Ireland (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Fionn Davenport [619]
Music
In July and August, Dingle Music School ( 086-319 0438; www.dinglemusicschool.com; Dykegate Lane, Dingle, Co Kerry) offers beginners’ workshops in bodhrán (from €15; noon Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11am on Saturday) and tin whistle (€25, 11am Monday). Bodhráns are supplied.
Harp workshops are conducted as part of the O’Carolan International Harp Festival & Summer School. For details, see the boxed text, Click here.
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CUSTOMS
Duty-free sales are not available when travelling within the EU. Goods for personal consumption purchased in and exported within the EU incur no additional taxes if duty has been paid somewhere in the EU. Over certain limits you may have to show that they are for personal use. The amounts that officially constitute personal use are 3200 cigarettes (or 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars or 3kg of tobacco) and either 10L of spirits, 20L of fortified wine, 60L of sparkling wine, 90L of still wine or 110L of beer. There are no customs inspections apart from those concerned with drugs and national security.
Travellers coming from outside the EU are allowed to import the following duty-free: 200 cigarettes, 1L of spirits or 2L of wine, 60ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.
Dogs and cats from anywhere outside Ireland and the UK are subject to strict quarantine laws. The EU Pet Travel Scheme, whereby animals are fitted with a microchip, vaccinated against rabies and blood-tested six months prior to entry, is in force in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. No preparation or documentation is necessary for the movement of pets directly between the UK and the Republic. Contact the Department of Agriculture, Food & Rural Development ( 01-607 2000; www.agriculture.gov.ie) in Dublin for further details.
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FOR THE RECORD:
The legal voting age in Ireland is 18
You can leave school when you’re 16
The legal drinking age is 18
Smoking is legal at 16
You can ride a moped when you’re 16
You can drive a car when you’re 17
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DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
Ireland is safer than most countries in Europe, but normal precautions should be observed. In Dublin, drug-related crime is not uncommon and the city has its fair share of pickpockets and thieves (Click here).
Northern Ireland is as safe as anywhere else, but there are areas where the sectarian divide is bitterly pronounced, most notably in parts of Belfast. For the foreseeable future, it’s probably best to ensure your visit to Northern Ireland doesn’t coincide with the climax of the Orange marching season on 12 July; sectarian passions are usually inflamed and even many Northerners leave the province at this time.
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DISCOUNT CARDS
Heritage Discounts
Heritage Card ( 01-647 6587; www.heritageireland.com; adult/child & student/senior/family €21/8/16/55) Entitles you to free access to over 75 sites for one year.
National Trust ( 0870 458 4000; www.nationaltrust.org.uk; adult/under 25/family £47.50/21.50/82) Entitles you to free admission to its 18 properties in Northern Ireland, but only really makes financial sense if you’re touring its British sites, too. It’s cheaper to join online.
Senior Cards
Senior citizens are entitled to many discounts in Ireland on things such as public transport and museum admission fees, provided they show proof of age. The minimum qualifying age is usually 60 to 65 for men and 55 to 65 for women. In your home country, a lower age may already entitle you to travel packages and discounts (on car hire, for instance).
Car hire companies usually won’t rent to drivers aged over 70 or 75.
Student & Youth Cards
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC; www.isiccard.com) allows discounts on transport, commercial goods and services, and admission to theatres, cinemas, museums and sights. The International Youth Travel