FAQs

The Dady Brothers'
Ireland Musical and Cultural Tours

FAQs

O'Flaherty Tours
FAQs....frequently asked questions

Below you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about Ireland, Money & Banking, The Tour, and Air Travel Following the FAQs are the Terms and Conditions for traveling with O'Flaherty Tours
Ireland	Do I need a passport or visa?	You will need a passport. It must be valid for up to 6 months from date your return from travel. You do not need a Visa to visit Ireland or Scotland
	How many suitcases can I bring?	One large and one small suitcase, both of which conform to airline size and weight requirements. Porterage for your large suitcase at each of our hotels in included in the tour price. You are responsible for taking your small suitcase in and out of each hotel.
	How fancy should I pack?	Though we sometimes like to get dressed up a little for dinner, gentlemen do not have to bring a sports coat or tie, unless you’d like to. Ladies, if you would like to bring a dress or skirt that’s fine too. This is a pretty casual trip and you can wear slacks just about anywhere. *Comfort* is the most important consideration, especially in shoes
	Will we be able to do laundry?	When we're staying in a hotel for more than one night, you should be able to send it out to be done.
	What is the weather like in May?	Ireland and Scotland have a mild, temperate climate but it can get cool. We’ve worn both jackets and shorts on some trips. I always suggest the “layered” approach. Slacks, long sleeved cotton blouses and shirts, a sweater and a lightweight jacket work well. Hint: Light rainwear and suntan lotion come in handy!
	What is the time difference?	Ireland and Scotland are five hours ahead of Eastern Time (New York City) and are on Greenwich Mean Time.
	What do I need to bring to use my hair dryer or to recharge my camera batteries?	Electrical current is 220 volts (50 cycles) AC vs. our 110 (60 cycle) current. Many hotels have 220/110v sockets for electric razors only. For hair dryers, curling irons, travel irons, etc., an adapter plug and voltage converters are necessary and can be bought at a good electrical or travel supply store. Many hotels now have hair dryers available.
	I’ve heard that the hotels do not give washcloths?	Washcloths are not always available at the hotels. I recommend either bringing small, baby washcloths, which are light weight and dry quickly or bring Olay or Ponds Daily Facial cleansing cloths, which you use and throw away
Money & banking	How much extra traveling money should I bring?	With most everything included in your ticket price, we recommend about 200 Euros per person. You really only need money for lunches, special beverages, tips, and small purchases. It’s better to use your credit card for larger shopping items because you usually get a better exchange rate.
	What is the currency?	The Euro is used for the Republic of Ireland and the Pound Sterling is used in Scotland.
	Are all major credit cards accepted?	Generally, yes. All major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. Bed & Breakfast locations generally do not accept credit cards. So if you’re staying over and traveling, you may want to check that out.
	Will you be making bank stops along the way?	You should plan ahead to avoid having to use the more expensive currency exchange services but whenever we can, we will try to stop along the way.
	What is the VAT and what do I do with it?	The VAT is the Value Added Tax and most consumer products are subject to the VAT. Most American travelers are unaware that they are entitled to VAT refunds on their European purchases which they bring home. When you make a purchase of over $10, ask for the VAT form. Most items under that amount are not worth doing as a service fee might be as much as the refund. Some clerks will fill in the form and others expect you to do it. After making your first purchase, note the form that was given to you. Other clerks may give you a different form for the VAT. Try and stick to just one form, if you can as it will be easier when you go to the refund desk. Just ask the clerk for the same form but don’t worry if you have different ones. The place where you purchase an item may also take off the VAT right there on the spot.
	What do you do on departure with your VAT forms?	After checking in for your flight home, follow the signs to Custom’s/Tax Refund desks. You will need to visit the Customs Officer only if you have any individual receipts that are for €200 or over; such receipts have to be stamped by the Customs Officer. If you have no individual invoice over €200, then go straight to one or more of the other desks (Global Refund, TaxBack, Dutifree) depending on which forms you have collected). If you’ve done a lot of shopping, you might have to go to all 3 desks (when you make your purchases, see if you can get them all on the same type of form). Make sure that you have filled out all the required information on each form and have your passport and airline boarding card ready to show. Although reclaiming VAT does take a little effort, it's definitely worth doing.
	What about tipping in bars and restaurants?	Tipping is not expected in the bars for drinks but tipping is always appreciated where appropriate. The tips for the meals that are part of the tour are taken care of for you.
