Frequently Asked Questions

About travel to Ireland

General questions

Do I need a visa to visit Ireland?
Passports are required by U.S and Canadian citizens traveling to Ireland.Ensure your passport is valid for travel 6 months beyond your arrival in Ireland.
What's the weather in Ireland like?
Weather is mild in Ireland. Summer temperatures generally range from 60-75 Degrees F; average spring and fall temperatures are in the 50s with winter averages in the 30s to 40s. As these islands are influenced by weather patterns from the Atlantic Ocean, the weather is moderately changeable and rain showers can occur any time of the year.
What to pack?
Travel light, dress comfortably and pack easy care items. Dressing in layers is most suitable so you can shed items if you get warm during the day. An all-weather coat with removable liner and folding umbrella are excellentfor traveling. make sure you have strong, comfortable shoes as historic sites tend to have uneven paving. Casual clothes are appropiate for daytime and evening wear. Jacket and tie are not required for men nor dresses for ladies.
What if I'm carrying medication?
Please advise at time of booking so we can notify the airlines in advance. If you take prescription drugs, ensure thatyou have ample supply for the duratiion of your trip and ALWAYS carry them in your hand luggage.
What's the currency in Ireland?
The currency of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are not interchangeable. On Jan 1, 2002 the Irish punt was replaced by the Euro. The Euro consists of 100 cents. Notes are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. Coins are 1,2, 5,10, 20, 50. Local currency can be purchased at any bank in Ireland including those at airports, which are open for all flight arrivals. ATM's are located throughout Ireland and will be accepted if they have the Plus or Cirrus logo on the card and gives you the best rate of exchange without charging you a fee. Most credit cards except for Discover are widely accepted throughiut Ireland.
What's the time difference between Ireland and the US?
Ireland is on Greenwich Mean Time( GMT) which is one hour behind Central European time and 5 hours ahead of US Eastern standard time. Daylight savings time operates in Ireland and the hour changes on or close to the same date as in the U.S.
What do I need to check before I depart on my vacation?
a. Give your contact address and telephone numbers to friends, family or neighbors.
b. Ensure that you have all your travel documents, travelers checks, money, airline tickets, passport and travel insurance policy if purchased from Caddie Tours
c. Complete the baggage tags with your name and address and affix to each piece to each piece of luggage.
d. Check your locks and don't pack valuable items in your luggage.
What are the incentives for shopping in Ireland?
Ireland offers the vistor a wide variety of attractive locally produced goods and souvenirs of many types. Woollen Goods, tweeds, cashmere, handcraft items, jewelry, China and handcut crystal are probably the most popular features. Major stores can arrange to ship goods home for you, but you are liable for import duty. Duty Free shops are available at all International Irish and British Airports.

Refunds of VAT(valued added tax) are available to visitors to Ireland for purchases which are taken out of the country. Tax is included in the selling price shown and refunds can save you from 10% to 20% depending on the products purchased. A number of different VAT refund schemes are available. When shopping, make sure the store completes the appropriate forms for you. On the day of departure, after checking in for your flight, go to the Tax Free Desk where you will receive a tax refund in cash or credit to your charge card, less a handling fee.

Bed & Breakfast accommodations

Is it necessary to pre-book B & B accommodations?
We usually recommend booking your B & B accommodations 24 - 48 hours in advance for most of the year. However to avoid disappointment in the high season (May- September) we recommend pre-booking your B & B accommodations 30 days in advance especially in busy tourist areas like Dublin, Galway and Killarney.
How much is the single supplement over the B & B voucher and can I pre-pay it?
The single supplement is 12.50 euro and you pay direct to the B & B in Ireland.
Can I use my B & B vouchers to upgrade to a hotel or castle while in Ireland?
No, these vouchers will only be accepted at either Town and Country Homes or Farmhouse accommodations. If you wish to stay in a hotel or castle we highly recommend booking these accommodations in advance with Caddie Tours to guarantee availability and the best rates.
When can we get the list of the B&B homes that accept open vouchers?
We usually send B & B listings with the travel documents about 30 days prior to departure. However you may look up the following web sites to see a limited listings online. www.tandctrade.com

