Clothing
Bring light rain gear (waterproofs - top & bottoms) if you wish to stay dry – We do get the odd random shower.
Best to have a few layers of clothes
regardless of the time of year you are visiting here. Our idea of cold
is likely to be different to yours!
Some of the hotels and golf clubhouses require jacket and tie for dining at the club.
Tipping/Gratuity
Tipping in restaurants is similar to the US. 10-15% is normal. It is not necessary to tip bartenders unless they bring drinks to where you are seated. The tip is then 3 to 5 euros.
Your driver is a service person and of course working towards a gratuity paid at the end of the trip – Entirely at your discretion. The drivers are paid a daily wage and expense for meals and accommodation. The consideration for the drivers' gratuity would be based on punctuality, service, sightseeing assistance and additional hours he might do on the longer days.
Your driver will generally make himself available to you from 8:30 till 18:30 – Depends on your itinerary on any given day. The drivers tip varies considerably between guests. Most guests give us a call or email during their trip with feedback and at that point we give a gauge of their drivers average tips with the end result being entirely at their discretion.
Tipping is entirely at your discretion where you feel it is appropriate. These rates are based on feedback from driver on what they are receiving on average.
According to The Treasury of Quotes by Jim Rohn "The word "tip" stands for "to insure promptness". So when should you give it? Up front, of course. Sophisticated people don't take chances on poor service, they insure good service."
Currency
The euro is the currency in the Republic of Ireland (south). In Northern Ireland (GB) the pound/sterling is the main currency.
ATM's are widely available here and in our opinion you get the best rates by taking cash out of the ATM's while you are here.
There are transaction charges for taking cash out so withdrawals of larger amounts is wise.
VISA and MasterCard are widely accepted. AMEX is becoming widely accepted.
Phone & Internet
Most US travelers can now use their mobile/cell phones here in Ireland without major fuss. Prior to your trip check with your provider to see if any specific local network is advised.
There may also be a rate plan you can enroll in to ensure costs don't get out of control.
Hotels in Ireland in general have complimentary wi-fi/broadband/dsl in rooms. Most also have business centers where you can connect your laptop and use printers and other peripherals.
Wireless access is quite good in the bigger towns and cities. Internet cafes can also be found in the populated areas.
Important Phone Numbers while you are here...
- Our Office: 00353-1-883-1940 or 00353-87-223-1350
- Police: 999
- Directory Enquiries: 11811 and 11850
- US Embassy: 00353 1 668-8777
Calling the US from Ireland
You may need to dial the number as follows - 001-617-555-1212
It may work as it does in the US i.e. 1-617-555-1212. Check with your provider if there is any special way of retrieving your voicemails.
Calls within Ireland
To other Irish numbers dial 00353, then area code (drop the 0 sometimes) and number.
For Golfers
Handicaps
Try and bring proof of your handicap. Maximum handicaps of 24 for men and 36 for women are the norm at the courses in Ireland. Generally you will not be expected to provide proof of handicap.
Equipment
As golf equipment is nearly 50% more expensive than the US, it is best to bring balls, gloves and any golf consumables.
Caddies
We can book caddies in advance for you but be advised that their availability is not guaranteed by the clubs. Pull trolleys are available at all courses and sometimes member caddies will forecaddie for a group also.
Caddies are paid in cash after your round. Average cost including tip is 50-60 euros per bag – more at your discretion. Expect caddies to carry a double unless there is plenty available. See caddy request form for details.
All the courses also have excellent course guides/stroke savers/yardage books.
Clothing
Bring light rain gear (waterproofs - top & bottoms) for May to September trips.
Rain golf gloves are also very useful – these can be bought here. Tailored shorts are allowed at most courses but the official rule at some courses say they must be accompanied by knee high stockings.
90% of the time wearing shorts with ankle socks is not a problem. The high socks can be bought here in the pro shops. Shorts are not permitted to be worn in certain clubhouses.
Some of the clubhouses require jacket and tie for dining at the club. Some of the finer hotels like Dromoland Castle also require jacket and tie for dining.
Carts on courses
Carts are known as Buggies over here in Ireland.
They are not widely available and some courses require a letter from your doctor to say why you should be using one.
Advance booking of buggies is required as some courses have very few. Pull trolleys are available at all courses.
Tipping/Gratuity
Tipping in restaurants is similar to the US. 10-15% is normal. It is not necessary to tip bartenders unless they bring drinks to where you are seated. The tip is then 3 to 5 euros.
At the courses tipping the starter/caddymaster is good practice as they will look after your requests with a little more attention – 20 to 40 euros is adequate for the starter.
Your driver is working towards a gratuity towards the end of the trip. The drivers are paid a daily expense for meals and accommodation. The consideration for the drivers' gratuity would be based on punctuality, service, sightseeing assistance and additional hours he might do on the longer days.
Your driver will generally make himself available to you from 8:30 till 18:30 – Depends on your itinerary on any given day. The drivers tip varies considerably between guests. Most guests give us a call or email during their trip with feedback and at that point we give a gauge of their drivers average tips with the end result being entirely at their discretion.
Tipping is at your discretion where you feel it is appropriate.
