIreland.  Call your service provider and ask them to activate a feature called International Roaming.  If it’s not available, and even if itis, sometimes it’s easier and much cheaper to rent a cell phone for your trip.   It’s best to rent the phone before you leave home.  A rental allows you to pay in-country rates—considerably cheaper.  Authentic Ireland is happy to rent you a phone and mail it to you before your departure.  You can also buy temporary phones in some of the larger stores.
  • top

    What is the best way to exchange money?

    Some people like to change their money into Euros before they arrive in Ireland.  You’ll be paying a fee for this, so if you choose to do so, don’t exchange very much.  (It costs money to convert it back intodollars!)  Your best option is to use ATM machines.  They are plentiful, and their rates are good.  Walk into any bank—they also have good rates.  The worse exchange rates are at the front desk of a hotel.
  • top

    How do I get the best value for my euro in Ireland?

    Live like a local.  You know this is true at home, and it’s also true when you travel.  A handy tip:  If you feel like having a picnic oreating in, order your food “take-away.”  Food you take out costs less than the same food while sitting down to eat.  Many places have take-away, and you’ll find this a good bargain.  Eat local dairy products, beef, fresh and fabulous vegetables, and steaming pub chowder.  This is a country that loves food.  Go where the locals go,including the grocery store.  You’ll save money and you’ll eat very well!
Data Recovery