Questions & Answers

I've never traveled internationally. What can I expect? Ireland is a great first international choice! Everyone speaks English and is very respectful and helpful. You'll soon feel very comfortable!

I'd love to go with you to Ireland, but don't have a traveling companion / spouse / significant other with whom to travel.  No problem! They say in Ireland there's no strangers, just friends you haven't met!  You'll meet your fellow travelers at the Ticket Party, approximately 3 weeks before departure.  You'll be in Ireland with friends, not strangers!  Ask any of our former tour participants! Everyone seems to naturally "hang around" with everyone else on a loosely rotating basis.  You won't be alone. 

How long is the flight? A non-stop flight from Chicago to Dublin is scheduled at 7.5 hours. It's an overnight flight and we'll arrive early to mid-morning, local time.

What luggage am I allowed to bring?  Each tour participant is allowed one suitcase whose maximum size is 10 inches by 20 inches by 30 inches, weighing no more than 50 pounds. Each participant is also allowed one carry-on bag weighing no more than 13 pounds. We will provide you with a carry-on bag when you receive your plane ticket, approximately 3 weeks before departure, but, if you choose, you may use your own small bag instead.  You may want to bring your carry-on with you on the motorcoach each day, as well as on the airplane, for your comfort and convenience.  We will also provide you with a lime green luggage strap to fit around your large suitcase for identification purposes.  Please use this strap AT ALL TIMES during the tour.  Let us know if you will be bringing your own golf clubs (recommended if you choose the golfing supplement May 2009) and we will make arrangements for that.  Remember, YOU won't be carrying around your golf clubs all tour - the motorcoach will be transporting them safely between golf courses for you!    

How many hours is the time difference between the U.S. and Ireland? Ireland, which is all one time zone, is 6 hours ahead of Chicago. Noon in Chicago is 6 p.m.in Ireland. Ireland does switch to Daylight Savings Time within about a week of the U.S. switch.

What's the weather like in Ireland? The temperature in Ireland ranges from 40 to 70 degrees year round, although it has been known to go up to 80 degrees and down to 30 degrees (not in the same day!). It generally feels like the seasons go from Fall (Autumn) to Spring. However, due to the high humidity, it feels 10 degrees or so warmer than the temperature gauge. The temperatures are fairly constant, but it does frequently rain and can get windy. The weather is always warm and dry on the motorcoach, and inside the shops and pubs!

What is appropriate to wear on the tours? What clothes should I bring? Casual, comfortable but respectful attire - sweaters, slacks, nice jeans & sweatshirts, comfortable walking shoes. Layers are convenient. A lined water-proofed jacket is useful, as is an umbrella. Remember, because of the humidity, it'll feel about 10 degrees warmer than the temperature gauge says it is. Just like in the States, Ireland has wind & rain, but the weather patterns don't generally hold for long as they come in off the Atlantic with nothing to stop them! Sometimes it seems the weather changes 5 times a day! You may wish to bring a swimsuit, as several of the hotels have lovely indoor swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas & spa areas. Swimming caps are required in the swimming pools, but you can get one there. GOLFING ATTIRE - men are requested to wear collared shirts and slacks, with similarly appropriate attire for the ladies. 

Do I need a passport? What about a Visa? Yes, you need a passport. If you don't already have one, apply as soon as you think you might be coming with us - at least 8 months prior to departure.  Normal passport processing is very delayed in the United States of recent times, so we strongly suggest expedited handling of your passport application.  Please mail us a photocopy of your passport as soon as possible to assure accurate airline ticketing. BE SURE to leave a photocopy of your passport at home AND bring a photocopy of it with you to keep in your suitcase, to facilitate replacement should you lose your passport. You won't need to show our passport outside of the airport. No visa is required.

Are there hair dryers in the hotel rooms in Ireland? Yes, but they are not in the bathrooms. Generally, they can be found INSIDE A DRAWER, a desk drawer or dresser drawer.

Are there irons & ironing boards in the hotel rooms? Yes. If you need something that you don't see, the hotel staff will be more than happy to assist you.

Will my curling iron work in Ireland? Will I be able to recharge my digital camera battery? Not without a voltage converter, as the electricity is a different voltage in Ireland.  You'll also need a plug adapter, as the electrical prongs are different in Ireland.  A voltage converter & plug adapter kit can be purchased for about $20 at a place like Wal-mart in the luggage department. Please note: curling irons often have a difficult time and burn up in Ireland - consider purchasing one there. 

Will my cell phone work in Ireland? Not unless you have an international sim chip.

Is the water safe to drink from the faucet? Yes. Bottled water is also available for purchase.

I'm confused! Is Ireland one country or two? The island is divided into 32 counties. The top 6 counties of the island are a country known as Northern Ireland. It is part of the United Kingdom, and the currency used is the pound sterling. The road signs are in English and their national flag is British. The other 26 counties of the island are an independent nation known as the Republic of Ireland. The currency is the Euro, the road signs are in both English and Gaelic, and the national flag is the green, white and orange tri-color.

Is it safe to travel in Northern Ireland? Yes! We'll tell you all about today's historic peace when you get there. Their differences are now dealt with in the political arena, with both sides sitting down to run the government together.

