Overseas guests

Ryanair and baggage weight

Many flight companies have reduced the baggage weight you can bring with you, and charge you for any excess baggage weight.

Please note that all bed-linen and towels are supplied. We also supply yoga mats and blankets.

You will need to bring your own towel for the beach if you plan to go swimming, or if you will be practicing Bikram yoga.

Bringing cabin baggage

For flights within Europe, although Ryanair has reduced normal baggage allowance to 15 Kg, one is also allowed to bring a bag onto the aircraft weighing 10 Kg. Please check this with Ryanair website in case this changes. (updated January 2009)

Money matters in Ireland

We use Euros in Ireland.

The best value to buying Euros is to use your ATM card in Ireland to withdraw Euros. This is much better than trying to change Dollars or some other currency in a bank.

There are ATM machines in villages Kinvara (5 miles from centre) and Gort (6 miles from centre) and also at Shannon airport.

Banks in Ireland do NOT accept $100 bills as there are too many forgeries.

Please note that you pay for the course fee when you arrive is cash (Euros).

Health & Travel Insurance

Please note that you need to supply your own travel and health insurance on these courses. Often, Visa will cover insurance for you if you have purchased your fligh tickets using your Visa card.

Please consider the matter of Insurance before you travel and make sure you have appropriate cover for your needs.

Airport preference

Shannon airport is the easiest airport to travel to the centre. It takes about 50 minutes by cab, or 2 hours by public transport.

Dublin airport can take between 3 to 6 hours to get here, depending on whether you rent a car, take a bus or train.

Please read the information at From Dublin airport to the centre

Galway is a small airport 30 minutes drive from the centre. It offers flights from Luton, Birmingham, Manchester and other airports.

Hire car

Your own car gives you the freedom to go back visit some of the spots which we visit or see in the Burren.

Time zone

We are the same time zone as London GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).

Safety of travellers

Ireland is considered a very safe place to travel and the Irish people are in general helpful and warm.

But please take care of your bags in large cities especially Dublin or Limerick.

Voltage

Voltage is 220 Volts. We use 3 pin plugs, which are rectangular in shape.

Phoning home or having them contact you

The yoga centre is a place of retreat for poeple to get away from their usual life and for each person to take time for their Self.

Mobile phones should be switched off at all times.

The phone at the centre should only be used in an emergency situation if family need to contact you.

The phone at the centre is private and should only be used in an emergency.

You are encouraged to ensure you can take time at the centre to stay here without concerns for things external to the course.

Many are surprised that life goes on quite well without them having to make phone calls.

Internet

We have wireless WiFi which allows you to connect your own laptop to the Internet using a network connection socket.

This facility is not encouraged and should only be used if necessary.

The computer in the office is not for visitors use.

There is an internet service in Gort and also in Kinvara.

Weather in this country

Is very un-predictable and changes all the time.

Best to expect a mixture of dry and wet weather, warm (20 Celcius) and rarely but sometimes colder ( 10 celcius) weather, and rarely hot (30+ celcius) weather.

Warmest months tend to be May to October with warmest tending to be July & August.

Having said that, sometimes we get a warmer May or September than July or August. It changes each year, and also each day, and often each hour.

Best to bring good rain gear (light and gortex is best rather than a big heavy coat that someone might use in New York or some city), and layers of extra clothes (tee shirts) you can take off or add to. A fleece sweather can also be useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Last words

Come prepared for adventure ;-) with a smile and an open heart.

About hiring a car

Hiring a car can give you more freedom during your stay. More information at
Car Hire Rental

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