Phones and Internet
Telephones and Internet Access in Ireland
Phone Calls from Hotels
Almost all hotels and many guesthouses will have direct dial telephones in their rooms. However call rates from these can be very expensive and it is more economical to use other methods of making calls.
Using Public Phones
Local calls can be made from phone booths. most of which require Callcards, prepaid cards inserted into the phone. These can be purchased in various denominations from Post Offices and from many shops - particularly those also selling newspapers.
Without a discount call card, see below, these are too expensive to use for international calls.
Cutting the Cost of International Calls
Overseas calls from Ireland are generally quite expensive by international standards. Swiftcall cards are widely available from newsagents (shops selling newspapers) in Ireland and provide considerable savings on call to most international destinations. You can also register online for an e-pin number that will result in similar savings.
Essentially these allow you to use any phone and get the reduced rate call by dialling a special number and entering your pin code before you place the call. They are simple to use and will save you a lot of money.
Cell Phones
Because there are quite a few different options for renting, buying and using a cell phone in Ireland, we have a seperate page about renting or buying a cell phone in Ireland.
Using Skype
If you have not heard of Skype already you will soon. Basically it allows you to make phone calls using VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) to any other Skype user free and to ordinary telephones the world over for a remarkably low rate using Skype Out.
If that is making no sense, visit the Skype website where it is explained in detail.
With many hotels now offering free or vrey inexpensive broadband Internet access, this could well be the most cost effective way of all to keep in touch with home.
Internet Access in Ireland
A growing number of hotels offer internet access from their rooms, but it is unlikely you will find such a service in Guesthouses or B&Bs. Hostels, the cheapest form of accommodation in Ireland, almost always provide internet access, not free but at a very reasonable price.
Most towns have a public library which will offer inexpensive Internet access (you may need to book time on a PC in advance) and there are Internet cafes pretty much everywhere.
If you do use an Internet Cafe to access the Internet on your own laptop, do not under any circumstances, even for a moment, leave your computer unattended. Laptop theft happens in such circumstances in Ireland as elsewhere.
Wi-fi In Ireland
If you have a wi-fi enabled computer with you, access points are growing in number. Some are listed here.
An increasing number of hotels provide wi-fi access as do bus and train stations, airports, some restaurants and many public buildings. Coverage is patchy but improving pretty fast.
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