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If the "Travellers" take your cash.
They don't make a point of advertising it but the Republic of Ireland has a system of insurance for innkeepers that allows them
to reimburse you for money stolen by Travelling People or others ON THE SPOT. Ask
your inkeeper or the Garda officer taking your crime report. (See Money
Matters above for tips on preventing theft.)
Don't take any Hawaiian punts
What's a "punt?" A kick of an American football? A funny
way to say "punch?" Nah. When in Ireland, it's a
"pound." That is, it's the Irish Gaelic word for the local unit
of the Euro
currency in the Republic of Ireland, the "pound." What's the
lastest rate for punts or euros? Check here: Kevin Patton's
Lion
Den Cheat Sheet Currency Chart for Adventurers
Take a tip from me. Now this is
the strangest Irish custom of all: not taking any tips. Servers and
barkeeps at pubs, especially, just don't take tips. Actually, it's usually
included in the listed price. But I always like tipping a little extra to
an especially helpful server (or an especially cute one if she's single and and
seems interested . . .) but in Ireland they often won't take it even if you
insist. Be kind --and keep your money.
Dress for the weather
That's the problem. The weather changes CONSTANTLY all over Ireland.
So dress in light layers, with a light outer covering that is water (and wind)
proof. I like to use layers that can be removed without being
carried. That is clothing that folds into a pouch that hangs on my belt or
clothing that can be tied around my waist when not in use. I just hate
carrying the darn things while I'm out enjoying myself. Another
alternative is to always have a light day pack you can stuff your jacket or
sweater into and throw the pack over your shoulder. Not a bad idea for
hauling around those impulse tweed purchases, either.
Click here for my Ireland pages, with even more info: Ireland
Click here for my page on the European Union: EU
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