Ireland Golf Vacation: Traveller Tips
The best time to visit Ireland and play
Most of the golf courses in Ireland are open all year round.
You can find the courses in the best condition between April
and Early November. With a temperate climate in Ireland it
neither is too hot or too cold. In summer, the day light hours
can extend well past 10 pm so that one can comfortablly get
to play two rounds of golf.
Handicap Certificates, Caddies and Golf Buggies
Some of the clubs in Ireland would require require a handicap
certificate, make sure you bring it along. One should be booking
golf buggies and carts in advance as they are not common and
limited in number. Caddies however are widely available and
it would be possible at some courses to request in advance.
What to pack for the trip
Make sure you pack waterproof shoes, rainsuits and perhaps
three pairs of all weather gloves. Include warm clothing even
in summer. Trolleys can be hired usually for a modest fee.
Of course do not forget your clubs!
Air and Sea Transport
Ireland is well connected by air flights. Its international
airports have daily flights from cities in the USA, Britain
and Continental Europe. Moreover, they are strategically located
so that any part of the country is just a couple of hours
drive from an airport. Additionally, the country has several
ports served by car ferry from Britain and Continental Europe.
Ground Transport/Car Rentals
You could take your pick from a self driven or chauffeur
driven car, mini-bus rental, coaches and even helicopters.
If you choose to drive on your own, you would have to do it
on the left hand side of the road.
Holiday Accommodation
You have a wide range of options here. Right from self-catering
holiday cottages and apartments to well-appointed guesthouses/bed
and breakfasts to luxury 5 star hotels, manor homes and castles
with prices ranging from £25 to over £130 per
person sharing, per night .
Currency
The unit of currency is the Irish Pound or Punt(IEP). The
exchange rate of the IEP is fixed relative to most currencies
in the Euro zone but fluctuates against other currencies.
The currency of Northern Ireland is the pound sterling. You
can purchase Irish pounds at banks or foreign exchange departments
using travellers cheques, foreign currency or Eurocheques
with a eurocheque card.
Credit Cards
Credit cards like Access/Master Card/Eurocard/Visa/Electron
are widely accepted across Ireland. Moreover, , American Express
and Diners Club cards are accepted in many establishments.
What should you buy in Ireland
Ireland has a range of products that reflect the quality and
craftsmanship of its traditional industries. Hand-woven knitwear
and clothing, pottery, crystal and cut glass, hand-made chocolates,
silver, jewellery and smoked salmon are just a few of the
items you could take home.
Personal Safety
Ireland has a low level of crime particularly so in the rural
regions where holidays are based. However, it would be recommended
that you leave excess cash, travellers cheques, expensive
jewellery, passports, travel documents when not needed, in
the hotel safe. Carry wallets and cash,in a tourist wallet/pouch
strapped in the front or in inside concealed pockets . As
in all travel, keep copies of passports, credit card details
etc. and relevant contact numbers in event of loss.
Language.
English is widely spoken and is the language of the majority
of the population. Additionally, Irish is spoken in Gaeltacht
areas.
Electricity
Electricity is supplied at 220 Volts with three pin flat plugs.
You would need a transformer to convert 110v appliances (except
for dual-voltage equipment that needs only an adapter). Hotel
rooms are usually fitted with these.
Telephones
GSM Mobile phones can be used through out Ireland. Public
phones can be found easily from where all calls can be dialled.
At the international telephone exchange, most credit cards
are accepted. Just in case there is an emergency, dial 999
and do ask the operator for whatever emergency service you
require.
Top
|
