Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Dublin 2019

    Our FAQ page contains many common questions, quick answers, and links to more information.  Please also search the Dublin 2019 site before e-mailing us with a question.

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    Dublin 2019: An Irish Worldcon [World Science Fiction Convention]

    Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) and Immediate Surroundings

    Before You Leave for Dublin

    When in Dublin…

    When in Ireland Overall…

    Still Can’t Find Your Answer?

    Dublin 2019: An Irish Worldcon [World Science Fiction Convention]

    • What’s on at Dublin2019? If you search for “Programme Guide” on our Website, you’ll find complete instructions on downloading Grenadine, our frequently-updated programme app.
    • Are Memberships Still Available?  No. Dublin 2019 will not sell memberships at-the-door. If you have any questions, check the memberships page. However, some people do resell their memberships if they are unable to attend. Check the Dublin 2019 Community Group on Facebook to see if anyone is reselling a membership there.

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    • What Is the Fantastic Dublin Fund? The FDF is a lottery for fans from Ireland/Northern Ireland of limited means to attend Worldcon. Apply to the FDF. Donate to the FDF.
    • Schedule
      • The Programme is online Here are the hours for some areas at-the-con:
        • Registration – Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) Ground Floor – Main Entrance Lobby:
          • Tuesday 16:00-19:00
          • Wednesday-Sunday 9:00-19:00
          • Monday 10:00-noon
        • Information/Volunteers/Access – Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) Ground Floor – Main Entrance Lobby:
          • Thursday-Sunday 9:00-19:00
          • Monday 9:00-16:00
    • Events
      • Special Events will be on CCD Level 5, Auditorium
        • Thursday Evening – Opening Ceremonies & with 1944 Retro Hugos
        • Friday Evening – Worldcon Orchestra Concert
        • Saturday Evening – Masquerade
        • Sunday Evening – Hugo Awards Ceremony
        • Monday – Aduantas presents To the Waters and the Wild
        • Monday Afternoon – Closing Ceremonies
        • Are tickets needed for Auditorium Events? No, but to help get people into the Auditorium for certain events (Thursday’s Opening/Retro Hugos, Friday’s Orchestra Concert, Saturday’s Masquerade, Sunday’s Hugo Awards), you’ll need to stop by the Box Office on the ground level lobby of the CCD for a wrist band.
        • Second Stage Events – CCD Level 1, Liffey B
        • Cabaret Events –  CCD Level 2,  Wicklow Hall 2, including readings of works by Rosaleen McDonagh
        • Concerts – CCD & Point Square
        • Octocon Presents – CCD & Point Square
      • Maps
        • CCD – download “The CCD” app from the Apple Store or Google Play. Note that in the Apple Store, this is listed under “Utilities.”
          Go to PR 5 and search on Mpas to see how Dublin 2019 is using the CCD.
        • Directions to Point Square from the CCD.
      • Who Are This Year’s Guests of Honour? Our fabulous Guests of Honour are listed!
      • Will Other People Be Speaking?  Absolutely!  Here are some of the speakers and featured artists planning to attend
      • What Kinds of Programming & Events Will Take Place?  Panels, Presentations, Discussion Groups, Readings, Autographings, Kaffeeklatches, Stroll with the Stars, Hugo Award Ceremony, Masquerade, Live Music.
      • What Else? Dealers, Art Show, Creators Alley, Displays & much more!
      • How Can We Stay In Touch? Check out: bookmark our website read our Blog, follow us on Facebook and/or Twitter. Dublin 2019 also has a Dublin 2019 Irish WorldCon Community Group where you can learn about Dublin, find someone to transfer a membership to or find a roommate.
      • Does Dublin 2019 Have a Code of Conduct?  Yes.
      • Do Childrens’ Memberships Cover Childcare?  No.  They cover admission and Children’s Programme for children 6 and up.  We have arranged for on-site Childcare. Day of childcare will only be offered if space is available; the day-of hourly rate will be 11 Euros per hour for each child.
      • Are There Other Issues We Should Be Aware of About Bringing Children to Dublin 2019? Children with memberships are welcome to attend, but we have to abide by Irish law regarding where children are allowed to go without adults
      • What Does My Attending Membership Include? All activities, all events, all programme, all items in the Exhibit Hall. Unlike professional, media conventions, you pay one fee and that includes everything but certain publications and Childcare. Some small items only permit a few people to attend, so they require sign-up at the convention, you’ll see more information about these items in the programme schedule.
      • Can Memberships Be Refunded?  No, but you may transfer your membership to another person.  Write to registrar@dublin2019.com if you need to transfer a membership.
      • How Can I Find Someone Who Needs a Membership or a Roommate? Join the Dublin 2019 Irish Worldcon Community Group on Facebook.
      • Voting for Hugos.  Information about Hugo Voting can be found here.
      • Voting for Site Selection (for the location of the 2021 World Science Fiction Convention).  Supporting or Attending Members can vote pre-con or during Dublin 2019 itself, until 16:00 on Saturday 17 August.
      • Buying our Merchandise. There be souvenir sales at the Worldcon.  If you want to have your T-shirt or other convention merchandise before Dublin 2019, order now from OffWorld Designs.
      • Advertising in Our Publications.  Advertising in Progress Report 5 is available until 20 June. Write to advertising@dublin2019.com if interested.
      • How can I jump in and participate?
        • Volunteering to Help at Dublin 2019. Worldcon is completely run by volunteers—we’d love your help! If you think you’ll have a couple of hours to spare to lend us a hand, complete this form. Job listings for Dublin 2019.
        • Participating in the Masquerade and/or Cosplay.

