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CHILDREN Children are generally liked and indulged in Ireland, even
if there are few places actually designed to cater for them. Baby
supplies are easily obtained, and children are generally welcome at B&Bs
(though few have cots or special facilities), in pubs during the daytime,
and almost anywhere else.
CONTRACEPTIVES Throughout Ireland anyone over 18 can buy condoms at
pharmacies (though in the Republic, where legal contraception was only
introduced in 1992, you may still find places that don't sell them - or
don't approve). The pill is available on prescription only.
ELECTRICITY In the Republic, electricity is 230V AC, in the North 240V
AC. Plugs everywhere are British-style three square pins (just
occasionally you may still find old round ones). In other words British
appliances will work everywhere; North American ones will need both a
transformer and a plug adapter; Australian and New Zealand appliances
only an adapter.
LAUNDRY You'll find laundries only in the bigger towns and on large
caravan/campsites. Hostels, though, will often have a washing machine
for residents' use, and at many B&Bs they'll do your washing for you.
Elsewhere it's worth taking along a tube of Travel Wash - designed to be
used in hotel washbasins - which makes a lot less mess than powder.
TIPPING AND SERVICE CHARGE Tipping in restaurants in both the Republic
and the North is at your discretion; if you are happy with the level of
service and the meal, it is customary to leave an additional fifteen
percent of the total bill.
TOILETS Public toilets are reasonably common in all the big towns, and
generally acceptably clean, if no more. Or you can pop into the local
pub, and stop for a drink while there. The Irish labels to look out for
are Fír (Men) and Mna (Women).
WORK EU citizens are legally allowed to live and work in Ireland and
most towns of any size will have a job centre advertising vacancies.
Plenty of jobs are available in Dublin for waiters/waitresses,
especially in the Temple Bar area. Another option for travellers is
seasonal work in resorts or perhaps helping out in a hostel in return
for board and pocket money. You'll need to search locally.
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