What is the currency in Ireland? What's the best way to exchange currency? The island of Ireland is divided into 32 counties.  The lower 26 counties makes up the country of the Republic of Ireland.  As part of the European Union, the Republic of Ireland uses the Euro. The exchange rate varies daily, but generally 1 Euro equals about $1.45 USD (U.S. dollars).  The top 6 counties of the island of Ireland is a country called Northern Ireland and is part of the United Kingdom.  It's currency is the pound sterling. The exchange rate varies daily, but generally 1 pound sterling equals about $2.00 USD (U.S. dollars).  Talk to us before purchasing pounds as many places in Northern Ireland, such as the Giant's Causeway, now accept the Euro.

Banks are available for currency exchange, but ATM machines are plentiful, including in the airports. ATMs are the easiest, cheapest, most convenient way to get Euros and pounds. 

How much spending money should I bring? You might want to start with $75 and get more cash from ATM machines as you go through the week. The cost of lunches are not included in the tour price because we'll be out and about and at various restaurants or buffets for lunch. A nice meal for lunch will cost about $12. A pint of Guinness at a pub costs about $5. A good Aran sweater will cost anywhere from $60 to $150. It's appropriate to leave a gratuity for the driver / guide at the end of the tour in either U.S. dollars or Euro. See "What's not included" on the tour itinerary page of this web site for more details.

Will my credit card be accepted in Ireland? Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in all parts of Ireland, but BE SURE to call your credit card company in advance to authorize them to accept charges from the Republic of Ireland for the dates of our tour (remember, we arrive the day after we leave the States.) If your tour goes to Northern Ireland, mention that to them as well - Northern Ireland is a different country than the Republic of Ireland.  American Express is not usually accepted in Ireland. ATM machines are available to obtain cash using a debit card.

I don't drink alcohol. Why should I go to the pubs? Pubs in Ireland are different from bars in the United States. The pubs are a rich source of music, usually beginning around 9 p.m., and conversation, laughter and socialization. If you do not drink alcohol, you will not feel out of place! Do go to the pubs to intermingle with the Irish people - the real magic of Ireland! They will respect your privacy, but if you politely begin to talk to an Irish man or woman, you'll very likely find yourself engaged in a delightful conversation! This is true of hotel desk clerks and clerks at the various stores, as well. All pubs, hotels and restaurants are non-smoking in Ireland.

What time do pubs close? Generally about 11:30 p.m. on the weekdays and 12:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday with the singing of the Irish National Anthem in Gaelic. This is worth staying awake for!  

We are asked to leave our checked baggage outside the hotel room door on our way down to breakfast on the days we switch hotels. Is this safe? ABSOLUTELY! Hotel porters collect your bags very soon after you put them out and our CIE driver / guide accounts for all before we leave the hotel for our next destination. Do keep your carryon bag with you and bring it onto the coach with you.

How's the food in Ireland? Delicious! Irish people take a lot of pride in their food preparation. Organic produce is used whenever possible. Hormones are forbidden in cattle.

What if I get separated from my group at the airport in Ireland? After claiming your checked bag, proceed to the Arrivals Hall. Should you get separated from the group, go to the CIE desk, which is to the far left in the Arrivals hall in the Dublin airport next to the Pub. Wait for us there - we'll find you! Your lime green luggage strap around your checked bag will help us spot you. We haven't lost anyone yet!

Once I sign up for the tour, when can I expect to receive my plane tickets? Plane tickets, carry on bags, ticket wallets, luggage straps, etc. are generally available about 3 weeks before the departure date. Either they will be sent to you by UPS or Federal Express, or, if you live nearby, you will be notified to stop by the office at 30 Briarcliff Professional Center, Bourbonnais, IL to pick them up. The phone numbers of your hotels in Ireland will be provided to you at that time, as well.

I'd like to make my own flight arrangements, rather than leave from Chicago. Can I purchase only the land part of the tour? Yes! However, know that the first day's itinerary is often dependent upon the arrival time of the plane from O'Hare. If you choose a flight which lands later than the Chicago plane, you may miss the tour group leaving Dublin. Please contact us for land only prices and to discuss your plane's flight times, as they need to work within the parameters of the scheduled tour.

How much walking is there on the tours?  What are some considerations for limited activity persons?  There is a moderate amount of walking on the tours, but not an excessive amount and not fast paced.  However, you will get the most out of your tour if you are physically able to easily walk short distances, such as 4 or 5 blocks. The fascinating walking tour of Derry's city walls is about a mile in length and takes about an hour to cover, with the city guide.  The shops in the small towns are very compact and close together, and near to the hotels.  For the August 2008 and June 2009 tours, there are a few places where tour participants will be required to climb one flight of stairs, such as Bunratty Castle and Donegal Castle. If you use a wheelchair, CIE policy is that you are required to provide your own traveling companion to push your wheelchair.  A wheelchair can be provided on the motorcoach if ordered in advance.  Ireland is a very friendly and very accomodating country, and all travelers are very welcome there - every effort will be made for your comfort and convenience. However, please know that Ireland is not subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act.  All participants must be able to climb the two or three steps to get on and off the motorcoach.  Be aware, also, there may be uneven ground to walk over - several of the sites we'll visit are many hundreds or thousands of years old.  Sometimes, too, there may be slight inclines, such as very small hills to walk up to get to a site (example: Newgrange).  Every effort is made to accomodate ALL tourists at ALL sites, but please be aware you will be visiting a country with over 5000 years of historical sites.  If you have ANY concerns, we'd be more than happy to discuss them with you, to insure your most enjoyable vacation in Ireland!

                        Exploring the Burren Region near Galway