Climate
Ireland has a temperate climate. Mean temperatures in July range from 18.9°C to 11.1°C. Precipitation in Dublin is lower that the west coast of Ireland but rain is always a possibility. Further information can be found at the Irish Meteorological Office.
Time zone
The Republic of Ireland shares the same time zone as the UK (GMT / UTC). When the conference takes place daylight saving time will be in operation: (GMT+1 / UTC+1).
Currency
The Euro is the unit of currency in the Republic of Ireland. All major credit cards are widely accepted
Banks
Banks are open from Monday to Friday between 10.00 and 16.00 with a late opening on Thursdays until 17.00. There is a bank and several currency exchanges at Dublin Airport. Currency can also be exchanged at banks and exchanges in the city centre. ATMs (cash points) are plentiful around Trinity College: there are two on campus (one to the left of the Dining Hall steps in Front Square, and one at the Hamilton Building), and others at the bank branches clustered on College Green (Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank), Grafton Street (AIB) and Westmoreland Street (AIB).
Electrical current
220 / 240 volts (50 Hz) is the standard electrical current throughout Ireland. Plugs are 3-pin flat (type G, BS 1363 as used in the UK). Adapters are therefore required for 2-pin appliances.
Telephone
The international code for Ireland is +353. The local area code for Dublin is (0)1. In an emergency,call 999 or 112. These numbers will alert the appropriate service — fire, police (Gardaí), lifeboat, coastal, mountain and cave rescue services. The numbers for local and national directory enquiries are 11811 or 11850 and for international enquiries 11818 or 11860. The Irish Tourist Assistance Service is on Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 and can be contacted on +353 1 478 5295. Mobile/cell phone networks in Ireland are run by: O2, Vodaphone, Meteor, Tesco and "3".Public transport
Dublin has bus, 'Luas' tram and 'Dart' light rail services but the city centre mostly lies within easy walking distance. The Dublin Bus fare within the city centre area is 50c.
Taxis
Dublin taxis have no distinctive colour but are easily identified by their official roof signs. There are taxi ranks at various locations throughout the city centre; those closest to Trinity College are located at College Green and Dawson Street. It is also possible to hail taxis on the street. All licensed taxis are obliged to display passenger information including rights and responsibilities and fare information, which will be supplied by the Commission for Taxi Regulation, in the front and back of the vehicle. A taxi receipt printed directly from the meter (not handwritten) must be given to all customers including details of the vehicle's licence number, the distance travelled, the amount paid, the date and duration of journey. You are advised to avoid taxi drivers who approach you.
Private cars
Remember that in Ireland as in the UK traffic drives on the left side of the road. Information on parking in Dublin can be found on the Dublin City Council website. You are advised not to bring a private car into the city. There are high charges for parking and high penalties for parking violations.Cafés and Restaurants
Trinity College's position in the centre of the city places it within a couple of minutes' walk of a wide variety of cafés and restaurants, particularly in the areas around Dawson Street (TCD Nassau Street exit) and Temple Bar (TCD Front Gate/College Green exit).
Tipping
In restaurants a service charge is sometimes included in the price, but otherwise a tip of 10-15% is appreciated. For other services (e.g. hairdressers, taxi drivers) it is generally not necessary to tip although staff will always appreciate acknowledgment of good service.
Typical prices:
| Cinema (movie) ticket | €10 |
| Public transport ticket in Dublin | €2 |
| Cup of coffee | €2.50 |
| Pint of beer | €4.50 |
| Glass of wine | €5 |
| Simple lunch (without alcohol) | €10 |
| Dinner (without alcohol) | €15 to €30 |
Smoking
Dublin was Europe's first smoke–free capital city! Smoking is banned in all enclosed places of work in Ireland, including banks, offices, public buildings, pubs, nightclubs, restaurants and cafés. The primary purpose of the prohibition is to give protection to workers and the public who are exposed to harmful environmental tobacco smoke. Exceptions include hotel, guesthouse and B&B bedrooms and private accommodation. Be sure to specify whether you require a room for smokers or non–smokers when reserving accommodation. Most pubs and some restaurants have installed or extended existing beer–gardens or patios to cater for those who smoke.