	What is the standard for tipping our Motorcoach driver?	We recommend about 7 euros or Pound Sterlings per day per person. If you feel you would like to give more because of something special he did or to express your appreciation that is totally up to you
The tour	Will I get a list of everyone who is going on the trip?	Yes, a list of names and home cities will be included in your final information package
	I’m traveling to Shannon to meet the group, when should I arrive?	We recommend you be at the airport when the flight arrives. You should check to be sure that the flight from Newark is on time. You can meet the group right outside the doors from Customs. We’ll gather at a central place right there to make sure we have everyone before going to the motorcoach.
	What about bringing our luggage to our rooms?	Our driver will unload the bags. You should bring your small suitcase to your room. We have already paid the tip to the bellman to deliver your larger bag in each hotel. If you prefer not to wait, you can also take your larger suitcase up to the room with you.
	What does the Irish logo on O'Flaherty Tours letterhead mean?	O'Flaherty Tours is a member of the Shamrock Club of Tourism Ireland, which requires passing courses of study about Ireland, its history, culture, and geography. That training, coupled with more than 14 years experience traveling throughout Ireland enables us to offer you the very best in personalized Ireland travel in the hope that you, along with so many others, will want to continue traveling with us.
Air travel You should double-check with Delta as airline rules are changing very fast and the allowances are affected.	What about our airline tickets?	You will be issued E-tickets so you won’t have to worry about losing them. Once I have the confirmation numbers, I’ll send it to each of you in your final packet. *Note:* If you have a frequent flyer number with Continental Airlines, please give it to the agent when you check in
	What items can I carry on the plane?	1 purse, briefcase, camera bag, or diaper bag 1 laptop computer (computers cannot be checked) 1 item of a similar or smaller size to those listed above All carry-on items must be easily stored in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you A couple of other items are okay to bring onboard. They do not count toward your personal items. To be prepared for any kind of weather, you may bring a coat, jacket, or umbrella Enjoy food or drink purchased after clearing the security checkpoint. Go ahead and shop. One box or bag of duty free merchandise is allowed. A special item like a stroller, child restraint seat, or assistive devices such as wheelchairs or crutches With airlines making so many changes, we recommend you check with the airline directly.
	What should I carry with me on the plane? Here are a few recommendations:	Your Passport and a copy of your Passport. If you lose your Passport by accident, then you’ll have a copy to show. You will need to get another official Passport if you do lose it. Place it in a separate location away from your real Passport Your medical card and medicines with you Suggestion: bring a copy of your prescription with you in case you have to have any meds refilled in Ireland Eye glasses Electrical adaptors for cameras, etc, if needed If for some reason your luggage is delayed, you might want a change of clothes Camera, extra film and batteries or digital storage cards A couple of zip lock bags . . .(good for lots of things
	What are the baggage size and weight restrictions?	When oversized bags don't fit in the overhead bins, delays happen. Fees will also be applied to the oversized bag if it has to be checked. In order to avoid delays as well as fees, follow these size and weight requirements: Baggage may not exceed 45 linear inches (length+width+height) or 115 cm. Baggage must fit easily in the SizeCheck® unit (approximately 22"x14"x9" or 56x36x23 cm) Baggage must not weight more than 50 pounds. (Motorcoach drivers throughout Europe have also voiced their concerns about heavy bags they have to move in and out of the coach. Please be considerate when you start packing your things.) Fees apply if your bag is too large to carry on and has to be checked at the gate
	What about baggage fees for travel?	First checked bag: No fee applies Second checked bag: 50 USD/CAD/EUR* if checked in online or 55 USD/CAD/EUR* at the airport If you're planning on bringing gifts back home, we suggest you bring a folded bag with you, or, even better, ship any large, heavy for fragile items.
	Could the flight times change?	Absolutely, the airlines are changing a lot of things and the times of when a flight is leaving can change. Please check with the airlines a day or two before you leave to see if there have been any changes. You don’t want to be running late, if they do. And if you’re connecting with a flight it’s more important.
	Will meals be served on the overseas flight?	Right now they show that there will be a dinner meal going over and a lunch served coming back. Of course, you can always purchase snacks or a sandwich to bring with you on the plane once you’ve gone through customs.