      • Is Dublin 2019 accessible? Yes, the CCD is a newer building and is accessible.  Dublin 2019 accessibility information.   Write to access@dublin2019.com if you have any accessibility questions.
      • Renting a mobie. Contact access@dublin2019.com – a few mobies may be available.
      • Can I throw a party? Sure, see our Party Policy.
      • Acquiring a press pass.  If you are a professional journalist, you can request a press pass (which does not confer voting rights for Hugos or site selection) by writing to press@dublin2019.com.

      Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) and Immediate Surroundings

      • If you have an emergency in the CCD, call  +353-18184999, the CCD security number.
      • Closest full-service emergency room, open 24 hours a day – Mater Miserecordiea University Hospital, Eccles St, Dublin 7   +353 (01) 803 2488. 2.6 km northwest of the CCD.
      • Closest walk-in center (for minor injuries/illnesses) – Mater Smithfield Rapid Injury Clinic, Smithfield, Dublin  +353 (01) 657 9000, 353 (01) 854-5247, 3.1 km west of CCD, open 8:00-18:00 M-F, 10:00-18:00 S-S
      • Closest garda (police) station – Store St., about 1 km west of the CCD,  near the Busaras Luas stop and south of the Connolly Train station.
      • The CCD will have food and alcohol for sale during Worldcon, and Point Square has several restaurants and a coffee bar.
      • Closest grocery/convenience store – Fresh Market IFSC, 1 Mayor St Lower, 5 minute walk northwest of the CCD, a block north of the Spencer Hotel, groceries, takeaway & liquor available.
      • Closest drugstore – Remedi, northwest of the CCD (Unit 8 Custom House Square, IFSC), is a 5 minute walk away & across from the Fresh Market.
      • Closest ATM – AIB ATM North Wall, across from the Spencer Hotel, a 4 minute walk west of the CCD. Use the ATM locator to find more ATMs in Ireland.
      • Closest copy shop/shipping service – BizPost Etc, North Dock, about an 8 minute walk west of the CCD.
      • Closest Irish Post Office – Upper Erne Street Post Office. 24 Erne Street Upper, Dublin 2. It’s about a 10 minute walk away — take the Samuel Beckett Bridge south over the Liffey, take a right, walk about a block, take your first left, walk about 4 blocks, turn left on Upper Erme St
      • Closest coffee – Several coffee bars within blocks.
      • Closest pub – The Ferryman is just across the Samuel Beckett Bridge (about a 4 minute walk from the CCD), opens at noon (12:30 Sun) & has a carvery for lunch!
      • Closest collection of restaurants – CHQ (adjacent to the Emmigration Museum), 8 minute walk west of the CCD. Also check the Dublin 2019 restaurant guide for detailed restaurant information.
      • Closest grocery (if you’re staying south of the Liffey) – Eurospar,  Hanover Quay, is a 10 minute walk from the CCD, groceries, takeaway & liquor available.
      • Other nearby grocery/pharmacies
        • SuperValu Talbot St/Kane/McCartney’s, 27-32 Talbot St, 1.2 km NW of the CCD, or take the Luas Red Line west one stop to the Busáras stop, groceries and carryout.
        • Jervis Shopping Centre, 125 Abbey Street Upper, North City. Luas Red Line west to the Jervis stop (about a 10 minutes tram ride from the Spencer Dock stop). Many stores including groceries (Tesco, Marks & Spencer), drug store (Boots – this appears to be the closest Boots to the CCD) and several takeaways. There’s also a Lidl market north of the Jervis Centre at 1 Moore st.
        • Locations of Fresh markets in Dublin.
      • How can I get distilled water for my CPAP? Distilled water is extremely expensive and hard-to-get in Dublin. You have a few options. Some say that using Dublin tap water will not harm your CPAP. Most hotel rooms have a kettle so you can boil water to clean your machine. Another possible option is to get de-ionised water at Tesco – it’s only €1.5 for 2.5 liters. The closest Tesco to the CCD is at the Jervis Centre which is about a 10 minute tram ride on the Luas Red Line west to the Jervis stop. Note that some people advise against this option.

