Baggage
You are generally allowed 2 checked bags (weight limit 70lbs/bag) and 1 carry-on (weight limit 20lbs./bag). There is generally a charge of $100 for each additional piece of luggage. If you have additional items that you wish to ship to Dublin, have them sent via surface mail, 4 weeks before you depart, to the Keough Centre address. The cost is significantly cheaper than faster airmail services.
N.B. It is recommended that all packages sent to you during your time in Dublin be shipped to the Keough Centre address.
In Your Carry-On
- Tickets (You'd be surprised how easy these are to forget)
- Your Passport
- Your acceptance letter to the Trinity/UCD -- YOU MAY NEED TO SHOW THIS TO GET INTO THE COUNTRY!
- Money belt or neck pouch to carry your passport and money while you travel. A definite necessity until you get your bearings - pickpockets are rampant!
- Change of clothes, toothbrush and toothpaste in case your luggage is misplaced for a day or two - a common occurrence on international flights
- At least $25 (to exchange at the airport) or Û25 to pay for transportation into Dublin and first day expenses
Dublin weather varies within a day from rain and wind to sunshine. Bring clothes that you can layer. Temperatures vary from 30-70 degrees Farenheit year round, and you should expect rain on average every other day.
- Rain Jacket
- Good walking shoes and hiking boots / athletic shoes suitable for rainy weather or outdoor trips
- One dressy outfit
- Black shoes for pubbing / clubbing
- One pair of black pants (for pubs or clubs)
- Wind pants for hiking trips, rainy or windy days
Be aware that everything is more expensive in Ireland and you may have to switch brands if you do not choose to bring sufficient supplies with you.
- contact lens solution
- prescriptions of any sort (bring a copy of the printed prescription as well)
- extra pair of glasses, if required
- small towels that can be used for travelling
- shower shoes (essential for youth hostels)
- any other special toiletries that you require
All of the following are available for purchase in Dublin; however they may be more expensive and you may want them for use immediately.
- Umbrella: good quality that won't blow apart in strong wind
- Address book, including email addresses
- Travel book - Let's Go or Lonely Planet are excellent
- Travel journal
- Battery-operated alarm clock for travel and accomodations
- Batteries: generally more expensive in Dublin
- Camera and lots of extra film
- Extra bag for souvenirs - not absolutely necessary since you will have the same limits on luggage going home as coming to Dublin. However, you will inevitably have more luggage going home than you had on arrival.
- Summer clothes - it probably will not get above the 70's; Irish people do not typically wear shorts
- Small sewing kit
- Bisquick, chocolate chips, Kool-aid / Crystal Light, Kraft macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, pancake syrup or other American foods you do not want to live without
- 3-flat prong adaptor plug and/or voltage converter (if unsure, wait to get the correct kind in Dublin)
- Laptop computer - you will need a 3-prong adaptor but not a voltage converter
- A hairdryer, curling iron, or electric razor: convertors generally do not work for these items