Hi...With our plans all set for our trip to Ireland, I have a few questions. Do we need to bring an adaptor for items such as hair dryers, electric rollers etc??? Also, I heard that the soap and wash cloths are not very good in Ireland, is that true. I am not sure whether to bring soap etc. with us or not. We are staying at really nice 4 star and 5 star places, so I am assuming they have the finer toiletries. Any other advice on what my husband and I should bring with us for our stay. thanks alot...Phyllis

Phyllis! Yes, you will need adapters for what you listed. You can get them here or there. My blowdryer from home didn't make it on one trip, it melted, so I wound up buying a UK blowdryer(travel size) and brought that with me when I went to Ireland in Sept. Also, I always bring my own soap from home(but that's just me), the water is a little harsher over there I think, so I also bring my own hair supplies(shampoo, conditioner, etc.) and lotions. The toiletries supplied are nice but very small and won't last. Washclothes supplied are also fine.

Phyllis, I brought adaptors, but found <BR>the hotels and B&B were equipped with them. Washcloths are rarely supplied. I would definitely bring a few. Bring sweaters & rain gear. Have a wonderful trip, it is a wonderful country.

Phyllis, <BR> <BR>You can find more info about what to take to Ireland at this site: http://www.irelandyes.com/packing.html <BR>I had a great time at the pubs in Ireland and being a guy I was not overly concerned with the packing...left that to my wife. What ever you pack or do...enjoy Ireland. It's a once in a lifetime place.

I am also going to Ireland & was wondering if anyone sells a battery operated hair dryer?

Buy a dual voltage dryer from Brookstones or sharper image

You don't even necessarily need to go to more expensive stores like Brookstone or SI for dual-voltage dryers. Much to my delight, I found that Conair now makes a dual-voltage version of the hot air brush blow dryer that I love. Take a look on the packages when you're shopping at places like Wal-Mart or Target; you might find that more and more of them are being made dual-voltage. (Mine has a little switch near the bottom of the handle marked 250/125.) You want to make sure you've set your dryer for the *higher* voltage when you're overseas. <BR> <BR>You'll also need an adapter, as well as either a converter or a dual-voltage appliance. Conversion (or a dual-voltage) adjusts your appliance to the higher voltage level in overseas outlets; an adapter actually lets you plug it into the wall outlets, because the number, size, and shape of pins varies from country to country. Any good travel bookstore or general travel store (Rand McNally, Travel 2000, etc.) will have the big display of travel converters and adapters, with a key as to what you need for what country. Ireland uses the same plugs as Britain, I believe, which is an "A" adapter in the standard adapter kit. <BR> <BR>

I have not traveled in Ireland as much as I have in other countries in Europe, but I think this is the prevailing view: <BR> <BR>a washcloth is just about as personal as your underwear or toothbrush, and the expectation is that you would have your own and never want to share in the use after someone else. <BR>