The official languages are English and Irish (Gaelic), which belongs to the Gaelic branch of the Celtic languages. Although Irish is the first official language, it is still spoken by a minority (3% of the population) (mainly in the West).
In rural areas, some religious holidays are also celebrated.
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items can be imported duty-free into Ireland (when traveling from non-EU countries): 200 cigarettes and 100 cigarillos and 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco (only for persons aged 17 and over); 1 l spirits (above 22% alcohol content) or 2 l alcoholic beverages up to 22% (including sparkling wine) (persons aged 17 and over); 4 liters of wine (persons aged 17 and over); 16 liters of beer; Gifts/other goods up to a total value of €430 (persons aged 15 and over) or €215 (children under 15).
Import Restrictions
Importation is either prohibited, restricted or must be declared: cats and dogs, illegal and dangerous drugs, pornographic material, certain foods (meat, milk, fish or products made from the aforementioned goods), protected international cultural heritage, medicines, weapons, fireworks and other explosive substances, live or dead animals, fish, birds or plants, smokeless tobacco for oral use. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Import regulations
Travelers who bring meat and milk products, among other things, into the EU from outside the European Union must declare them. The regulation does not apply to the import of animal products from EU countries, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland. Anyone who does not register these products must expect fines or criminal prosecution.
Prohibited Imports
Milk and milk products, raw vegetables, hay and straw (even if it is only used as packaging material). The import of birds, eggs and other poultry products, as well as feathers or untreated game trophies into the European Union (EU) from countries where avian influenza has occurred is prohibited. There is a general ban on imports of live poultry, meat and meat products from third countries (with the exception of the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland). Note: EU nationals wishing to import firearms must have the European Firearms Passport in order to obtain a special permit from the Department of Justice or the Office of Public Works in Ireland.
Import/Export to the EU
The movement of goods within the EU is unrestricted for travelers as long as the goods are for personal use and not for resale. In addition, the goods must not have been purchased in duty-free shops. Travelers may be asked to provide proof of their own personal needs. Member States have the right to levy excise duty on spirit drinks or tobacco products if these products are not intended for personal use. The following maximum quantities apply as personal requirements: 800 cigarettes (persons aged 17 and over); 400 cigarillos (over 17s); 200 cigars (over 17s); 1 kg of tobacco (persons aged 17 and over); 10 liters of high-proof alcoholic beverages (persons aged 17 and over); 20 liters of fortified wine (such as port or sherry) (over 17s); 90 liters of wine (of which a maximum of 60 liters of sparkling wine) (persons aged 17 and over); 110 liters of beer (over 17s); Perfumes and eau de toilette: No restrictions if it can be shown that the amount is for personal consumption. Medicines: Amount corresponding to personal needs during the trip. Other goods: The movement of goods within the EU is unrestricted for travelers. However, this does not apply to gold alloys and gold plating in the unprocessed state or as a semi-finished product and fuel. Fuel may only be imported from an EC member state exempt from mineral oil tax if it is in the vehicle’s tank or in a spare container that is carried along. A fuel quantity of up to 10 liters in the reserve tank is not objected to. If additional quantities of these goods are carried, e.g. For example, a wedding is an event that could justify a bulk purchase. Note: However, there are certain exceptions to the free movement of goods regime. They relate in particular to the purchase of new vehicles and purchases for commercial purposes. (More information on car taxes can be found in the European Commission’s Guide to Buying Goods and Services in the Internal Market.)
EU
Duty-free sales at airports and seaports have been abolished for travel within the EU. Only travelers leaving the EU can shop cheaply in duty-free shops. When importing goods into an EU country that were bought in duty-free shops in another EU country, the same travel allowances and allowances apply as when entering from non-EU countries. Further information is available from Irish Customs.
Mon-Fri 09.30-12.30 and 14.30-16.45. Visa Department: Mon-Fri 10am-12pm.
Business
Business etiquette
Suit and tie or costume. Irish business people are friendly and accommodating, with a fairly informal approach. Scheduling an appointment is common. You should plan enough time for the settlement of the transactions. The first week of May, the main summer holiday period (July – August) and the period between Christmas and New Year are not suitable for business visits.
Opening hours
Business hours: Mon-Fri 09.00-17.00/18.00.
Business contacts
Communication
Phone
According to Abbreviationfinder.org, the country code is 00353. There are a few public phones that can be used with phone cards or with coins. Public phone calling cards and pre-paid cards are available throughout the country. Public phones are mostly available in the cities in bars, hostels and internet cafés, among others.
Mobile phone
GSM 900/1800, 2G, 3G and 4G. Mobile phone companies include Vodafone, Three and eir, among others. Mobile phones can be rented on site. There are roaming contracts with mobile phone companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Roaming abroad can be used within the EU at the regular home tariff of the respective provider. Roaming charges were abolished within the EU in mid-2017. However, the cell phone must be GSM-enabled and there must be a roaming contract with the local cell phone provider. Otherwise, it may be worth purchasing an Irish SIM card.
Internet
The main provider is eir. Libraries provide public Internet access. Internet cafes can be found in all major cities. Mobile surfing on the Internet is made possible, among other things, by Goodspeed Wi-Fi hotspots that are subject to a fee.
Post office
Post office opening hours: Mon-Sat 09.00-13.00 and 14.15-17.30. The main post office is on O’Connell Street, Dublin. It is also open on Sundays and public holidays.
Radio
Numerous German-language radio stations can be received via Astra satellites or via the Internet, among other things.
