IRELAND | Travel | Cultural information
History
The Irish State (the 26 counties) gained independence from Britain following the War of Independence, which began in 1919, and the Treaty, which was signed in 1921. Northern Ireland, comprising of counties Armagh, Down, Antrim, Derry, Fermanagh and Tyrone, is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. By act of the Irish Parliament (Dáil Éireann) in 1948, the 26 counties of the Irish Free State were designated a Republic. The Republic of Ireland came into being in 1949.
Transport system
Transport in Ireland has improved phenomenally in the last 20 years. It is quite easy to travel around the country on public transport. There is beautiful countryside and coastline to be explored. For information on tourism in Ireland visit:
It is very rude to skip a queue, don't do it! When you get on a bus in Dublin you must have the exact fare as no change is given (you can buy tickets in advance). You can buy tickets in newsagents with the Dublin Bus logo outside.
Cycling
Special cycling paths, such as you find in many European countries, are very limited in Ireland. Cycling is not allowed on motorways and can be dangerous on country roads and city streets because of the volume of traffic, so be careful! Wear suitable clothes (wind and rain) and bright clothes if you are cycling after dark!
Walking
If you are walking after dark on country roads where there are no footpaths, walk in single file, face the oncoming traffic and if you are walking after dark, wear bright clothes. Walking on city or town streets when pubs and clubs close (after midnight) can be dangerous! Many visitors to Ireland are not accustomed to walking on cliffs or on rocks beside the sea. This can be dangerous because of sudden winds and waves.
Taxi
You do not have to tip a taxi driver! Since 2004 all distance and speed signposts are indicated using Kilometers (rather than Miles as they used to).
Signs
All official signs have to be in both English and Irish, so road and street signs are generally in both.
From 2004 Ireland will no longer use ‘miles' for distance, all signs will be displayed in kilometers – you should know 5/8 mile = 1 kilometer. Although all the signs will change, people may still use miles to describe distance.
Books to read
- Apart from the Lonely Planet and the Rough Guide:
- McCarthy's Bar: A Journey of Discovery in Ireland, by Pete McCarthy.
- Around Ireland in a Fridge, by Peter Marshall.
Languages
Ireland's first official language is Gaelic, colloquially known as Irish, although English is spoken as a first language by the majority of the population. Here are a few Irish words that are used quite a lot:
- Failte – Welcome
- Sláinte – Cheers / To your health
- Eire – Ireland
- Fir – Mens (toilets)
- Mná – Ladies (toilets)
- Taoiseach – The Irish Prime Minister
- Dail – The Irish Parliament
- Go raibh maith agat – Thank you
- Slán – Good bye
- Baile Atha Cliatha – Dublin
- Craic – fun
- Ceol – Irish music
- Fleadh Ceoil – Irish music festival
Official Holidays
- 1 January | New Year’s Day
- 17 March | St. Patrick’s Day
- Friday before Easter Sunday | Good Friday
- Monday following Easter Sunday | Easter Monday
- 1st Monday in May | May Bank Holiday
- 1st Monday in June | June Bank Holiday
- 1st Monday in August | August Bank Holiday
- Last Monday in October | October Bank Holiday
- 25 December | Christmas Day
- 26 December | St. Stephen’s Day