DUBLIN/IRELAND
Ireland is a constitutional democracy and a member of the European Union. More than one million people live in Dublin. Approximately four million people live in the Republic of Ireland.

DUBLIN
Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, is the venue for a variety of international conferences. It is renowned worldwide as a city of writers and literature, home to Joyce, Shaw and many others. As one of the oldest cities in Europe, Dublin's origins are steeped in Viking history and archaeology. Today, it is a city of fine Georgian buildings, excellent stores & shops, pubs & restaurants, museums & antique shops, all combining to make it one of Europe's most entertaining cities. For general information and assistance in planning a visit or a holiday to Ireland the www.discoverireland.ie website provides excellent assistance.

INSURANCE
The Conference Organising Committee, or its agents, will not be responsible for any medical expenses, loss, damages or accidents during the Conference. We would in particular draw your attention to the cancellation policy in respect of registration fees and accommodation. In the event that, for whatever reason, the Conference has to be cancelled or postponed, the Organising Committee, and/or its agents, will be responsible only for refund of monies received. We recommend that delegates insure themselves for medical and cancellation charges.

VISAS AND PASSPORTS
All nationalities visiting Ireland require valid passports. Visas are not currently required of EU nationals, EFTA nationals, or USA, Canadian or Australian nationals. Information on nationalities requiring a visa may be obtained from any Irish Embassy or Consulate or Irish Tourist Office and online at www.irlgov.ie/iveagh/services/visas/default.asp
Please note that it can take 6 to 8 weeks to process a Visa Application and early application is recommended. Please also note that the Irish Organising Committee, or its agents, cannot accept any responsibility in connection with Visa Applications and the normal cancellation policy, for registration fees and hotel deposits, will apply in the event that a delegate is unable to attend the symposium due to late submission of their visa application and/or rejection of same.

AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINES (ATM)
Located at most banks, and are widespread throughout the country. They accept Visa, Mastercard, as well as PLUS and CIRRUS debit cards. Credit cards (including all those carrying the Eurocard symbol) accepted in hotels, restaurants, petrol stations, shops etc.

CLIMATE
Mild and temperate (showers can occur at any time of the year). Summer temperatures range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (60 to 75° F). Spring and autumn temperatures average around 10+ degrees Celsius (50+° F). Winter is 0 to 10° Celsius (30 to 50° F).

CURRENCY
The euro (€).

BANKS
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday open 10am to 4pm.  Thursday from 10am to 5pm in Dublin (and some other regions). Small towns and rural areas – banks may close for lunch from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

ELECTRIC CURRENT
240 volts AC. Small appliances - a plug adaptor may be needed for Irish flat three-pin/round two-pin sockets. Visitors bringing electrical appliances should ask an electrician or appliance dealer if it is possible to use a transformer (adaptor).

SHOPPING HOURS
Monday to Saturday - 9am to 6pm.
Thursday in Dublin - late night shopping to 8pm/9pm.
Thursday and Friday - late night shopping in most malls.
Sunday - many shops open 12.00pm to 6pm.
Duty-free shopping is available at all the international airports.
Dublin has a wide range of shops with every taste and style catered for.