Everything you need to know in Louth

Bank hours

Banks are open from 9am-4pm Monday to Friday with late opening until 5pm on Thursdays. The East Coast and Midlands area is well served with ATM machines in most villages and towns, most of which will accept Cirrus.

Driving

If you intend to rent a car when you’re in Ireland, make sure to familiarise yourself with the Irish road rules. In particular pay attention to the speed limits: 120km on motorways; 100km on national roads; 80km on regional and local roads; 50km in a built-up area.

Emergencies

Dial 999 or 112 for fire, Garda (police) and ambulances.

Getting Around

Bus Éireann provide services all over the East Coast and Midlands. For information on times, tickets and prices tel: ++ 353 1 836 6111 or log onto www.buseireann.ie. For information on rail services contact Iarnród Éireann on www.irishrail.ie.

Parking

Many towns and villages have parking restrictions in operation. Make sure to check whether there is a disc parking or pay and display parking wherever you intend to leave your car. Failure to comply can result in heavy fines, or your car being towed.

Pub hours

Pubs are open 10.30am to 11.30pm Monday to Thursday and until 12.30am on Friday and Saturday. Sundays are 12.30pm to 11.30pm. Pubs in Ireland are closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday. Most nightclubs will serve until around 2.30am.

Shopping

Shopping hours are generally 9am-6pm Monday to Saturday with some shops in larger towns and cities staying open late on Thursday until 8pm. Some shops are also open on Sunday afternoons in larger towns and cities, and generally newsagents will stay open longer in the evenings and open earlier in the morning as well.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted anywhere indoors in Ireland, except in hotel rooms and private accommodation.

Tourist Information

To find your local tourist information office log on to www.visitdublin.com/seeanddo/TouristOffices/dublin.aspx or www.eastcoastmidlands.ie

Need to know

• County Louth website

  County Louth website

• East Coast & Midlands website

  Official Tourism Website East Coast & Midlands

Upcoming events

• Blackrock Raft Race Day

  23 Jun 2013

• Drogheda Samba Festival

  28 Jun 2013 - 30 Jun 2013

• Annual International Festival for Irish Harp - An Chúirt Chruitireachta

  30 Jun 2013 - 05 Jul 2013

• Carlingford Lough Endurance Challenge

  06 Jul 2013

• Sli Bhride - Brigid Celtic Pilgrimage Walk

  07 Jul 2013 - 15 Jul 2013

• Brigid's Way Celtic Pilgrimage

  07 Jul 2013 - 16 Jul 2013

• The 'GAS' Challenge (The Gathering Adventure Splash)

  20 Jul 2013 - 21 Jul 2013

• Carlingford Lough Maritime Festival

  21 Jul 2013

• World Youth Fly Fishing Championship

  24 Jul 2013 - 27 Jul 2013

• Michael Fearon / Kevin Marron 5K Road Race

  02 Aug 2013

• See all events