Electrical Standards

Mains Power

UK/Irish mains plug

Mains power in Galway is similar to that in most of Europe: 230V AC / 50Hz. Those bringing electrical equipment from the US (where 110V AC / 60Hz is the standard) should be aware of this difference.

Connecting equipment designed for US mains into the Irish mains system will probably result in damage. Most portable computers, however, come with a universal power supply that will work anywhere in the world. Consult your manual or your dealer first.

You will also need an adaptor as the UK/Irish plug is fundamentally different from the US plug (see photo).

Video (VHS)

VHS video tapes from the US are normally record in NTSC format which is incompatible with the PAL standard used in Ireland and most of Europe. Some modern VCRs have NTSC playback capabilities, but in general these are rare. Video conversion facilities are available from several TV & Hi-Fi outlets in Galway.

Video (DVD)

Ireland is part of DVD region 2 (Europe). Disks purchased in the US generally will not work in DVD players sold in Ireland. Disks sold in the UK or the rest of Europe should work.

DVD drives that support all regions are available from a small number of electrical retailers. Unfortunately most of the larger stores do not sell these players.

Telephone System

The Irish phone system is electrically identical to that in the US. Any equipment designed for use in the US should work here. The standard connector here is RJ11 as is in most of the world. Those from the UK should note that the BT plug is not a RJ11. Also modems designed for the UK phone system may need more than a simple cable to work with the Irish (and almost any other) phone system. A suitable adaptor typically costs less than 10IRP.

International calls can be made from any phone by dialing the digits 00 followed by the full international format of the phone number. eg "817 555 3432" in the US becomes "00 1 817 555 3432".

Directory enquiries is at 1190 and emergency services are at 999 or 112.

Internet Access

Internet access with a local point-of-presence can be obtained from Eircom.net, Ocean, or Ireland On-Line. Various pricing options are now available ranging from subscription packages offering access at reduced local call rates, to "free" services at full local call rate. There are no flat rate options available in this country. Peak time local call rates are about 0.11IRP per 3 minutes. More information on internet access from here.

Mobile Cellular Telephones

There are three networks in Ireland provided by two companies: Eircell and Esat. The original analog network (known as "088") is the best for coverage - especially in Connemara where cell phone coverage is poor in general. The other two networks are digital (GSM) and any roaming-enabled GSM phone should work here. Phones from the US, in general, will not work. GSM coverage in Galway city is good, but very patchy in Connemara.

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