The population of Ireland is approximately 4,109,086 million, of which approximately 1,124,036 million people live in Ireland West Airport Knock’s catchment area.

Ireland’s climate is mild and very changeable, with summer temperatures 16 - 20 degrees Celsius (60 -67degrees Fahrenheit) on average and winter temperatures 4 - 7 degrees Celsius (39-44 degrees Fahrenheit). There are about 18 hours of daylight daily during July and August.

English is the spoken language throughout Ireland, with Irish (or Gaelic) the original native language of Ireland. Place names and signage are usually in both languages.

• New Year’s Day - January 1
• St Patrick’s Day - March 17
• Easter Monday (Monday following Easter Sunday)
• May Holiday (first Monday in May)
• June Holiday (first Monday in June)
• August Holiday (first Monday in August)
• October Holiday (last Monday in October)
• Christmas Day - December 25
• St Stephen’s Day – December 26

Good Friday, although not a public holiday, is observed as such for many businesses in Ireland. Pubs are closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day throughout Ireland.

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The international calling code for Ireland is +353. Mobile phones are available for hire for the duration of your stay. In an emergency call 999 or 112 and specify whether you require the police (Garda), an ambulance, the fire service or coastal rescue.

Most post offices are open Monday - Friday 09.00-17.30 and some open on Saturday from 09.00-13.00.

Most shops in are open from 09.00 until 18.00 Monday - Saturday with limited opening on Sundays. Shops in major towns and cities often stay open late Thursday evenings. For details on how to reclaim VAT (Value Added Tax) at the Airport click here.

There are plenty of pubs in the West and Northwest, from traditional watering holes to trendy late night bars! The legal age to buy alcohol is 18. Opening hours - Mon to Sat 10.30am, Sun 12.30pm. Closing times – Mon to Thurs 23.30pm, Fri-Sat 00.30am and Sunday 23.00pm (with half an hour drinking up time given). Pubs shut on Good Friday and Christmas Day. Most nightclubs and late bars will serve drink until 02.30am.

A normal tip for good service in restaurants is between 10%-15%. Service charge is normally automatically included for groups of six or more.

The Euro is the only currency that is officially recognised as legal tender in the Republic of Ireland. In general, banks open Monday-Friday, 10.00-16.00 with late opening on Thursdays until 17.00. All major credit cards are widely accepted. For foreign exchange and ATM facilities at Ireland West Airport click here.

220/240 volts (50 cycles) is the standard electrical current and a 3-pinned adapter may be required.