The country lanes can, generally speaking, be walked without fear of threats to personal safety. Inner city areas are obviously a different story and it’s wise to exercise a little caution if wandering into run down or problem-plagued suburbs. Being mindful of the possibility of being targeted by pickpockets and bag snatchers can help you both avoid their attentions and thwart any likely attempts. Basic advice such as keeping cash and personal effects hidden and in hard to reach places and avoiding leaving items of any value in parked cars, may seem obvious but always worth following. The coastal areas benefit from warm Atlantic winds so Ireland’s seaside towns are pleasant places to take relaxing beach holidays during this time. Winters are not excessively cold so it is feasible to take a trip in the months from December through till March provided you take some warm clothing and are prepared for the fog and shortness of the days. Money: the country’s official currency is the Euro which is made up of 100 cents and is available in both notes and coins with the former in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Euros and the latter in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 euro cents and also in 1 and 2 euro coins. Emergency: 999
Ambulance: 999
Police: 999 Recommended hospitals:
Cork - Cork University Hospital +353 21 454 6400
Dublin - Beaumont Hospital +353 1 809 3000
Kilkenny - St Luke's Hospital +353 56 778 5000
Mayo - Mayo General Hospital +353 94 902 1733
Sligo - Sligo General Hospital +353 71 917 1111
Galway - University College Hospital
+353 91 524 222
Donegal - Letterkenny General Hospital
+353 74 912 5888
Leitrim – Our Lady's Hospital Manorhamilton
+353 71 985 5123
Limerick – Midwestern Regional Hospital
+353 61 301111
Louth - Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital
+353 41 983 7601
Wexford - Wexford General Hospital
+353 53 914 2233
Wicklow - Wicklow District Hospital
+353 404 67108 While the Irish are, on the whole, a race of fairly relaxed people, this does not mean that business etiquette can be ignored. Basics such as punctuality, politeness and smart dress speak as loudly here as anywhere and are to be ignored to your detriment. If your Irish business colleagues suggest moving discussions to the pub, then you can take this as a sign that things can be relaxed a little and you should take the opportunity to forge better relationships through amiability afforded by the less formal environment. | 
