Banks: 10.00 to 16.00, Monday to Wednesday and Fridays; 10.00 to 16.00, Thursdays
Post Offices: 09.00 to 17.30, Monday to Friday; 09.00 to 12.30, Saturdays
Government Offices: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09.00 to 17.30, Monday to Saturday

Galway is a safe destination for tourists. In fact, the city and surrounding region boasts the lowest crime rate in the country. Pickpockets can be problem in crowded areas, though you're far less likely to encounter this sort of problem in Galway than in more populous cities such as Dublin. To be safe, carefully guard your belongings, and carry only those valuables that are essential to your holiday. Bear in mind that the city's energetic nightlife picks up at weekends and holidays, when an extra dose of caution is in order.

220V, 50Hz; flat, three-pinned plugs

High-quality medical care is widely available in Ireland. Visitors from other European nations should be sure to carry their European Health Insurance Card throughout their visit. This card qualifies the carrier for discounted emergency medical treatment. Travellers who become mildly ill may wish to visit a pharmacist for advice and over-the-counter medication before visiting a hospital.

Emergency services: 999
University College Hospital Galway: +353 91 524222

The official language of Ireland is Gaeilge (or Irish) and although the language is taught in school, very few locals actually use Gaeilge in day-to-day commerce. As a result, Gaeilge is only spoken in pockets (of which Galway is one) throughout the country. English is widely spoken across Ireland.

Ireland uses the euro (EUR) for daily commerce, with €1.00 equivalent to 100 cents.

While there are no duty-free sales between countries in the EU, travellers arriving from outside of Europe are permitted to import the following items free of duty: two litres of wine or one litre of spirits; 200 cigarettes; 250 millilitres of eau de toilette; and 60 millilitres of perfume. Duties incurred and paid in one European nation will not be revisited when travelling to another country in the EU.

The Irish are a courteous and warm people who place a high value on family and friendship. Greetings consist of a firm, simple handshake which will be offered again before parting ways. Locals tend to avoid demonstrative, flamboyant behaviour, a fact which also extends to dress. The Irish usually prefer to wear conservative, modest attire that avoids flashy styles and colours. Above all, visitors do well to respect the independent, national psyche of the republic, keeping in mind that locals may take offence at being lumped together (politically) with their neighbour, the United Kingdom.

Citizens of the EU, as well as most other Western nations, do not need a visa to visit Ireland. Citizens of the EU may stay as long as they like, while those who hail from farther abroad are generally granted a tourist visa upon arrival that covers travel for a period of up to 90 days. Citizens from nations that do not qualify for the visa waiver programme must first arrange a visa through their nearest Irish consulate or embassy.

The Ireland West Tourism Office is located just north of Eyre Square on Forster Street. Phone: +353 91 563 081.