Various Tips & Info to Help In Your Travel
Travel tips for our registrants who are traveling to Northern Ireland to join us at the C.S. Lewis Summer Institute 2025.
This information is offered for your convenience, and the C.S. Lewis Foundation assumes no liability for errors or omissions. Hopefully, this will help in your planning. Please note that the information is subject to change.
Ongoing Regular Sessions
Join us by registering at https://cslewis.simpletix.com where you will find the date and time of our next info session.
We offer regular info sessions for those interested in attending the conference. As we get closer to the event, the info sessions will be targeted to those who have signed up. We’ll answer questions about the schedule, theme, travel, hotels, scholarships, and various other aspects of the event.
View a recording (video image to the left) of our February session where we give a conference overview.
Or click here to view our March 25th zoom meeting where we offered a Q&A sessiion from those already registered for the conference.
What to know before you go.
Rick Steves has an expansive website full of travel tips, specially geared towards international travel. The various categories here will give you plenty of helpful information and suggestions for traveling overseas.
The TSA provides this page about what you can and cannot bring in your luggage. They also have a very helpful page about the “Liquids Rule.”
Note: Your passport cannot expire within six months of your return date.
Starting January 8, 2025, an ETA will be required for most travelers arriving in the country, including from the United States, Canada, Australia, Mexico, and more. Then on April 2, 2025 travelers from European countries will similarly be required to apply to enter the UK.
An ETA costs £10 ($12.51) to apply and is linked to a traveler’s passport. Each authorization will be valid for multiple trips over two years (or until the traveler’s passport expires) for stays of up to six months at a time.
Travelers can apply either through a mobile app for iOS or through Google Play, or online. Each person must apply separately, and decisions are typically offered within three working days or less.
Travelers who apply through the app are more likely to get a faster decision.
To apply for the ETA, travelers will need to upload a photo of their passport and a photo of themselves. They will also need access to their email as well as a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. For more information on exemptions and in depth explanation you can read more here.
Alert your ATM and/or credit card issuers of your travel plans (at least a week) before departure in order to avoid blockage due to suspicion of fraudulent charges being made overseas. Please note that credit companies increasingly don’t require these notifications but you’ll have to make sure to check with your bank.
Some things to think about:
Note: You may need to change your pin number at your bank to a four digit pin (if yours is greater or fewer digits) in order to access funds from overseas ATMs. ATM, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express cards yield the best exchange rates and are widely accepted at most hotels and shops throughout the U.K. Note: some places do not take American Express or Discover card. Check with your credit card company concerning fees for international use. Your bank may have a “partner bank” in the U.K. which might not charge extra for withdrawals.
For more information here is a list of no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards available.
Much of the U.K., including Northern Ireland, operates cashless in 2025. Unless you want to have cash for emergencies or some local booth vendors, you may not need to take out cash. If you download an app for Uber or taxi companies you can likely pay by credit card or through the app. Public transportation in Belfast also allows for tap-to-pay payments.
Note: Public transportation in Dublin (in the Republic of Ireland), however, does require either cash, bus passes, or a “Leap Visitor Card” that you can purchase at the Dublin airport or Dublin City Centre locations. More information can be found here: https://about.leapcard.ie/leap-visitor-card
PLEASE NOTE: If you are flying into Dublin or plan on traveling in the Republic of Ireland, they are part of the EU and only take euros as payment.
Be sure to know how your health care service works should you need medical treatment while overseas. If you are taking prescription drugs, make sure you have an adequate supply for your entire trip. It is also advisable to carry a copy of your prescriptions described by their generic names. There are also companies that sell travel healthcare insurance, we do not have any recommendations but are available as part of travel insurance packages.
The C.S. Lewis Foundation is not responsible for any costs you may incur if you have to cancel your trip.
We strongly encourage you to obtain travel and trip cancellation insurance. One potential company used by past Summer Institute registrants is Travelex Insurance, but we have no official recommendations.
Northern Ireland is beautiful in the summertime; however, it can often be cool, damp, and overcast. Plan for daytime temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, layering is recommended due to variations in climate, and you always want to check on the forecast before you pack for your trip. Casual, neat casual, and business casual dress, as well as comfortable footwear, will serve most occasions (see conference dress code below). A raincoat and/or umbrella are a must, as it is extremely likely that it will rain at some point during your trip.
This is not a comprehensive list, but here are several important items that are easily forgotten:
Check with your provider to see if your cell phone will work internationally and if you need to purchase an international plan.
If not, and you are tech-savvy, you may want to purchase a pre-paid phone or sim card in Northern Ireland. You may be able to order these ahead of time. Orange, Three, and Vodafone are trusted companies that we’ve used before but there are many others, you may even be able to buy at the Dublin or Belfast airports but be aware that they may be more expensive. Also, make sure that the card that you purchased will work with countries you are traveling in especially cross border with Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.
As of February of 2025, there are no pandemic restrictions or mandates in place in Northern Ireland. However, there is no guarantee we can offer regarding what the situation may be at the time of the conference. We will comply with all U.K. and local guidelines in effect at the time of the conference.
