Country Article / Postcards

Ireland Launches New Discount Scheme For Retirees

Date: 09/03/2007

It's official--a cup of coffee in Dublin is more expensive than a cup of coffee in New York, Paris, and London. Of course, this comes as no surprise to you. As IL Publisher, Kathleen Peddicord, recently wrote, "The Emerald Isle is today one of the most expensive countries in the world….Dublin is more costly in many ways than Paris."

But here's the good news: Dublin City Council recently launched a new scheme called the "Passport for Leisure," giving generous discounts on leisure activities to the over-55s. You get free access to most health clubs and swimming pools, and discounts on recreational and leisure activities in Dublin City (including restaurants, golf, travel, hair and beauty, shopping, and cultural events).

You can get discounts of up to 50% off hotel stays and a round of golf. You can save 25% on car rentals, 10% on a night at the theater, 10% on books…you get 15% off jewelry, 10% off private health insurance, 10% off a visit to an optician…and much more.

Unfortunately, this offer is only available to Irish Residents. Not good enough, we said. I spoke to a representative of the Dublin City Council and he agreed to extend the "Passport for Leisure" to IL readers no matter your residency status, whether you're here for a short vacation or an extended stay.

For full details, see http://www.passportforleisure.ie. (But remember to identify yourself as a reader of International Living.)

Elaine Cooney
For International Living

P.S. If you plan to use the "Passport For Leisure" on vacation, make sure you allow enough time for the application process--it takes 10 days from receipt of payment (about $7). Upon your arrival, your discount pack will be waiting for you at the Dublin Civic Offices.

Editor's note: Ireland may top some lists as a retirement haven…but not ours. Yes, the health care is free, but everything else is simply too expensive. Ireland only ranks 27th in our 2007 Global Retirement Index. Where are the 26 destinations that rank higher? Find out in the current issue of the IL magazine.