hi all , <BR> I am off to Ireland in November for my first trip to the Emerald Isle. How easy is it to use my ATM card there for cash? (Southern Ireland.) I currently bank with one of the larger banks in the midwest - FIRSTAR - and want to know how easy/not it would be to use my check card instead of loading up on Punts before I leave. <BR> <BR>thanks for your help. <BR>Debbie

I am also headed to Ireland soon and wondered the same thing -- we will be in Kilkenny and Kinsale as well as Dublin. We used the ATM card everywhere on our last 2 trips (to Paris & England), and I hadn't planned to get punts in advance of this upcoming trip. Should I, or is it not worth the bother? Thanks!

I feel its always wise to have say $100 or so in Punts with you then you don't have look for an ATM as soon as you get off the plane. Just look for an ATM with the Cirrus or Pluse sign that matchs your card. Don't nickel and dime your self to death, get a couple of hundred dollars in Punts each time you use the ATM. I always get the max since it cost me $1.50 each time to use the card.

Debbie and HCW <BR> <BR>There are ATMS all over the country in major cities and towns, <BR> <BR> <BR>Enjoy your holidays <BR> <BR>Cathy

I am sorry to report that during our trip last October, we had a heck of a time finding an ATM that would take our card - I think we should have done some investigating in advance with out bank. But we used banks as needed and things were fine . . .

Debbie, your FIRSTAR card should be on either the Plus or Cirrus network (look on the back). Then do a Yahoo search for "Cirrus ATM Locator" (or "Plus") to see how many ATMs there are in the towns you'll be in. <BR> <BR>There will likely be so many listed that it will give you confidence that finding one won't be a problem.

Debbie, <BR> <BR>I just returned from a trip to Ireland. We traveled in mostly in the South West and were able to use ATM's. Check the back of your ATM card and it will list the networks that you can use such as Plus or NYCE, then make sure the ATM in Ireland has the same name and symbol on it. I used ATM's in Dingle and also Tralee and had no problem. It was much easier than cashing in the travelers checks we had brought and I wouldn't bring them again. <BR>Have a nice trip, <BR> <BR>Sandra <BR>

We belong to a small credit union in up-state NY. While in Ireland this summer I was able to use my card at any ATM. To be safe I got a debit card/ check card thru the credit union in case there was a problem with my Visa atm card. We had about two travelers checks that were also protection but never used them. We got punts right at the airport on arrival...#200 at a time. Dublin,Killarney,Dingle,Doolin and Galway,Clifden all had ATMs. My card didn't have any fee attached to withdrawals....the money was a bank transfer not a credit card transaction.