Best time to visit
Weather in Britain and Ireland is unpredictable, and can be windy/rainy and quite cool year-round. Pack for eventualities; light weight clothes in the summer and warmer, windproof layers in winter.
Culture and customs
You’ll find the entire region welcoming and polite, yet each region has their own customs, from the traditional music of the Irish recounting tales of love, history and humour, to the physical displays of strapping Scotsmen (catch the log tossing in The Highland Games) to the love of tradition in England, each itinerary stop will bring to life a magical new discovery.
Language and useful phrases
Irish is the national language of Ireland, however, English is recognised as the second language.
Everywhere else in Britain, English is the language!
Health & safety
Consult your local doctor for general immunisations and visit your countrys official Travel Advisory website for current safety and travel information.
Electronics and devices
British and Irish facilities have 3-prong outlets with two flat prongs in line and one perpendicular.
Money and costs
Britain:
Throughout Britain, the currency is the Pound Sterling or also known as the British Pound (GBP).
Bank hours are 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday, with some branches open on Saturday mornings.
1 pound (£) Sterling = 100 pence (p)
Banknote denominations = £5, £10, £20, £50
Coin denominations = 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2
Credit cards are widely accepted (mostly Visa and Mastercard), and you should have no issues using them. However, smaller shops may ask you to pay in cash or have a minimum amount required to use a credit card.
Average costs:
Soft drink/Mineral water/Coffee = £2.50
Salad or sandwhich lunch with drink = £8
Dinner at a midrange restaurant = £25
Ireland:
The official currency of Ireland is the Euro.
Bank hours are 9am - 4pm Monday to Friday. In Dublin, most banks stay open until 5pm.
1 Euro (€) = 100 Cents (c)
Banknote denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500
Coin denominations: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2
Credit cards are widely accepted (mostly Visa and Mastercard), and you should have no trouble using them. Smaller shops may ask you to pay in cash or have a minimum amount required to use a credit card.
Average costs:
Soft drink/Mineral water/Coffee = €3
Salad or sandwhich lunch with drink = €10
Dinner at a midrange restaurant = €30
Visas & Insurance
Visas are not required at all for members of EU or Schengen countries. Other nationalities may be restricted to stays under 90 days.
Top Tips
In this part of the world, adore the explore has never rung so true. Getting into the great outdoors is the best way to get a feel for the true roots of these lush green, centuries old countries. From endless views from the top of Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh to the mind-boggling Giant’s Causeway, pulling on those shoes and getting amongst it is the only way to go. Finished up with a slide of traditional Guinness Pie, of course.
