Packing, Phones, & More

Packing

Ireland has a generally cool and damp climate, with temperatures ranging anywhere from the 20s to the 80s (°F). Generally, the weather is a bit milder, however. You’ll rarely see days below freezing, but you may well encounter a fair bit of rain! The weather is highly changeable, so you should be prepared for any weather regardless of what it looks like outside or what the weather report says. It is a good idea to pack layers and bring rain gear and waterproof shoes.

Our main tip: Pack light, Dublin is full of shops! Make sure to bring your Laptop and any Medications you may need. Beyond that, you can find just about anything you need in town! Penny’s is great for affordable sheets, duvets, clothing, towels etc. There is also a TK MAXX (TJ MAXX to us!). Boots is the best place for toiletries, hair products, makeup, etc (think CVS!)

Carry-on sizes in Europe are not the same as they are in the US. Your carry-on will be useless for subsequent travel if you do not get a carry-on that fits European planes. For inter-european travel I always recommend a backpack! Note that if you cannot carry your own bags, you will not be able to get to your destination.

Don’t forget adapters for electrical outlets– “Type G” Adapters for Ireland and UK are available on Amazon and at Walmart. If you do forget adaptors- choose your own adventure! You can find them in the likes of Boots, Tesco, etc.

Travel Day

On the day of your flight, make sure you have the following in your carry-on* bag:

Passport

Your passport needs to be valid at least 6 moths after your planned return from Dublin

Holy Cross Affadavit Letter

This is a document provided by the office of study abroad that states you are a student in good standing at the College of the Holy Cross, and are on an official Holy Cross program! You might need to show this to the immigration officer once you are in Dublin.

Trinity Acceptance Letter

You should print your acceptance letter from your email. This letter serves as proof that you are a "legit" Trinity student. You might need to show this to the immigration officer once you are in Dublin.

*Note that Carry-on sizes in Europe are not the same as they are in the US. Your carry-on will be useless for subsequent travel if you do not get a carry-on that fits European planes. For inter-european travel I always recommend a backpack!

Sim Cards & Phone Plans

You are required to have a cell phone with the app Whatsapp (wifi/data texting) in Ireland. Whatsapp is an international texting & calling app that our office will use this to stay in touch with you. You are not allowed to study abroad without a phone.

Once in Ireland, you will receive a Vodafone SIM card (when you check in to your UCD Dorm you’ll receive this). You can activate this SIM card to call/text locally. If you have any questions about plans, payments, etc, you must contact Vodafone directly. The Holy Cross study Abroad Office does not work for Vodafone and can’t help troubleshoot- this is an example of a time for you to practice being independent and figure it out! You can also purchase your own SIM card if you wish. Three mobile has very affordable unlimited data plans (usually around 20 euros a month). You can find Three storefronts and Vodafone Storefronts in Dublin City centre (use google to get there!). Another option, which can be more expensive, is to work with your American carrier to pay for an international plan for the duration of your stay in Ireland. No matter what your plan is, you need to make sure your American phone is unlocked before you leave.

You are required to have a cell phone with the app Whatsapp (wifi/data texting) in Ireland. Whatsapp is an international texting app. Our office will use this to stay in touch with you. You are required to have this app downloaded BEFORE YOU LEAVE.

Once in Ireland, it is highly recommended that you purchase an Irish SIM card. Three mobile has very affordable unlimited data plans (usually around 20 euros a month). Vodafone is another great option. You can find Three storefronts and Vodafone Storefronts in Cork city centre (use google to get there!). If you have any questions about plans, payments, etc, you must contact Vodafone/Three Mobile directly. The Holy Cross study Abroad Office does not work for Vodafone or Three and can’t help troubleshoot- this is an example of a time for you to practice being independent and figure it out! Another option, which can be more expensive, is to work with your American carrier to pay for an international plan for the duration of your stay in Ireland. No matter what your plan is, you need to make sure your American phone is unlocked before you leave.

Required Apps

Whatsapp is a free international texting & calling app that our office will use this to stay in touch with you. Whatsapp operates on wifi, so you can start using whatsapp the moment you land in Ireland, even if you don't have an international cell phone plan just yet- all you need is wifi, which you can connect to at the airport!

ISOS

You are required to download the International SOS Insurance App. Once you land in Dublin, you most open that app and press the "Check-In" Button. You should also press the "Check-In" Button any time you are traveling outside of Dublin.

Useful Apps

Free Now (formerly MyTaxi)

Free Now is a Taxi App, similar to Uber, that is very popular in Ireland!

Deliveroo

Deliveroo is a popular food delivery app in Ireland

Just Eat

Just Eat is a popular food delivery app in Ireland

TFI Live

TFI is great for tracking public busses in Dublin!

Iarnrod Eirann Irish Rail

Iarnrod Eirann is your source for all things Irish Rail related!

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