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The West

Head way out West for wild landscapes and a sublime coastline rushing in from the Atlantic

Everything you need to know about the West of Ireland

Banks hours

Banks are open from 9am-4pm Monday to Friday with late opening until 5pm on Thursdays. The West 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 provides services all over the West. For information on times, tickets and prices tel: ++ 353 1 836 6111 or log onto Bus Eireann. For information on rail services, contact Iarnród Éireann at Irish Rail.

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 the Republic of Ireland, except in hotel rooms and private accommodation.

Tourist Information

To find your local tourist information office go to the Ireland West, Shannon Region or North West & Lakeland Tourism websites.

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Special offer

PONTOON BRIDGE HOTEL - General Offer

PONTOON BRIDGE HOTEL - General Offer

Cookery classes at Pontoon Bridge Hotel - hands-on participation from 10.30-16.30, including lunch and recipes.

Did you know?

Sea captain and pirate queen Grace O’Malley patrolled the waters off the West coast of Ireland in the 16th century, and pirated and traded successfully for over 50 years. She even gave birth to her youngest son aboard her ship as it was being attacked by North African pirates.

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© Tourism Ireland 2008