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Since the city of Cork
was founded by St.
Finbarr over 1000 years
ago, it has grown from a
trading merchant city to
a cosmopolitan vibrant
21st century city of
today. Located on the
South West coast of
Ireland, Cork is the
second largest city in
the Republic of Ireland
with a population in
excess of 123,000. A
major European centre
for the life science
industry with eight of
the top ten
pharmaceutical companies
in the world located in
the greater Cork area,
the city is also a
university city with a
student population in
excess of 25,000.
Cork is steeped in
history and has a
thriving commercial,
social and cultural
sector. Indeed, Cork
city's commitment and
contribution to the arts
and cultural life is
well established with
the city home to several
galleries and museums.
In recognition of this
commitment Cork city was
chosen as the European
Capital of Culture in
2005.
Served by
Cork International
Airport with direct
flights to the UK and
mainland Europe and
connecting flights to
other global
destinations, the city
is ideally situated to
explore the south west
of Ireland's magnificent
scenery. Indeed, the
overall quality of life
and physical environment
of Cork city and its
hinterland is excellent
and is readily
accessible to residents
and visitors as evident
in the parks, rivers,
lakes, tourist
attractions, sports and
recreational facilities
available along with
many cultural and
heritage attractions.
Airport
Cork city
airport is conveniently
located just 8km from
the centre of the city
and is easily accessible
from the city by
bus/car/taxi. The cost
from the airport to the
city centre is between
10 and 15 euro. Bus
fares range from 3.60
euro to 6.50 euro for a
return ticket.
The airport is currently
serviced serviced by 9
airlines, who provide
multiple connections
through the major
European hubs. More
information on
connecting locations is
available at the
airport's
website.
Banking and Currency
The euro is the unit of
currency in Ireland with
100 cents making up 1
euro. Currency exchange
facilities are available
at chartered banks,
trust companies, credit
unions and at the airport and operate normal business hours. Credit cards are accepted at
all restaurants and shops, the most widely used being MasterCard and VISA.
Business Hours
Banks generally open from approximately
9:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are available
throughout the city and
are marked with the
relevant symbols that
will inform you as to
whether you can complete
an international
transaction.
Climate and Clothing
Cork has a warm climate
in the summer but due to
it being Ireland, it is
possible to experience
all 4 seasons in one
day! So the best advice
is to be prepared and
check the predicted
weather forecast a week
in advance.
Eating Out
Bistros, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops offer varied menus, prices and decor. In the downtown area, walking distance from any of the host hotels is a wide variety of food outlets
and of course the famous
Old English Food Market.
To Apply for a
VAT Refund
The purchase price of
goods in Ireland
includes a certain
percentage of value
added tax (VAT).
However, this will be
refunded to you upon
departure from Ireland
when you present your
original receipts at the
VAT Refund desk in the
airport.
Language
The official
language for the
conference is English.
Visa
It is the responsibility
of each delegate to
verify with their
nearest Irish
consulate/embassy as to
whether they require a
visa to enter Ireland
prior
to registering for the
conference. Neither the
conference organisers,
Teagasc or UCC accept
responsibility for
delegates who pay their
registration but fail to
apply for the necessary
immigration clearance.
For visa enquiries
please visit the
Department of Foreign
Affairs.
Smoking in Ireland
As of 2004, the
Republic of Ireland
operates a no smoking
policy in all enclosed
public spaces including
pubs, restaurants and
other public buildings.
The regulation applies
to the UCC campus and we
would request that any
smokers use their
discretion and dispose
of any items in the bins
provided.
Insurance and liability
disclaimer
it is strongly
recommended that
attendees take out
adequate medical, travel
and personal insurance
before they travel. In
the event of industrial
disruption or other
unforseen circumstances,
the conference
organizers accept no
responsibility for the
loss of monies incurred
by delegates.
Shopping
Downtown shops are open from approximately 9:00 am to
6:0) pm during the week
with late opening on
Thursday and Friday
evenings. There is a
large shopping centre at
Mahon Point which is on
the outskirts of the
city and is accessible
by bus or taxi from the
city.
Golf
Cork is
fortunate to be
surrounded by several
excellent golf courses.
More information can be
accessed here.
Tipping
Tipping is your
prerogative, a reward
for good service and is
not regulated in Cork.
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