Motorcoach Tours

Do your tour guides sell optional sightseeing programs?
No. We want our tour guides to spend their time informing and looking after you rather than being sales people, so you enjoy a pleasant and interesting travel experience. We typically offer more sightseeing features and evening shows with dinner which are included in the tour. Once you are touring with us, you do not pay for any admissions or special entertainments.
Are prices guaranteed on Caddie Tours Vacations?
Caddie Tours guarantees that no increase in land costs will occur, once you have paid the deposit for your tour. This is your protection against international currency fluctuations. When you have paid for your airfare in full, there will be no change in the cost of the ticket, even if airfares rise later.
What travel documents do I need to visit Ireland and Britain?
If you are a US or Canadian citizen, the only travel document you need is a valid passport. If you are hiring a car, you will need your current driver's license.
Can I combine a coach tour with a self-drive program? Or can I combine a coach tour with a second one?
Yes, yes to both questions! Many of our coach tours are ideally suited for combining and we offer you a discount if you take two. If you are considering a self-drive vacation, a coach tour is an excellent introduction to both Britain and Ireland and will get you used to distances, customs and being "on the other side of the road."
Why should I purchase travel protection?
For the same reason that you have house and car insurance - to protect you, your loved ones, your possessions and your travel investment. If you or your family have unexpected health problems, experience flight delays or have possessions stolen during your vacation, you receive money back. This year we have a new trip cancellation waiver benefit.
Why do I see no triple room rates featured in your brochure?
Because there is no reduction in cost for a third person sharing a room with two others. European hotel rooms tend to be smaller than North American rooms and the third bed may be a rollaway. We suggest taking a twin and a single so that your party will be more comfortable.
How much luggage can I take?
On coach tours space for luggage is limited so each passenger is permitted to take one piece of luggage (suitcase or garment bag) per person. In addition, all passengers on coach tours receive a handy carry-on bag, which may be stowed under your seat or overhead in the coach. Self-drive clients need to consider the capacity of the car rental and soft-sided luggage is easier for stowing in a vehicle.
At what time does the coach tour leave the hotel in the morning?
Departure time depends on the itinerary to be covered on any particular day. In Britain departures are usually at about 8:00 am to 8:30 am, while in Ireland distances are shorter and the group usually leaves at 8:45 am to 9:00 am.
How early can I check into the hotel on day of arrival?
You may check into rooms between noon and 1:00 pm, depending on the hotel policy. As transatlantic flights generally arrive in Britain or Ireland early in the day, this can mean a wait at the hotel when the hotel has been heavily booked the night before. Or you may use this time to take a walk, have a snack or do a little exploring.
How much time do we spend on the coach every day?
We want you to see as much of Britain or Ireland as possible without spending all of your time on the coach. We generally incorporate a sightseeing feature each morning and afternoon. And there are breaks at two-hour intervals or less so that you may stretch your legs, purchase a snack or lunch, take photos, smoke and avail of restrooms.
Will we have opportunities to take walks and exercise?
Many of our tours incorporate walking tours in interesting places such as York, Chester, Waterford, Kinsale and Derry. These are leisurely paced walks with a guide. As you will have some free time when you arrive in the hotel in the afternoon, you may like to take a walk on your own or use leisure facilities which are offered in most hotels. We suggest that you take a pair of comfortable shoes with non-slip soles as many historic places have uneven paving.
What is a table d'hôte dinner?
It's a 4 or 5-course meal with a choice of appetizers, soups, entrees and desserts served in a hotel. Most hotels feature a good assortment of red and white meats, fish and vegetarian foods so that, if you have certain tastes or dietary restrictions, you will be sure to find something appealing.
Why do you offer independent transfers in London? And are they complicated to use?
As there are so many different flights to both Heathrow and Gatwick from different cities throughout North America, it is not possible to have our tour escort greet all clients at the airports on arrival. Therefore, in keeping with our transfer policy, we include vouchers for a reputable airport transfer coach service at the start and end of your tour. You will get full instructions as to how this service operates with your travel documents.
How much money do I need to take with me?
As most components of your tour have been prepaid, you will need cash for lunch each day and a couple of dinners when you have an evening at leisure. Are you an avid shopper? Do you like a cocktail in the evening? These costs are left entirely up to you. Also it is customary to tip your guide and driver at the end of the tour. Credit cards and ATMs are widely used so there's no need to carry a lot of cash.
Are there any free days for activities?
All of our tours are carefully planned with attractive sight-seeing every day. However, as most tours offer 2-night stays, you may choose not to travel with the group and pursue your own interests on a day when the coach will be returning to the same hotel.
Would a coach tour be suitable for a honeymoon trip?
After arranging a wedding, honeymooners are quite happy to leave all the details of their trip to us! We find that many newly-married couples choose our programs and also our tours are becoming more popular with under 30s. People of all ages realize that a vacation can be more relaxing when someone looks after all the driving and arrangements for them.

Driving in Ireland

What are the age restrictions on driving in Ireland?
Minimum Age * 25 years Group B, C, E, F& S 30 years Group B, C, D, P, W, M, N, S, E, F,G, H, I, V & T
*Persons aged 23/24 may rent group B, & E cars for an additional charge of 25 euro per day, payable direct to the car company in Ireland. Damage excess will be in the amount of 1,000 euro.
Maximum Age 75 years*
*It may be possible to rent a car to a driver over 75 but under 79 if they have a doctors certificate issued within the month prior to the rental and prove they have had no accidents in the last 5 years and are driving regularly. The proof must be produced at the Hertz Rental Desk.
Do I need an international driver's license to drive a car in Ireland ?
No international license is needed - your domestic driving license from the US or Canada is sufficient to rent a car in Ireland or Britain. You must have at least one years driving experience and their can be no endorsements on your license.
Can I pick up my car in Shannon and drop it off in Dublin?
You may pick up your car at Shannon, Dublin or Cork and drop it off at any one of the above locations without incurring an extra drop charge.
What does my car rental include?
Local tax, unlimited mileage and third party insurance. This means that if you have an accident the other party is covered, you and the car are not. You may purchase (PAI) personal accident insurance directly from the car company. The client is responsible for Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). You can obtain CDW insurance in one of the following ways:
a. By purchasing CDW through Caddie Tours at time of booking.
b. By purchasing the CDW from the car rental company at the commencement of the rental period.
c. By paying for the entire package with a credit card that offers CDW protection to its members. It is the sole responsibility of the hirer to ascertain and meet all requirements of any car rental insurance coverage provided by a credit card company

Road Signs in Ireland

Below are some of the road signs you will encounter while driving around Ireland.

Road Narrows	Right Turn Ahead	Bridge Ahead
4 Road Junction	Speed Limit 30 mph	No Parking
Roundabout	Stop Sign	Traffic Lights
Dangerous Bends	Minor Road Merging	End of Speed Limit Zone