      Before You Leave for Dublin

      • Your Passport.  If you live outside of Ireland, you will need a passport. It can take up to six weeks to get a new passport in the United States. Be sure to make a copy of your passport and birth certificate and keep the information with you. If you lose a passport, visit your embassy.
      • European Health Insurance Card. If you live in the European Union or in a European Economic Area country, you should get a European Health Insurance Card before coming here so you will be able to obtain necessary medical treatment in the Irish public healthcare system free of charge.
      • “Letter of Comfort.” Some countries require a letter from a conference confirming your membership.  Write to mss@dublin2019.com as soon as possible if you need such a letter.
      • Getting to Dublin. Many ways to get to Dublin, including planes, trains, buses, and ferries.
      • Accommodations. Our hotel block has closed and accessible hotel rooms can no longer be booked through the Access Team. Hotel rooms are still available, but are generally at a higher price. Check Trivago for rooms in the Docklands area. Be aware of possible problems if you reserve through AirBnB.
      • Planning Dublin Travel. Our Tourism page offers many suggestions. Dublin2019 has organized several local tours; registration for these tours close on August 12.
      • Planning Other Travel. August is high travel season throughout Ireland so make travel plans and book hotels early.
      • Travel Insurance. Check your airline when you make reservations, or check an independent travel insurance review site.
      • International Health Insurance.   Consult with your insurance agent to see if your insurance is accepted in Ireland.
      • Packing for weather.  Dublin tends to have summer weather in the 60s/low 70s (F).  Check the long term forecast before you leave (but always bring rain gear with you).

      When in Dublin…

      • Local Transit Cards.  Save money on mass transit.
      • Attraction Discount Cards. Discount passes to Dublin attractions.
      • City Guides.  Learn about Dublin before you get here. Download “The CCD” app from the Apple Store or Google Play for fast info about the Convention Centre Dublin and the PDF for at least one Dublin guide to your smart phone before you leave.
      • Who is Lewis & why do people talk about him all the time?  Luas is the name for the tram system.  The CCD is just south of the Luas Red Line near the Spencer Dock stop (top right of the Luas map).  If you’re using the Luas (or bus or DART local train) daily for at least 4 days, do yourself a favor and buy the 7-day Visitor Leap card for €40.
      • What is the Liffey? The main east-west river of Dublin.  The CCD is just north of the Liffey, just east of the IFSC and is in the Docklands.
      • What is the IFSC? International Financial Services Centre, an area west of the CCD, full of office buildings, hotels, and restaurants.
      • What are the Docklands?  The Docklands is a Dublin neighborhood north of the Liffey which is the home of the CCD.
      • What is Temple Bar? Temple Bar is a big and boisterous area, about 1.4km west of the CCD just south of the Liffey, with many bars, pubs & lots of music, some of it live and Irish.

      When in Ireland Overall

      • Using your credit card. If you are asked “Do you want this charge to be in Euros or your home currency?” when you make a charge always say “Euros” as you’ll save on excess charges. Here’s why. You should check to see if your credit card charges a fee for international purchases and be sure to use a card which does not.
      • Making a phone call from an American phone to an Irish phone number. Dial 011 (US exit code) 353 (Ireland county code), 1-2 digit area code, 7 digit phone number.
      • Using smart phone data. If you have a smart phone and you don’t live in Ireland, either get an international plan or only use your data when you have access to WIFI. International roaming can be very expensive, so download maps to your phone before you leave and don’t rely on Apple Maps or Google Maps if you don’t have an international plan.
      • Tipping. Recommendations from Enchanting Ireland and TripSavvy.
      • What else do I need to bring?  If you’re from the US or Europe, bring at least one power adapter for UK/Ireland.  Bring your own washcloth. You do not need to get Euros in the US; you’ll get a better return if you get Euros at an ATM in Ireland. Yes, there are ATMs at the Dublin Airport. Credit cards are taken almost everywhere.
      • Irish Idiosyncrasies (customs & slang).  A spreadsheet of slang/customs in Ireland assembled by Dublin 2019 staff.
      • Are medications/generics marketed under different names? Some of them are. Advil is marketed as Nurofen (generic ibuprofen), Tylenol is marketed as Panadol (generic paracetamol). Aleve is marketed as Naprosyn (and may be prescription-only). Migraleve is a migraine medication. You can look up medication names in this database to find the equivalent in Ireland.

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