Clare

Take a trip around Clare and you’ll discover spectacular cliffs, ancient landscapes and some of the loveliest villages in Ireland

Everything you need to know in Clare

Bank hours

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

Banks

Hours are generally Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4.30pm with some open on Saturday morning. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) dispense cash at hundreds of locations including banks, garages, and shopping centres. Using a credit card in an ATM is an easy way of obtaining sterling if you are travelling from the Republic of Ireland or abroad. Bureau de change can be found in larger bank branches, travel agencies, the Belfast Welcome Centre, some tourist information centres, big hotels and a few visitor attractions.

Car Parking

Multi-storey and off-street car parks have hourly tariffs depending on location. On-street pay and display zones are clearly marked. Pay attention to restriction notices that display morning and evening rush hour clearways and bus lanes when in operation.

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 Shannon region of Ireland. For information on times, tickets and prices tel: ++ 353 1 836 6111 or log onto. For information on rail services contact Iarnród Éireann on.

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.