Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Entering:
Be warned that you may not be allowed to enter if you arrive 30 to 60
minutes before closing time. And guards start ushering people out well before the actual
closing time, so don't save the best for last.
Some important sights have a security check, where you must open your bag or send it
through a metal detector. Some sights require you to check daypacks and coats. (If you'd
rather not check your daypack, try carrying it tucked under your arm like a purse as you
enter.)
Photography:
If the museum's photo policy isn't clearly posted, ask a guard. Gener-
ally, taking photos without a flash or tripod is allowed. Some sights ban photos altogether.
Temporary Exhibits:
Museumsmayshowspecialexhibitsinadditiontotheirperman-
ent collection. Some exhibits are included in the entry price, while others come at an extra
cost (which you may have to pay even if you don't want to see the exhibit).
Expect Changes:
Artwork can be on tour, on loan, out sick, or shifted at the whim of
the curator. To adapt, pick up a floor plan as you enter, and ask museum staff if you can't
find a particular item.
Audioguides:
Some sights rent audioguides, which generally offer dry-but-useful re-
corded descriptions (sometimes included with admission). If you bring your earbuds, you
can enjoy better sound and avoid holding the device to your ear. To save money, bring a
Y-jack and share one audioguide with your travel partner. Increasingly, sights are offering
apps (often free) that you can download to your mobile device.
Services:
Important sights may have an on-site café or cafeteria (usually a handy place
to rejuvenate during a long visit). The WCs at many sights are free and nearly always
clean.
Before Leaving:
At the gift shop, scan the postcard rack or thumb through a guidebook
to be sure that you haven't overlooked something that you'd like to see.
Every sight or museum offers more than what is covered in this topic. Use the inform-
ation in this topic as an introduction—not the final word.
Ireland offers two passes (each covering a different set of sights) that can save you money.
The first is smart for anyone, and the second works best for two people traveling together.
Twosomes who love to sightsee should get both passes.
Heritage Card:
This pass gets you into 96 historical monuments, gardens, and parks
maintained by the OPW (Office of Public Works) in the Republic of Ireland. It will pay
off if you plan on visiting half a dozen or more included sights over the course of your trip
(€21, seniors age 60 and older-€16, students-€8, families-€55, covers entry to all Heritage
