Ireland (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Fionn Davenport [618]
Remarkably, baby changing facilities are scarce, even in city centres.
Ireland has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in the world; nevertheless, you should be able to feed your baby in all but a few public places without jaws dropping.
Two great websites are www.eumom.ie, for pregnant women and parents with young children, and www.babygoes2.com, which is an excellent travel site about family-friendly accommodation worldwide.
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CLIMATE CHARTS
Thanks to the moderating effect of the Atlantic Gulf Stream, Ireland’s climate is relatively mild for its latitude, with a mean annual temperature of around 10°C (50°F). The temperature drops below freezing only intermittently during winter, and snow is scarce – perhaps one or two brief flurries a year. The coldest months are January and February, when daily temperatures range from 4° to 8°C (39 to 46°F), with 7°C (44°F) the average. In summer, temperatures during the day are a comfortable 15° to 20°C (59 to 68°F). During the warmest months, July and August, the average is 16°C (61°F). A hot summer’s day in Ireland is 22° to 24°C (72 to 75°F), although it can sometimes reach 30°C (86°F). There are about 18 hours of daylight daily during July and August and it’s only truly dark after about 11pm.
One thing you can be sure of about Irish weather is how little you can be sure of. It may be shirtsleeves and sunglasses in February, but winter woollies in March and even during the summer.
And then there’s the rain. Ireland receives a lot of rain, with certain areas getting a soaking for as many as 270 days a year. County Kerry is the worst affected. The southeast is the driest, enjoying a more continental climate.
See also Click here for information about when to go.
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COURSES
Ireland offers myriad courses, from archery classes to learning how to play the harp. Adventure centres, where you can do everything from hill-walking to raft-building, are increasingly popular; we have listed them throughout the book. For cookery courses – a very popular pastime – check out the Food & Drink chapter Click here. Below are only guidelines to courses; for greater details, see the relevant sections in the destination chapters or check out www.discoverireland.ie.
Arts & Crafts
Rockfield Ecological Estate ( 043-76024; Rathaspic, Rathowen, Co Westmeath; tour €5, mains €18-25; by appointment) gives you an inspiring insight into sustainable living as well as traditional Irish culture and crafts. In addition to two-hour tours of the working farm, you can dine on nutritious homemade food made with organic produce from the rambling gardens (while sitting on a chair fashioned from fallen tree branches), and take part in full-day craft courses (€100 per person including lunch) such as spinning, weaving, basket-making, woodcarving and stone-sculpting.
English Language
Fáilte Ireland (Click here) publishes a list of recognised schools for teaching English as a foreign language. Most – but certainly not all – English-language schools are in and around Dublin.
Centre of English Studies ( 01-671 4233; www.ces-schools.com; 31 Dame St, Dublin)
Dublin School of English ( 01-677 3322; www.dse.ie; 10-12 Westmoreland St, Dublin)
English Language Institute ( 01-475 2965; www.englishlanguage.com; 99 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin)
Language Centre of Ireland ( 01-671 6266; www.lci.ie; 45 Kildare St, Dublin)
Irish Language
There are plenty of Irish language courses, especially (but not exclusively) in the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) areas. Check with Údarás na Gaeltachta (Gaeltacht Authority; www.gaelsaoire.ie), the government agency charged with maintaining the Gaeltacht; or Foras na Gaeilge (Irish Language Board; 1850 325 325; www.gaeilge.ie), the body responsible for the promotion of Irish throughout the country. Also try:
Oideas Gael ( 074-973 0248; www.oideas-gael.com; Glencolumbcille, Donegal; 3-/7-day courses €100/230; Mar-Oct) Irish language courses and cultural activity holidays.
Meditation
Jampa