GEORGIA

AN IRISH GUIDE TO TIBLISI

Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena

Kick Off: 17.00 local time

The stadium is served by the Vagzalis Moedani Metro Station and the 37 and 20 bus.

THE BASICS - MAKE SURE BEFORE YOU TRAVEL THAT YOU DOWNLOAD AN OFFLINE MAP FROM GOOGLE OF AN CITY YOU VISIT!

WHAT DO I NEED TO GET INTO THIS COUNTRY?

Irish and EU nationals do not need a visa to enter Georgia. You can visit for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days.

IS IT SAFE?

Georgia is a safe country as long as you stick to the major cities, however, there have been recent anti-government protests and a break-down in relations with Russia (AGAIN). Hopefully, the game won't be moved to Mainz!

ARE THERE ANY MAD LAWS THAT WILL DELAY ME GETTING TO THE PUB ON ARRIVAL?

The only one I could find was in regards to medicines. It is a CRIME to be in possession of any medicine containing codeine that does NOT have a prescription, so be careful.

WHAT IS THE LOCAL CURRENCY?

Georgian Lari. As of writing, €1.00 will get you 3.27 GEL and £1.00 will get you 3.61 GEL.

PRIORITIES

ARE THERE ANY IRISH BARS FOR THE CRAIC?

Here are the Irish bars that I could find in Tiblisi and they all serve food!

The Wheels - 16 Giorgi Akhvlediani St, T'bilisi, Georgia - Closes 4 AM

MacLaren's - Rkinis Rigi St., 5, Tbilisi 380102, Georgia - Closes 3 AM

The Nali Pub - 4/1 Leo Kiacheli St, T'bilisi 0108, Georgia - Closes 3 AM

The Hangar Bar - 20 Ioane Shavteli St, T'bilisi, Georgia - Closes 2 AM

Dublin - Giorgi Akhvlediani St, T'bilisi, Georgia - Closes 3 AM

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PRICE OF A PINT?

According to Numbeo:

Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) approx 3 GEL - €0.92

Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) approx 4 GEL - €1.22

WHAT IF I ENJOY MYSELF SO MUCH, THAT I NEED ASSISTANCE IN AN EMERGENCY?

112 is the number of Emergency services in Georgia.

WHAT IF I ENJOY MYSELF SO MUCH, THAT I CREATE AN INTERNATIONAL INCIDENT?

Irish Passport Holders

There is no Irish Embassy in Georgia, merely a Consulate. If you are in need of help of the international variety you have three options:

1) Run to South Ossetia (please don't)

2) Contact the Irish Embassy in Sofia

Embassy of Ireland
Platinum Business Centre
26-28 Bacho Kiro Street
Sofia 1000
Bulgaria

Tel: +359 2 985 3425
Fax: +359 2 983 3302

3) Find an embassy that is also a member of the EU

Under the EU Consular Protection Directive, Irish nationals may seek assistance from the Embassy or Consulate of any other EU member state in a country where there is no Irish Embassy or permanent representation. See below.

British Passport Holders

British Embassy

51 Krtsanisi St

T'bilisi 0114

Phone +995 32 227 47 47

FOOD

WILL THE LOCAL FOOD/TAP WATER GIVE ME THE TWO BOB BITS? (BECAUSE IT WILL HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE DRINK)

Georgia is famed for its cuisine so you should be grand!

There have been mixed reports in regards to the tap water, quite frankly I would advise against using it. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with it, however, if you are simply staying for a short trip, your body may not have enough time to acclimatise to it and you may become very familiar with the jacks.

IF I WANT IT CHEAP AND CHEERFUL?

It's Georgia baby, the whole place is cheap and cheerful!

TRANSPORT

TRANSPORTATION FROM THE AIRPORT?

There are 3 modes of transport from the Airport: Train, Bus and Taxi.

The train is supposed to be amazing, however, it only runs FOUR times a day.

Bus number 37 runs from the airport 24/7 just outside the Arrival Hall, they run approx every 30 minutes and the journey into town takes just under 40 minutes.

Taxis are available 24/7 just outside the Arrival Hall and costs roughly 30 - 50 GEL (€9 - €15), the journey into the city is approx 25 minutes. Be sure to negotiate a price beforehand, most taxis are NOT metered.

Taxi Phone Number: +995 3225 11511

IS UBER THERE?

No.

TOURISTY STUFF - Be sure to be mindful about taking photographs, locals can get a bit arsey due to cultural and religous sensitivities, make sure you have permission first!

IS THERE ANYTHING WORTH SEEING?

There are no outstanding landmarks as such, however, there are plenty of tours and museums.

Check out https://www.viator.com/en-GB/Tbilisi/d22516-ttd for more details.

I DON’T FANCY SITTING IN THE PUB WITH THE OTHER LOT, I WANT CULTURE DAMMIT… CAN I TAKE A DAY TRIP ANYWHERE?

If you fancy something unique, you can organise a day trip to Gori, the hometown of one notorious Josef Stalin. The city is proud of its most famous son and even has a museum dedicated to the former Soviet leader.

You can take a train which takes approx 2hr 25 mins or organise a private bus which takes roughly 90 minutes.

HANDY TO KNOW

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