General Information

TRAVEL

DUBLIN AIRPORT

Delegates should ensure when booking flights to Ireland that they book to arrive in Dublin Airport. For information about Dublin airport please visit http://www.dublinairport.com

Dublin Airport Information – Tel + 353 (0) 1 814 1111.

For flight information at Dublin Airport visit http://www.dublinairport.com/gns/flight-information/overview.aspx

For Air carriers travelling into Dublin Airport visit http://www.dublinairport.com/home.aspx

VISAS AND PASSPORTS*** Please ensure to Read!

Passports- European Union citizens do not require a passport or visa to enter Ireland, but most carriers by air or sea require some form of identification with photograph (usually either a passport or National Identity Card. Visitors are advised to check what form of ID is required with the individual airline, tour operator or travel agent before travelling.

Visas- Visitors from other countries do require a passport, and it is wise to check with your travel operator whether your originating country requires a visa. Ensure to discuss with your travel agent and review the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland website for full information http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=8777

If you require a visa you may request a letter of booking confirmation from the conference desk once payment is completed in full for registration. No letter will be issued prior to full registration being completed. It is advisable that you have booked and paid for accommodation for the duration of your stay- either through the conference desk or privately. This should be included with your visa application.

Note that VISA applications can take 8+ weeks for Ireland- ensure that you have left ample time.

1. Do I need a visa http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=8777

2. To apply using the Online AVATS process https://www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx

Before beginning the online process you should have the following information to hand:

1. Passport and details of any previous passports – number, date of issue/expiry

2. Details of any previous Irish visa applications

3. Contact details for your host in Ireland

4. Itinerary

Following submission of your online application using AVATS, note that you will also be required to submit a signed summary of your application form, original passport, passport-sized colour photograph, the relevant fee, and all supporting documents, to the relevant Irish Embassy/Consulate/Visa Office per your application procedures.

When you complete AVATS there will be a website, shown on the printed summary of your application form with details of the appropriate office, the fee payable, and the method of payment accepted. Please ensure that you read the visa information contained on the website www.inis.gov.ie and their provided Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Please note that a Schengen visa or UK D visa is not valid for travel to Ireland.

Travel to the Conference Venue and throughout the City & Country

The conference venue, O’Reilly Hall, UCD is located on the University College Dublin campus. For details on how to get to UCD, please visit: http://www.ucd.ie/gettingtoucd.htm

Aircoach operates a service from Dublin Airport to UCD. Delegates should take the Sandyford/Leopardstown bus and advise the driver you wish to alight at UCD. The entrance to the campus is across the bridge from the bus stop. Further details available at http://www.aircoach.ie.

Bus – Dublin Bus offers a variance of routes throughout the city. The Airlink 747 bus links the Airport to Dublin City Centre. Tickets are €10 return. Visit http://www.dublinbus.ie/your-journey1/timetables/airport-services/

Bicycles – Dublin is one of many European cities that offer a bike sharing scheme for its many visitors and residents. You will see Dublin bikes parked throughout the capital. For information on how to hire visit http://www.dublinbikes.ie/. These are a fun way to explore Dublin.

Car Hire – Hertz Car Hire www.hertz.ie or Avis Car Hire www.avis.ie

Taxi – There are a large number of taxi services available in the city centre. Taxis from the airport to the city centre/UCD are readily available outside the arrivals hall and regularly stop at UCD. Ensure to only travel in a registered taxi- they will have their taxi license displayed on the dashboard. Taxis are readily available all over the city with listed Taxi ranks in most main tourism areas.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Banks & Currency

The Euro (€) is the currency in use in Ireland.

Visa and Master Card are all widely accepted in pubs, shops and restaurants throughout the country.

Traveller’s cheques can be cashed at most hotels and banks.

Bank Opening Hours – Mon, Tues & Fri 10.00-16.00; Wed 10.30-16.00; Thurs 10.00-17.00hr

Climate

October weather can be cold and expect rain showers. Average Temperatures range from 8 – 13 °C (46 °F – 55 °F).

Electricity

Electric Current: 240 Volts AV

Plug type: 3 large flat prong British type plug. BS1363 system.

Insurance

All conference attendees are advised to arrange private travel insurance. The conference organisers and committee accept no liability for personal accidents or damage to property while in attendance at the conference. The Organising Committee and the 1st International Symposium of Future in Dermatology: Inflammation reserves the right to amend and alter the conference programme and events without prior notice and accepts no liability as a result of such actions.

Shopping

General opening hours are Monday-Saturday from 09.00-18.00 with later opening hours on Thursday evenings. Most major stores/shops open on Sunday – some with reduced opening times from 10.30 to 18.00.

Smoking

Ireland has introduced a ban on smoking. Smoking is prohibited in public areas within Ireland including all bars, nightclubs and restaurants. If required you should enquire whether your accommodation bedroom is a smoking or non-smoking room. Please use the smoking areas designated outside venues.

Tipping

Tipping is a generally accepted practice in restaurants, bars, taxis and hotel porters. A service charge may be included in some restaurants and should be stated on the menu, but otherwise this is a discretionary item, normally at least 10%.

Telecommunications/ Cell Phones

For international delegates, only digital phones with GSM subscriptions and a roaming agreement will work on the island of Ireland. Visitors should consult with their supplier before departure.

Networks widely available are O2, Vodafone and Meteor.