For travel requirements, please check your country of origin and the U.K. Border Control website for the most current information: https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control
For American travelers, please visit the State Department’s page for International Travel for U.S. Citizens/Nationals, Lawful Permanent Residents, and Immigrants: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Please note that there may still be a degree of uncertainty about any travel in 2025. If you are concerned, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance that matches with your degree of comfort with risk.
The C.S. Lewis Foundation assumes no liability for changes in personal, individual travel plans or additional travel costs due to travel complications that might arise (please see our refund policy above). In case of the event being cancelled, we are able to convert the amount to a donation, apply it to a future event(s), or refund attendees in installments and based on our Board of Trustees’ guidance.
You will be walking a decent amount around Belfast. You’ll be walking to and from your hotel, to lunch, and to some evening venues. Most of these walks should be under a mile each, but you may want to go further in your free time.
If you have mobility issues you’ll likely want to take public transportation, an Uber, or a taxi. Please allow yourself extra time for these options if you need them.
Past Registrant Tip: You might also want to prepare for the conference by getting some walks in ahead of time, especially if you have a new pair of shoes to break in.
Staff Recommendation: We recommend moleskin padding for preventing blisters.
While there is no set dress code, per se, most guests dress in casual, neat casual, or business casual attire. Many of us do dress up a bit more during the 2 receptions (opening and closing) and final church service at the end of the conference – business casual, business professional.
Check-In
Proceed to Belfast City Hall (signs and volunteers will direct you once you arrive) for conference check-in at the times listed on the schedule. Volunteers will be on hand during check-in time to point you in the right direction. (See schedule for more information).
Check-Out
Belfast 2025 official programming ends Wednesday, July 30th after our optional Bag End Cafe ends at 11:30 PM.
From airports to local transit—what to expect.
Belfast is conveniently reachable through three airports: Belfast City Airport, Belfast International Airport, or Dublin International Airport. Belfast City Airport is closest to city center followed by Belfast international and Dublin International. However, you may find that the most direct and inexpensive flight could be to Dublin International Airport. There is a two hour bus from Dublin International to Belfast City Centre, we encourage you to make the choice that is most convenient, efficient, or cost effective for you.
We are hearing that international travelers should arrive at the airport 3-4 hours before LOADING (not departure). These two videos offer helpful, current information for flyers: How to Get From Dublin Airport to the bus loading area (and more) and Complete Dublin Airport Guide: Terminals, Car Rentals, Public Transport, & Flight Connections
If you are not coming directly to the conference from one of the airports, we encourage you to do your own research on how best to get to Belfast. Do note that there is both bus service and train service from the city centre of Dublin to the city centre of Belfast if you are going directly from Dublin city centre to Belfast city centre.
There are three bus companies that travel to Belfast every day, Dublin Express, AirCoach, and Translink so there should be no issue finding one that fits your schedule. You can find more info on schedules and buses here: https://www.dublinairport.com/to-from-the-airport/by-bus/all-ireland-bus-routes, most bus rides can be from €9-22 with the average being around €13-15 for a one-way trip.
You can choose to book ahead of time or after your arrival. Here are the pros and cons of each:
You will follow the signs in the airport to the bus loading, there are different zones depending on which terminal you enter (T1 or T2) so make sure to double check you are at the right loading zone.
Once you reach Belfast you will be dropped off either by Grand Central Station or Upper Queens Street. Both are a short walk form the Assembly Buildings the Summer Institute will be held in, and both are located close to most hotels near city centre.
There are three bus companies that travel to Belfast every day, Dublin Express, AirCoach, and Translink so there should be no issue finding one that fits your schedule. You can find more info on schedules and buses here: https://www.dublinairport.com/to-from-the-airport/by-bus/all-ireland-bus-routes, most bus rides can be from €9-22 with the average being around €13-15 for a one-way trip.
You can choose to book ahead of time or after your arrival. Here are the pros and cons of each:
You will follow the signs in the airport to the bus loading, there are different zones depending on which terminal you enter (T1 or T2) so make sure to double check you are at the right loading zone.
Once you reach Belfast you will be dropped off either by Grand Central Station or Upper Queens Street. Both are a short walk form the Assembly Buildings the Summer Institute will be held in, and both are located close to most hotels near city centre.
Public Transportation: https://www.belfastcityairport.com/Public-Transport
Taxis: https://www.belfastcityairport.com/Taxis
Car Rental: https://www.belfastcityairport.com/Car-Hire
Belfast International Airport: https://www.belfastairport.com/to-from
Belfast City Airport: https://www.belfastcityairport.com/Public-Transport
Dublin International Airport: https://www.dublinairport.com/to-from-the-airport/by-bus/all-ireland-bus-routes
There are a couple different ways you can get around Belfast. Ones that we have used before are Uber, Value Cabs. We recommend downloading both options for your phone and having payment information ahead of time with whatever you’re going to use while in Belfast.
Note: We will be providing transportation to/from Assembly Buildings and the following venues for our programs:
The C.S. Lewis Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization supported primarily through the generosity of individual donors.
The CSLF is not affiliated with the C.S. Lewis estate and does not own or receive support from the licensing of C.S. Lewis’s works.
