Weather
Temperatures in September range from 10 (low) to 20 (high) degrees Celsius, with both sunny periods and showers of hydrometeors. You may want to take a rain jacket!
Currency
Two different currencies are in use on the isle of Ireland:
  • Northern Ireland (Armagh, Belfast): British Pound
  • Republic of Ireland (Dublin): Euro
In principle it is not possible to use the Euro in Northern Ireland, although some large shops do accept it. It is also possible to pay the bus between Dublin Airport and Belfast using either Euro or British Pounds (i.e., those travelling straight from Dublin Airport to Northern Ireland should not need the Euro). The local bus between Belfast and Armagh can only be paid in British Pounds.
Note that British Pound banknotes in Northern Ireland often have a different color and design than the banknotes used in England (the standard Bank of England notes). This is because several banks throughout the UK have the right to design and print the currency. Specifically, Northern Ireland notes can be Bank of Ireland, First Trust Bank, Northern Bank or Ulster Bank. If you receive Northern Irish banknotes, be aware that shops outside Northern Ireland (i.e., England, Scotland and Wales) are not used to the design and may not accept them. Bank of England notes, however, will always be accepted in Northern Ireland. If a few of you want to change a small number of Northern Irish notes for Bank of England when you leave, we or a nearby bank may be able to do that for you.
Electricity
Both the UK and Ireland use the "Type G" plug (230 V). Note that this is a different plug from the one used in mainland Europe!
Language
The main language spoken is English, but signs in the Republic of Ireland also display the Irish Gaelic language.
Example sign in Irish Gaelic, explaining the fines for not cleaning up after your dog in Dublin. The English version is on the other side.