CURRENCY
 Since January 2002, when the Irish said farewell to the Punt, the unit of currency has been the Euro. Euro
 notes and coins have now totally replaced the redundant Punt. You can change your currency into Euro at
 bank branches throughout France, and Bureaux de Change offices at airport, ferry and rail stations and at
 ATM machines using your credit card.

 SMOKING BAN
 The traditional image of a smoky Irish pub was officially consigned to history on the 29th of March 2004.
 Although hotel bedrooms are exempt from the ban, it will be applied to all other areas within hotels and
 also in bars, night clubs and restaurants. It seems this legislation is part of a growing trend which we're
 seeing worldwide, a move towards smoke-free workplaces and public places.

 MOTORING
 If you intended driving during your visit, take extra care. Ireland is one of only a few countries where you
 drive on the left side of the road. It will seem strange initially to be driving on the 'wrong' side, and extra
 caution is certainly needed especially for the first few days. After that, it becomes routine and you will
 cease to even think about it. Otherwise, exercise all the usual safety you would in your own country. Be
 mindful that extra care must be exercised while driving in rural areas. Roads can be narrow, winding and
 badly maintained, and to add to your difficulties, around any turn a surprise could await you, a flock of
 sheep, a herd of cows, a combine harvester. Take care!

 CRIME
 As everywhere else, Ireland has its share of crime, including that which is specifically targeted at tourists.
 That said, Ireland is on the whole safe for visitors and you can expect to enjoy your visit without mishap.
 You would need to be unlucky to become a victim, but it is advisable to take sensible precautions to
 safeguard yourself and your property. This applies particularly to Dublin where a serious drugs problem
 exists along with its attendant vices of violent attacks, general theft, burglaries and muggings.
 Remember these points:
 
 > Don't make an obvious public display of your wealth or large amounts of money.
 > Don't carry loosely secured handbags.
 > Don't leave your belongings on open display in your car.
 > Don't park your car at night in isolation from other vehicles; stick with the crowd.

 HEALTH & SAFETY
 Ireland is a safe destination. You will not need vaccines or insect repellent. Food and water is safe, and 
 hygiene standards are good. As with all foreign travel, take the sensible precaution of getting good health 
 insurance cover. If you are from within the European Union countries you should bring the usual E111 form.
 As Ireland has a reciprocal with the UK, British tourists do not require this form.

 TIPPING
 Unlike some continental countries where tipping attaches to nearly every minor service, in Ireland it is
 limited to a few defined areas. Principally, it is appropriate to tip in hotels and restaurants in the order of
 10 to 15 per cent, and only then when no service charge applies. If a service charge is included, don't be
 tempted to leave a tip. It is also becoming common to give a small tip to the overworked lounge boys and
 girls you find in busy pubs. These are usually high school kids or foreign students, and they will appreciate
 whatever you give them. If you take a tour bus on a scenic trip to the countryside, it is customary to tip
 the driver. These guys work hard and are usually great fun, so be generous if you can.