General Information
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 - Wed & Fri 10.00-16.00
Thurs 10.00-17.00
Climate
May in Dublin is considered to have mild, sunny weather. Showers can occur at any time of the year. The average daytime temperature is estimated to be about 15°C. Evening lows average at about 7°C.
Electricity
Electric Current: 240 Volts AV
Plug type:
3 large flat prong UK type plug. BS1363 system.
Photography
Delegates are advised that there is a possibility that attendees will be photographed during the HOPE 2025 Congress. Photographs may be used by the organisers to promote this and future events.
For those who do not wish to be filmed during the conference, please make yourself known to the photographer or to the onsite registration desk.
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. All rooms are assumed non-smoking unless requested.
Please use the smoking areas designated outside venues.
Tipping
Tipping is a generally accepted practice in restaurants, bars with table service, 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.
Mobile 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 Three, Vodafone and Eir Mobile.
VISAS & PASSPORTS
Passports
Currently UK citizens do not require a passport or visa to enter Ireland, but all carriers by air or sea require some form of identification with photograph (usually either a passport or drivers licence with photograph). Visitors are advised to check what form of ID is required with the individual airline, tour operator or travel agent before travelling. Visitors from all other countries, including European Union countries, must present their passport to enter Ireland.
Visas
Visitors from many countries also require a visa to enter Ireland. It is essential to check with your travel operator whether your originating country requires a visa. Please discuss this with your travel operator and review the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland website for full information.
Please note that a Schengen visa or UK visa is not valid for travel to Ireland
If you require a visa you may request a letter of booking confirmation from the conference registration 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 book and pay for accommodation for the duration of your stay at the same time as your registration as confirmation of your accommodation should also be included with your visa application.
Note that visa applications can take a minimum of 6+ weeks for Ireland – please ensure that you apply in time to attend the conference.
You can apply for a visa using the online AVATS process.
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 visa application using AVATS, please 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. Further information is available here.