The Boyne Valley region on Ireland's east coast is a World Heritage Site and is probably one of the most interesting areas in Ireland to visit. The area contains some of the Europe's most significant and most spectactular prehistoric sites.
The Prehistoric inhabitants of the area built massive megalithic burial tombs and passage graves on the banks of the river Boyne and on hilltop sites such as Loughcrew. The Neolithic passage tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth are older than the Egyptian pyramids and Stonhenge by 1000 years and continue to attract huge numbers of visitors from all around the world.
When you are not fishing, there are a multitude of enjoyable ways to spend your time, Horse riding on our beaches, swimming, cycling, playing Golf, a visit to Newgrange or Trim Castle which dates back to 1176 and is the largest remaining Norman castle in Europe.You may also want to pamper yourself or your partner for the day in any of our huge number of Day Spa's. There is a Genaeology service in the Visitior centre in Trim where you can trace your Irish roots.
Car Rental
Car rental age requirements and restrictions Republic of
Ireland
Drivers under 25 must have their full licence for at
least 24 months prior to the date of rental. The minimum age to rent a
vehicle is 21 years. Drivers under 25 (ie, drivers aged 21, 22, 23 or 24)
are subject to an insurance surcharge of 25 Euro per day. All drivers under 25
are liable for the first 1,200 Euro of damage to the car (excess). The
surcharge is paid when collecting the car and is not included in the
quoted price.The minimum age to be a named driver in a minivan, minibus or
luxury car rental is 25 years .
Climate
Ireland's climate is influenced by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream and the prevailing southwesterly winds from the Atlantic Ocean. All of which means Ireland is never exposed to extremes of weather.
The coldest months are January and February, while July and August are the warmest. Over the year it generally gets no colder than 1 degree Celsius (34F) or warmer than about 20 degrees Celsius (68F). Ireland is famous for its rain. It can rain at any time but more often in the winter and western region of the country. The annual number of days with more than 1mm of rain varies between about 150 in the drier parts and over 200 in the wetter parts of the country.
Click here for a weather forecast of County Meath
Concessions
The island of Ireland widely recognises concessions. Men and women over the age of 60 are recognised as senior citizens or old age pensioners and enjoy a variety of discounts and privileges.
Ireland’s also very student friendly with many attractions offering a reduced student rate/admission charge obtainable on the presentation of a valid student ID card.
Currency and Credit Cards
The Euro is the currency of the Republic of Ireland. One Euro consists
of 100 cents.
Notes are: 5 Euro, 10 Euro, 20 Euro, 50 Euro, 100 Euro, 200 Euro and
500 Euro
Coins are: 2 Euro, 1 Euro, 50c. 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c
Any credits cards that bear the Visa, Mastercard or American Express symbol are widely accepted in Ireland.
Disabled Travellers
Most public places are wheelchair accessible. A useful contact for disabled travellers is National Disabilty Authority, Tel +353 (0) 1 608 0400 For More Information, click on the link below
Emergency Numbers
The number for all emergency numbers is 999 or 112. The call is free but should only be used in cases of genuine emergency.
In the case of a vehicle breakdown- Contact the AA (Automobile Association) 1800 66 77 88 or RAC motoring service 0800 828 282
Getting around
Republic of Ireland
On the trains: Children under
five travel free, while children from five to 15 years old pay half fare.
For more information click on the link below
On the buses: Children under 16 are charged fares at such special child rates as may be specified from time to time. One child under three will be carried free if accompanied by and in the charge of a fare-paying passenger, provided that the child does not occupy a seat to the exclusion of another passenger. For More Information, click on the link below
Where doubt exists as to the eligibility of a child for a reduced fare,
it is the responsibility of the passenger claiming the child fare to
produce evidence of age.
Language
English and Irish (Gaelic) are the two offical languages of the
Republic of Ireland. Street and Road signs are in both languages. In
Gaeltacht (Gaelic Speaking areas) such as Rathcairn Gaelic is spoken
daily. However, English is the number one way of communication.
Smoking Ban
The Republic of Ireland has a ban on smoking in all places of work which includes nightclubs, pubs and restaurants.
Telecommunications
Mobile Phones
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.
Pay Phones
Pre-paid phone cards are widely
available both in the Republic and Northern Ireland and both are
convenient and effective to use.
Telephone Codes
If calling the Republic of Ireland from abroad all telephone numbers must be prefixed with 00 353 (drop the first 0 of the local code).
Telephone Enquiries
Republic of Ireland
While in the Republic of
Ireland contact: Directory Enquiries - Tel: 11850
International
Directory Enquiries - Tel: 114
Golden Pages Talking - Tel: + 353 1 618
8000
Time Differences
Ireland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) which is the same as the UK but different to every other country in Europe. Clocks are put forward one hour mid-March and back one hour at the end of October.
Tips for Safety
1. Don't carry all your money together. If travelling
as a couple or in a group split the money between
you.
2. Don't carry more money with you than you
intend to spend.
3. Be careful when using ATM (cash
machines), cover the key pad when typing your Pin
code.
4. In Busy Cities carry a copy of the local
newspaper underyour arm, Locals will think you are also local and leave
you alone.
5. Don't leave luggage or valuables exposed
inside a parked car.
6. Remember it is not a legal
requirement to carry your passport in Ireland.
Vaccines
No vaccines are necessary when travelling to Ireland unless you are travelling from an area where there is currently a notified infectious illness.