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Post and Communications in Ireland + My Favorites
Ireland has an efficient postal system known as An Post. Internal mail
is usually delivered by the next day. Mail to the U.K. and Europe usually reaches
its destination between three and five days. Overseas takes up to ten, depending
on the efficiency of the postal service in the recipient country.
All letters and postcards to the U.K. and Europe go airmail. For the rest of the
world there is a choice between airmail and surface mail. When mailing items
outside of Europe it is important to specify which service is required. Airmail
letters and cards should be clearly marked with airmail stickers that the post
office will provide.
Telephone
Like the British telephone system the Irish system is also complex. The Irish
phone company is Eircom. Area codes and actual phone numbers can have a
varying number of digits and this can be confusing - especially when calling the
U.K. and Northern Ireland from the Irish Republic. Also like in England the system,
especially for pay phones is very different from other places. When calling Ireland
from another country use the other country’s international access code, then 353
(the country code for Ireland) and the appropriate area code and number.
Rates vary, but as a general rule it is cheaper to make calls between 6pm and 8am and at weekends. Remember local calls are not free but paid for on a time basis, whereas long distance is charged for on a time and distance basis.
Prepaid calling cards are perhaps the best way to make calls. These are available
in different denominations and can be purchased almost everywhere. Calling cards
from your phone company at home can often also be used to call your home country.
Your phone company will provide a toll free access number that can be reached
via the Irish operator.
Mobile (cell) phones are also widespread. Irish mobile phones use the same system
as Europe and Australia but it is different from that used in North America. Even
if a phone is compatible it can be expensive to use it in Ireland because local
calls could well be routed via the home country and international rates will be
charged. For those that need a mobile, the best solution is often to purchase
a ‘pay as you go’ phone in Ireland. These can be obtained for a reasonable price,
include airtime and there are no contracts to sign. If more airtime is required
it is a simple procedure to purchase more.
Fax
Fax facilities are often available at local post offices and hotels. The charge
for fax services can be quite expensive.
E Mail and Internet
Like most developed countries the personal computer has had a dramatic impact
on communications in Ireland. In fact more than most countries, Ireland is very
'Internet savvy' probably because of its dynamic IT industry. Because there is
a charge for local phone calls in the Ireland people use the Internet and email
a little more sparingly than in North America. For those bringing a laptop computer
ensure that the PC modem card is compatible for use in Ireland (any good computer
store at home will help with this, global modems are available). An adapter is
also necessary for Irish phone jacks.
Sometimes it’s easier to utilize one of the widely available Internet Cafés or the PC room of a local library. While your local Internet email account is probably available anywhere, this requires some complex procedures to access it. It will be much simpler to open an account with a web based email service such as Yahoo or Hotmail, and use that as a means to stay in touch with home.
Ireland
