Digital is the word, in Ireland as elsewhere, but digital media needs power, and where can you recharge those pesky batteries that your laptop, smartphone, tablet, or even a small mp3 player insists on draining like Dracula, his last victim? Travel has certainly changed over the past few years – the days of the bulky steam chest, the steam engine, the handwritten letter home are definitely gone. But the modern era brought a new phenomenon. The ‘digital traveler’, as I like to call it, equipped with a digital or video camera, mobile phone, tablet or laptop, GPS and much more.
What do all these (very useful) gadgets have in common? They need batteries and / or recharging, therefore they need accessible plugs and sockets.
Here is essential information you will need:
Can
A word of caution: outlets across Ireland will supply approximately 230 volts , twice the US supply! If you don’t change the settings of your chargers or power supplies, this will put any US machine in the dark! I forget.
The good news? Almost all modern chargers are designed to operate on voltages from 100 to 240 V… but make sure they work before plugging in.
Plugs and sockets
Both the Republic and Northern Ireland use so-called ‘Commonwealth’ connections with three very strong connectors. These are totally incompatible with American systems. You will need an adapter to connect your electrical equipment. Obtain a non-fused adapter if possible.
There are workarounds that you can read or listen to from time to time, they are generally unsafe and can affect the enjoyment of your vacation (or indeed the rest of your life).
Multiple connections
If you carry multiple items that are likely to need power at the same time, bring a multiple plug from home; plug it into the adapter and you’re good to go.
Having a lot of adapters is an idea too… until you discover that the room you are in has only one outlet.
Car adapters
It may be a good idea to carry a power supply or charger that is powered by the 12-volt car system. Some hotels and B & Bs in Ireland have developed a nasty habit of hiding or disabling plugs to discourage guests from using too much power.
If you use a converter to boost the car’s 12 volts to charge a laptop… make sure you don’t drain your car battery. Better to do it while the engine is running.
Batteries
If you need to buy batteries inadvertently, you will find AA and AAA sizes in almost every store, at a very high price. Depending on your needs, a quick visit to an electrical supply store or Argos store can pay off by purchasing a multi-pack or even rechargeable batteries with a local charger. Also consider buying batteries from cheap stores like Dealz or B&M, often the best bet.
Storage media
The best advice is “Think ahead and bring more!” Digital storage media is expensive at best, ridiculously expensive in most Irish stores. However, the most common types are available.
Supermarkets like Tesco or Asda (in Northern Ireland) often stock storage media at competitive prices, try them too.
Burning CDs or DVDs
A number of internet cafes and some photographic media allow you to burn CDs or DVDs from your own storage medium. This is most likely only available in the larger cities. Not all memory cards are necessarily accepted! And remember to test your CD / DVD before reformatting the storage card!
Cloud storage
It is recommended to use this through an internet cafe or a secure WiFi connection; over the telephone network can be very expensive.
Mobile phones
Check your phone’s compatibility before you travel – not all phones will connect to Irish networks! If you get stuck, or want to avoid roaming charges, you can also buy a ‘burner’ (no-contract pay-as-you-go phone) in Ireland. These will be SIM-locked for the network, but your friendly neighborhood phone store may turn the lock off later. The widest range of phones available can be found at Three, Vodafone and Meteor stores. Tesco Mobile may also be of interest.
For more information on electricity in Ireland, follow this link: Outlets and adapters in Ireland.
