Dublin, Ireland’s vibrant capital, was founded by the Vikings in 841 and is rich in history and culture. The city offers a blend of medieval, Georgian, and modern architecture, creating a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere. Dublin is renowned for its musical and literary heritage, with notable figures including Shaw, Yeats, Joyce, Wilde, and Beckett.
Dublin is home to several iconic landmarks and must-see attractions. Visitors can explore Dublin Castle, Trinity College (home to the Book of Kells), and take a stroll through St. Stephen’s Green. The Guinness Storehouse offers an engaging tour and panoramic views of the city from its Gravity Bar. The vibrant Temple Bar area is perfect for experiencing Dublin’s nightlife and cultural scene. Art enthusiasts should visit the National Gallery of Ireland and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Additionally, the city’s attractions include a rich mix of castles, museums, art galleries, pubs, and cafes. Within a half-hour drive from the city center, you can enjoy scenic mountain walks, stately homes, gardens, numerous golf courses, sandy beaches, and charming fishing villages. The conference venue is centrally located, making it easy to navigate with most attractions within walking distance. For ease of exploration, it’s advisable to pick up a city map.
Dublin offers a variety of public transport options for traveling from Dublin Airport to the city center, as well as for getting around the city:
Note: You can also reach Ireland by ferry into Dublin or via ports in Rosslare and Belfast. Dublin Port is centrally located in the city.
Dublin’s shopping scene is bustling, particularly around Grafton Street and Henry Street, where you’ll find a mix of traditional Irish crafts and high-end international designer labels. Shop hours typically run from 9:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Saturday, with extended hours until 8:00pm on Thursdays. Many shops open from 2:00pm to 6:00pm on Sundays. For a broader range of shopping options, visit Dundrum Town Centre in South Dublin, easily accessible via the LUAS Green Line from St. Stephen’s Green to Brides Glen. The Dundrum and Balally stops are just a short walk from the center.
Dublin’s culinary scene is as diverse as its history. Traditional Irish dishes include hearty options like Irish stew, made with tender lamb and vegetables, and soda bread, a staple at any Irish table. For a classic experience, try a full Irish breakfast, featuring eggs, bacon, sausages, and black pudding. Dublin is also known for its vibrant pub scene where you can enjoy dishes like fish and chips, and contemporary cuisine with international influences. Don’t forget to sample a pint of Guinness, a true Dublin icon.
All international airports in Ireland are used for international flights, as well as for local and charter flights.
Ireland has an extensive rail network connecting major cities and regions. Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) operates intercity trains between Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and other cities. Regional trains provide access to smaller towns and scenic areas. There are also services to Northern Ireland, connecting Dublin with Belfast.
Dublin and other cities also offer guided boat tours along their rivers and coastlines, providing a scenic view of the country's landscapes and landmarks.
The electricity is 230 V, 50 Hz. Visitors from Japan, Canada, the USA, and other countries should note that Ireland uses type G plugs. Ensure you have the appropriate adapter for your devices.
The official currency in Ireland is the euro (EUR). Major credit cards are accepted in establishments displaying the emblem at the entrance. Currency exchange booths are available at airports, railway stations, travel agencies, banks, and various city locations. Exchange rates may vary. Traveller’s cheques and convertible currency can be exchanged at these facilities. ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals using credit or debit cards.
Tipping – A small tip is appreciated for good service. Tipping is not usual in pubs and bars. Tip cabs 10% and porters 60c per bag.
Smoking Policy – Under Irish law smoking is not permitted in pubs, restaurants, hotel lobbies and all enclosed public buildings.
Conference organizers generally do not accept liability for personal accidents, loss of belongings, or damage to private property of participants and accompanying persons during the meeting. Participants are advised to arrange for their own health, travel, and property insurance before departure to the conference.
The international code for Ireland is +353.
Ireland is in the Western European Time Zone (GMT+0). During summer months, clocks are set to GMT+1 (Irish Standard Time).
Ireland experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers. Winters (December to February) are generally mild, with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 8°C (39°F to 46°F). Summers (June to August) are cool, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 17°C (57°F to 63°F). Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally mild and wet, with varying levels of rainfall throughout the year. The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s advisable to check the forecast before traveling.
For the latest weather updates, visit weather.com.
Ireland is not a member of the Schengen Area but has its own visa and customs regulations. However, it is part of the Common Travel Area (CTA) with the United Kingdom.
For non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, a visa may be required to enter Ireland. Citizens of certain countries can enter Ireland without a visa, but should still check specific entry requirements. For EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, a valid passport or national ID card is usually sufficient. On request, the Organizing Committee may issue invitation letters for visa applications. Apply for a visa well in advance if necessary. Please indicate during registration if you need a personal invitation to attend the conference. A visa grants preliminary permission for entry but does not automatically authorize entry to the country.