CONTRACEPTIVES Throughout Ireland anyone over 18 can buy condoms at pharmacies (though in the Republic, where legal contraception was only introduced in 1992, you may still find places that don't sell them - or don't approve). The pill is available on prescription only.

ELECTRICITY In the Republic, electricity is 230V AC, in the North 240V AC. Plugs everywhere are British-style three square pins (just occasionally you may still find old round ones). In other words British appliances will work everywhere; North American ones will need both a transformer and a plug adapter; Australian and New Zealand appliances only an adapter.

LAUNDRY You'll find laundries only in the bigger towns and on large caravan/campsites. Hostels, though, will often have a washing machine for residents' use, and at many B&Bs they'll do your washing for you. Elsewhere it's worth taking along a tube of Travel Wash - designed to be used in hotel washbasins - which makes a lot less mess than powder.

TIPPING AND SERVICE CHARGE Tipping in restaurants in both the Republic and the North is at your discretion; if you are happy with the level of service and the meal, it is customary to leave an additional fifteen percent of the total bill.

TOILETS Public toilets are reasonably common in all the big towns, and generally acceptably clean, if no more. Or you can pop into the local pub, and stop for a drink while there. The Irish labels to look out for are Fir (Men) and Mna (Women).

WORK EU citizens are legally allowed to live and work in Ireland and most towns of any size will have a job centre advertising vacancies. Plenty of jobs are available in Dublin for waiters/waitresses, especially in the Temple Bar area. Another option for travellers is seasonal work in resorts or perhaps helping out in a hostel in return for board and pocket money. You'll need to search locally.