Packing, Phones, & Travel

Getting There

Option A: Fly into Dublin Airport & Bus to Galway
1. Step 1: Book a flight as follows: Boston (or home airport) - > Dublin
2. Step 2: Take the Citylink bus from Dublin Airport to Galway
3. Step 3: Take a taxi from Galway New Coach Station to Goldcrest student dorm
Option B: Fly into Shannon Airport & Bus to Galway
1. Step 1: Book a flight from Boston (or home airport) to Shannon Airport
2. Step 2: Book the Expressway but to Galway
3. Step 3: Take a taxi from Galway New Coach Station to Goldcrest student do

*Note: Taxis can be paid for with cash or card. If you don't see a taxi directly outside the coach station, you can order one using the FreeNow taxi app (like uber). Uber is available in Ireland, but FreeNow is used more commonly!

Booking Tips

We strongly advise students to purchase airline tickets that permit a change of date.
We strongly recommend purchasing tickets directly from the airline rather than a third-party vendor (like Expedia or Travelocity). Making changes or cancellations is generally easier to do directly with the airline.
Students should purchase a flexible flight.
Research many different airlines. Some will waive change fees, regardless of fare type. For other airlines it depends on the fare you purchase. Be sure to read all of the rules associated with any airline ticket before purchasing.

As indicated in the Study Abroad Acknowledgement and Release Form, Holy Cross is not responsible for travel expenses, including but not limited to, airline tickets and transportation to and from airports, which result from program suspension or termination, schedule changes, flight changes, emergency evacuation, or any other exigency. Such expenses are the sole responsibility of the student.

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, Galway 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.

UG Acceptance Letter

You should print your acceptance letter from your email. This letter serves as proof that you are a "legit" University of Galway 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 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 town (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

Iarnrod Eirann Irish Rail

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

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