Caddies, Golf Buggies and Handicap Certificates.
Golf buggies/carts are not very common and are limited in number where available. They should be booked in advance. Preference is given where needed on medical grounds. Caddies are widely available and it is possible at some courses to request in advance. Some clubs require a handicap certificate so have one with you in case you are asked.

What To Take
In addition to your clubs, pack waterproof shoes and rainsuits and two or three pairs of all weather (rain) gloves. Pack some warm clothing even in the summer. Bring plenty of golf balls as most likely you will lose some in the links rough.

Air and Sea Transport
Ireland's international airports, are served by daily flights (direct or by onward connection) from cities in the USA, Britain and Continental Europe and, are strategically located so that any part of the country is at most a two hour drive from an airport. Ireland has several ports served by car ferry from Britain and Continental Europe. Golf Vacations Ireland will advise on the most suitable options.

Ground Transport
The main choices are: Self Drive Car or Mini-Bus rental, Chauffeur-Driven car or coach, and Helicopter. Golf Vacations Ireland can recommend and arrange suitable transport for your holiday. Golf Vacations Ireland deals with Irish Tourist Board approved companies only. Remember, if you choose self drive, to drive on the left hand side of the road and to carry a detailed road map such as Michelins that we supply. Estimate an average travelling speed of 30-40 miles (40-50 km) per hour.

Holiday Accommodation
The options range from self catering holiday cottages and apartments to excellent guesthouses/bed and breakfasts to luxury 5 star hotels, manor homes and castles.

Currency
The unit of currency is the Euro (€). The exchange rate is fixed to currencies in the Euro zone but fluctuates against all other currencies. The currency of Northern Ireland is the pound sterling. Euro can be purchased at banks or foreign exchange departments using foreign currency, travellers cheques or Eurocheques with eurocheque card. Normal banking hours in Ireland are 10.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday, and banks are open at Airports for all flight arrivals. ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines / cash dispensers) are located at banks in many towns and some retail outlets and most accept major credit cards, particularly Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and Plus debit cards. Western Union services are available at Tourist and Post Offices throughout the country.

Credit Cards:
Access/Eurocard/Master Card, Visa/Electron are accepted widely in Ireland. American Express and Diners Club cards are accepted by many establishments.

Sales Tax (VAT ) Refunds
The price of most goods includes VAT which can be refunded at the end of your trip. Obtain a tax-free shopping form with each purchase and follow the instructions for completion.

What to buy in Ireland
Ireland offers a wide range of goods which reflect the quality and craftsmanship of its traditional industries. The influence of Irish Celtic art can be seen in many goods. Hand-woven tweed, knitwear and clothing, crystal and cut glass, pottery, silver and jewellery, hand-made chocolates and smoked salmon are but a few of the items you can buy.

Passports and Visas
UK citizens do not require a passport or visa but bring a passport, drivers license or a national identity card as it is useful for identification purposes. A passport only is required if you are a passport holder of the countries (except India, visa also required) listed in the foreign embassy section below. For other countries check with the Irish embassy or consulate in your country if a visa is required or if you have other questions about traveling to Ireland.

Foreign Embassies in Ireland
Argentina. 15 Ailesbury Drive, Dublin 4. 01 2691546.
Australian. Fitzwilton House, Wilton Terrace, Dublin 2. 01 6761517.
Austrian. 15 Ailesbury Court, 93 Ailesbury Road, Dublin 4. 01 2694577.
Belgium. Shrewsbury House, Shrewsbury Road, Dublin 4. 01 2692082.
Brazil. Europa House, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2. 01 4756000.
Canada. 65 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. 01 4781988.
Denmark. 121 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. 01 4756404.
Finland. Russell House, Stokes Place, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. 01 4781344.
France. 36 Ailesbury Road, Dublin 4. 01 2601666.
Germany. 31 Trimleston Avenue, Booterstown, Co. Dublin. 01 2693011.
Great Britain. 29 Merrion Road, Dublin 4. 01 2053700.
Greece. 1 Upper Pembrook Street, Dublin 2. 01 6767254.
Iceland. Consular Office. Iceland House, Arran Ct., Smithfield, Dublin 7. 01 8725673.
India. 6 Leeson Park, Dublin 6. 01 4970843.
Italy. 63 Northumberland Road, Dublin 4. 01 6601744.
Japan. Nutley Buildings, Merrion Centre, Nutley Lane, Dublin 4. 01 2694244.
Luxembourg. 27 Wilton Crescent, London SW1X8SD. 0044171 2297265.
Netherlands. 160 Merrion Road, Dublin 4. 01 2693444.
New Zealand. Consular Office. 46 Upper Mount Street, Dublin 2. 01 6762464.
Norwegian. 34 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2. 01 6621800.
Portugal. Knocksinna House, Foxrock, Dublin 18. 01 2894416.
South African. Earlsfort Centre, Dublin 2. 01 6615553.
Spain. 17a Merlyn Park, Dublin 4. 01 2691640.
Sweden. Sun Alliance House, Dublin 2. 01 6715822.
Switzerland. 6 Ailesbury Road, Dublin 4. 01 2692515.
USA. 42 Elgin Road, Dublin 4. 01 6688777.

Personal Safety
Ireland has by many standards a low level of crime particularly so in the rural regions where our holidays are based. Visitors should however be careful and it is advised to leave expensive jewellery, excess cash, traveller's cheques, passports and travel documents, when not needed, in your hotel safe. Carry cash, wallets etc. in inside concealed pockets or in a tourist wallet/pouch strapped to the front of your body. Keep a copy of passports, credit card details etc. and relevant contact numbers in the event of loss. Label your luggage on both the inside and outside with your name, telephone number and address.

Medical Treatment and Health Insurance
A doctor is available all day in most towns. Dial 999 in case of emergencies. Prescribed medications are widely available through chemist stores. If on prescribed medication it is useful to bring an adequate supply for your journey. EU citizens should bring an E111 form and are entitled to free treatment in public hospitals. All other nationalities should check with their insurance agent as to the validity of their plan in Ireland.

Language.
English is the language of the majority of the population. Irish is spoken mainly in Gaeltacht areas. Many tourist businesses employ personnel with additional European languages such as French or German.

Newspapers
There are six morning daily papers some of which e.g. The Irish Times have very comprehensive 'World News' sections. Papers from other countries are available in bigger towns and cities. National and international TV is available in most hotels.

Telephones
GSM Mobile phones can be used throughout the country. Public phones are common from which all calls can be dialled. Credit cards from most countries are accepted by the international telephone exchange.
In case of emergency, Dial 999 and ask the operator for the emergency service you require.

Electricity.
Electricity is supplied at 220 Volts. Plugs are flat with three pins. A transformer is needed to convert 110v appliances (except for dual-voltage equipment which needs only an adapter). Hotel rooms are often fitted with these.

Responsibility
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the above information no responsibility is accepted for errors, omissions or any other inconsistency, nor for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any traveller in reliance on the above information or advice.