Local Knowledge
Telephone
Dialing Codes
Country code for the Republic of Ireland: +353 Area code for Dublin: 01 (drop the zero when calling from abroad)
Emergency Numbers
Police: 112 or 999 Ambulance: 112 or 999 Fire: 112 or 999
Tipping
Some restaurants include gratuity in the bill, particularly for groups of six or more
diners. If you leave a tip, 10-15% is standard. It is also common but not obligatory
to give a small tip to hotel porters, taxi drivers and hairdressers.
VAT & Taxes
Prices in shops include the government's 21% value-added tax (VAT).
Getting Around
Taxis
Taxis can be hailed on the street or picked up at stands on O'Connell
Street, College Green and St. Stephen's Green.
Light Rail (Luas)
The Luas tram system consists of two lines, which both run from the city center
to outer suburbs. The green line heads southeast from St. Stephen's
Green as far as Sandyford. The red line travels from Connelly Street, through
the city center, to Tallaght in the southwest. Buy tickets from vending machines
at stations, newsstands and convenience stores (such as Londis and Spar).
Buses
Dublin's bus network is extensive. Drivers do not make change, so
remember to board with the correct fare or a prepaid ticket. If you overpay, the
driver will give you a refund voucher. Present your voucher and ticket at the
Dublin Bus Headquarters on Upper O'Connell Street to claim your change.
Prepaid tickets are available at newsstands, convenience stores and tourist
centers.
Trains (DART)
The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is useful for visiting Greater Dublin,
particularly the coast. The railway traces Dublin Bay from Malahide in the north
to Greystones in the south. Trains depart from Connolly Street Station in the
city center.
Public Holidays
New Year's Day
January 1
St. Patrick's Day
March 17
Good Friday
March-April (not an official holiday, but many businesses close)
Easter Monday
March-April
May Bank Holiday
First Monday in May
June Bank Holiday
First Monday in June
August Bank Holiday
First Monday in August
October Bank Holiday
First Monday in October
Christmas Day
December 25
St. Stephen's Day
December 26
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