Ireland (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Fionn Davenport [630]
An increase in the number of foreign nationals seeking asylum during the last decade has meant a far more rigorous questioning at customs for those from African and Asian countries or from certain parts of Eastern Europe. The border between the Republic and Northern Ireland still exists as a political reality, but there are few if any checkpoints left; for non-EU nationals it is assumed the screening process occurred upon entry to the UK. For information on visa requirements, Click here.
Passport
EU citizens can travel freely to and from Ireland if bearing official photo ID. Those from outside the EU, however, must have a passport that remains valid for six months after entry.
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AIR
Airports & Airlines
There are scheduled nonstop flights from Britain, continental Europe and North America to Dublin and Shannon, and good nonstop connections from Britain and continental Europe to Cork.
Cork (ORK; 021-431 3131; www.corkairport.com)
Dublin (DUB; 01-814 1111; www.dublinairport.com)
Shannon (SNN; 061-712 000; www.shannonairport.com)
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THINGS CHANGE…
The information in this chapter is particularly vulnerable to change. Check directly with the airline or a travel agent to make sure you understand how a fare (and ticket you may buy) works and be aware of the security requirements for international travel. Shop carefully. The details given in this chapter should be regarded as pointers and are not a substitute for your own careful, up-to-date research.
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Other airports in the Republic with scheduled services from Britain:
Donegal (CFN; 074-954 8284; www.donegalairport.ie; Carrickfinn)
Kerry (KIR; 066-976 4644; www.kerryairport.ie; Farranfore)
Knock (NOC; 094-936 8100; www.irelandwestairport.com)
Waterford (WAT; 051-875 589; www.flywaterford.com)
In Northern Ireland there are flights to Belfast International (BFS; 028-9448 4848; www.belfastairport.com) from Britain, continental Europe and the USA.
Other airports in Northern Ireland that operate scheduled services from Britain:
Belfast City (BHD; 028-9093 9093; www.belfastcityairport.com)
Derry (LDY; 028-7181 0784; www.cityofderryairport.com)
The main Irish airlines:
Aer Árann ( 1890 462 726; www.aerarann.ie) A small carrier that operates flights within Ireland and also to Britain.
Aer Lingus ( 01-886 8888; www.aerlingus.com) The main Irish airline, with direct flights to Britain, continental Europe and the USA.
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FARE GO
Travel costs throughout this book are for single (one-way) adult fares, unless otherwise stated.
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CLIMATE CHANGE & TRAVEL
Climate change is a serious threat to the ecosystems that humans rely upon, and air travel is the fastest-growing contributor to the problem. Lonely Planet regards travel, overall, as a global benefit, but believes we all have a responsibility to limit our personal impact on global warming.
Flying & Climate Change
Pretty much every form of motor travel generates CO2 (the main cause of human-induced climate change) but planes are far and away the worst offenders, not just because of the sheer distances they allow us to travel, but because they release greenhouse gases high into the atmosphere. The statistics are frightening: two people taking a return flight between Europe and the US will contribute as much to climate change as an average household’s gas and electricity consumption over a whole year.
Carbon Offset Schemes
Climatecare.org and other websites use ‘carbon calculators’ that allow jetsetters to offset the greenhouse gases they are responsible for with contributions to energy-saving projects and other climate-friendly initiatives in the developing world – including projects in India, Honduras, Kazakhstan and Uganda.
Lonely Planet, together with Rough Guides and other concerned partners in the travel industry, supports the carbon offset scheme run by climatecare.org. Lonely Planet offsets all of its staff and author travel.
For more information check out our website: lonelyplanet.com.
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