Population

The population of the island currently stands at approximately 5.6 million, with approximately 3.9 million living in the Republic of Ireland and 1.7 million living in Northern Ireland. The island of Ireland enjoys a rich diversity of ethnic groups and cultures and there is a dominance of young people – over half the population is under 30 years old!

Time Zone

Ireland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and, in accordance with daylight saving, clocks are put forward one hour mid-March and back one hour at the end of October.

During summer it stays light until as late as 11pm but by mid-December it can be dark by 4pm. Ireland is 8 hours behind Hong Kong.

Money

The euro is the local currency of the Republic of Ireland.
One euro consists of 100 cent.
Notes are €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500.
Coins are €1, €2, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c.

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, sterling is the local currency.
One pound sterling consists of 100 pence.
Notes are £50, £20, £10, £5.
Coins are £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p.

Telephone Enquiries

Directory Enquiries - Tel: 118 500

International Directory Enquiries - Tel: 118 505

Talking Pages - Tel: 0800 600 900

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

Language

English is the official language of Ireland. Gaelic is the second language and is spoken in rural Ireland, which is also known as the Gaeltacht areas where Irish is spoken daily. However, wherever you go everyone speaks English.

Climate

Ireland has a mild, temperate climate:
Summer temperatures generally range from 15ºC to 20ºC.
Spring and autumn are generally 10ºC.
Winter is between 5ºC and 8ºC. (Snow is rare, but showers can occur at any time of the year.)

Credit Cards

Any credit cards that bear the Visa, MasterCard or American Express symbol will be widely accepted in Ireland. Visitors with other cards should ask in advance or check if that card is on display where they wish to use it.

Banks

Banks in Ireland generally open around 9.30am and close about 4.30pm Monday through Friday; 5pm on Thursday. ATM (cash) machines are located at most banks and accept most credit and debit cards.

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 Northern Ireland from abroad, all telephone numbers must be prefixed with 0044 (drop the first 0 of the local code).

If calling Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland, replace the prefix code 028 with the code 048.

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).