Before You Depart

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Flights from the U.S. and back are on the following airlines and schedules. Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing customs and immigration if you are planning a connecting flight. We recommend at least three-and-a-half hours. Please note that flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT

The above airlines do not assign seats in advance, and smarTours is not involved in seat assignments. Seat assignments can only be arranged at the airport upon check-in.

BOOKING YOUR OWN FLIGHTS

Booking your own flights has advantages like flying from your home airport, choosing your own seats, upgrading your seats, and using and collecting airline miles. Tour-only travelers are responsible for arranging their entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. Unused land services including those caused by air schedule changes and delays are non-refundable and smarTours cannot be held responsible.

When booking your flights, please note that our tour starts in Dublin and ends in Limerick. We recommend that you:

• Fly into Dublin Airport (DUB)
• Fly out of Shannon Airport (SNN)

BOOKING YOUR OWN TRANSFERS

Taxis are a reliable way to get to/from the airport in Ireland. At Dublin Airport, a taxi dispatcher is available at both Terminal 1 and 2 taxi ranks. Another option is to take the Airlink Express bus service between Dublin Airport and Dublin city center. The Airlink buses run frequently and stop at several key locations in the city. You can purchase a ticket from the bus driver or use a Leap Card for discounted fares.

In Limerick, Bus Eireann operates between Limerick and Shannon Airport. The Route 343 bus runs several times a day and you can catch the bus from various locations in Limerick. If traveling to Dublin Airport, there are options for buses including Irish Citylink that operate from Limerick (Arthurs Quay) to Dublin Airport.

TOUR MEETING POINT

When and where you’ll meet the rest of the group depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.

• smarTours Group Air Travelers: Upon arrival in destination, please proceed through customs and immigration. Our Tour Director will be waiting for you at the airport upon arrival in the arrivals area near the point you clear customs with a smarTours sign.
• smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: We recommend you arrive around 4 PM to settle in before joining the welcome orientation and dinner on Day 1. Hotel check-in is generally not before 4 PM. For 2024 departures only, if you arrive early, you are welcome to join an orientation walk with the Tour Director at 12 PM. The hotel can store your luggage until rooms are ready for check-in.

TOUR ENDING POINT

The final end point for your tour depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.

• smarTours Group Air Travelers: On our last day, we’ll transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.
• smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: The tour ends after breakfast on the last day. Generally, hotel check-out is prior to 12 PM (noon).

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION

You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. U.S. citizens do not require visas. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates for current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.

TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS

Final instructions, documents, and travel tips will be emailed to you 10–14 days before the scheduled start of your tour. If you have not received your final documents, please check your spam folder or contact smarTours.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Immunizations are not currently required. However, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local public health authorities as to their suggestions.

CLIMATE

Expect daytime temperatures averaging in the 60s and low 70s in June through August, upper 50s and low 60s in May and September, 40s to low 50s in April and November. Nights will be cooler.

NON-INCLUDED MEALS AND SIGHTSEEING

The hotels used on this tour will offer dining options that range from cafes (where dinner, excluding drinks, average about $20-$25 per person) to specialty restaurants. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals. Optional sightseeing tours and evening activities will be offered.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

In Ireland, the currency is the Euro while in Northern Ireland, the currency is the British Pound. Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency. Your hotels will be able to exchange cash to local currency or you can draw local currency at any ATM. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.

BAGGAGE

Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage and one carry-on piece. Please check with the airline for the maximum weight and size for luggage. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.