Banks: 09.00 to 17.30, Monday to Friday; 09.00 to 12.00, Saturdays
Post Offices: 09.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday
Government Offices: 09.00 to 17.30, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09.00 to 17.30, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09.00 to 18.00, daily; some closed on Sundays

Levels of crime in Killarney are low although you should exercise caution when out and about, and while wandering the streets at night. The local police are known as garda, or guard, and can be contacted by dialing: 64 31 222. Take care while driving Kerry’s winding and lofty roads, and keep abreast of weather reports while hiking in the national park.

240V, 50Hz; three-pin sockets (UK plugs).

Killarney, like the rest of Ireland, is up to European standards regards to healthcare. There are no exotic diseases to be aware of and hygiene in hotels and restaurants is excellent. Smokers should beware that public places, including cafés, restaurants and bars, have been designated smoke-free. Wear sun block while out hiking and cycling, and carry extra food and water if you head into the mountains.

Emergency services: 999
Killarney District Hospital: +353 64 31076

The Irish speak English although the traditional language is Gaelic, which you may hear spoken in parts of Killarney and see written on road signs.

Ireland is one of the EU countries that opted for the euro (€), discarding the punt, or Irish pound.

Duty-free limits for those coming from outside the EU into Ireland are: 200 cigarettes; one litre of spirits and two litres of wine; 250mls of eau de toilette; and gifts to the value of €180. Visitors from within the EU are not eligible for duty-free but can bring in what they like up to a reasonable amount.

The Irish are friendly and hospitable, and are known to strike up conversations with strangers out of the blue. They like to tease and joke, but this is usually light-hearted and not meant to cause offence. One of the best ways to get friendly with the locals is to enjoy a chat over a pint of Guinness at a local pub.

You do not need a visa to enter Ireland if you are an EU citizen; simply your passport or national ID card will do. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand also don’t need visas for stays of fewer than three months, while other nationalities should check with an Irish embassy or consulate in their home country before departure.

Killarney Tourist Office (Aras Fáilte) is located in the town centre and offers helpful booklets and guides on the Killarney area. It can be found on Beech Road and is open Monday to Saturday in winter and daily at other times. Phone: +353 64 31 633; www.killarneyonline.ie