	I’m traveling to Newark to meet the group, when should I arrive?	We recommend you be at the airport no later than four hours before an international flight. Consider giving yourself extra time if you think the weather is questionable, if you have to change planes enroute or your direct flight stops in another city along the way. Some people may want to travel the day before our flight to ensure a timely, hassle-free arrival and reduce the time zone changes enroute. With security lines becoming longer, you may want to take that into consideration in deciding when to arrive at the airport.
	Do we go through customs when we arrive in Shannon?	All incoming passengers from North America will go through immigration/custom procedures at the arrival airport
	Do we go through customs when we return?	Ireland is the only country in Europe with full U.S. Immigration pre-clearance capabilities. Clients who fly back to North America from Shannon or Dublin will not have to clear immigration once they arrive home (this is for non-stop flights only). If you are flying out of Edinburg, you will go through customs.
	What about Customs: how much can I bring back?	Visitors to Ireland and Scotland are allowed to bring back to the U.S. up to $400 worth of goods per person, including $200 in cigarettes and one liter of spirits or wine
What are the Terms and Conditions for traveling with O'Flaherty Tours (hosting The Dady Brothers' Tours)?
RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS		A $500 deposit ($200 of which is non-refundable) per person is required for us to hold seats If you are traveling on to Scotland with us, an additional $200 deposit is required. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Failure to pay by "Final Payment Due" date noted on the invoice may result in cancellation and/or late fees
TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION		All tour documents will be sent to you approx 20 days prior to the departure of the tour, provided full payment has been received. Any document sent outside the United States will incur a minimum fee of $40 Airline tickets will be issued electronically in most cases.
TRAVEL INSURANCE		We highly recommend you obtain insurance, whether through us or your own agent. If you become ill, a flight is cancelled or delayed, your insurance will likely cover the costs. Protect your investment in this special vacation. If you have a pre-existing* medical condition, travel insurance must be purchased within 14 days of your deposit. Otherwise, travel insurance can be purchased anytime up to and including your final payment. An Existing Medical Condition is an illness or injury that exhibited symptoms or was treated for any time 120 days prior to purchasing your plan. A pre-existing condition that is treated within 120 days prior to purchase of insurance is not a covered reason for cancellation.**
AIR TRANSPORTATION		O'Flaherty Tours is not responsible for mechanical breakdowns, government actions, weather, acts of God, acts of war, misconnections or related expenses to/from flights or other circumstances beyond its control.
BOOKING CHANGES		After the airline tickets are issued, name changes may be made prior to the travel date for a fee of $200. Airline Tickets are non-refundable once issued to O’Flaherty Tours. Some carriers may allow you to use the value of your ticket less a penalty for future travel.
CANCELLATION FEES & REFUNDS		Airfare cancellation penalties are set forth under Air Transportation (above). In the event of cancellation by O’Flaherty Tours, O’Flaherty Tours liability shall be limited to a refund of all tour payments by tour participants. Tour participant cancellations and request for refunds must be submitted in writing to O’Flaherty Tours. If you leave the tour prior to completion, no refund will be issued. Please note that if the reason for cancellation falls within the Terms of the Insurance Policy that you purchased, then any such charges may, subject to the terms of the insurance policy, be refunded to you.
PENALTIES		The following land penalties apply to all cancellations: 60 days or more, $200 non-refundable portion of your deposit 60-31 days prior to departure 25% of land price 30-16 days prior to departure 50% of land price 15-11 days prior to departure 75% of land price 10 days or no show 100% of tour package price
PASSPORTS & VISAS		All US citizens require a passport. All passports must be valid for up to 6 months from the date you return from travel. No Visas are required for Ireland. Clients must supply O’Flaherty Tours with the passengers' full legal name as it appears on their passport, their date of birth, and their gender. Name changes after ticketing will incur a $200 penalty for which the client is responsible.
ACCOMMODATIONS		O’Flaherty Tours reserves the right to substitute hotel accommodations in similar categories.
MEALS		Meals are provided as specified in each tour itinerary.
VISITS & ENTERTAINMENT		O’Flaherty Tours reserves the right to substitute visits to attractions or entertainment when establishments are closed or cannot be visited for reasons beyond our control.
GRATUITY		Gratuity for the driver/guide is not included in any group tour, unless otherwise specified, and is at your sole discretion.
PASSENGERS WITH A SPECIAL NEED		Any passenger who requires special assistance must complete a Special Information Form, to be completed before final payment and returned to O’Flaherty Tours.