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 familiarize 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.
