Below are answers to some of the questions that we have been receiving from participants about the meeting. We will add to this page as more questions get asked.

Q: I need to get a COVID test before returning home. Where can I get a test?
A: There is a test centre at Dublin airport providing tests for travel. Antigen tests with results in <1 hour, PCR tests with results in <1 day. More info from Dublin Airport website.

Q: What electricity supply and plug sockets are used in Ireland?
A: Ireland uses 3-pin “BS 1363 (Type G)” plugs, same as the UK (not compatible with continental European or USA plugs). Electricity is AC 230V, 50Hz.

Q: How can I get an invitation letter for a visa?
A: When you register there is a check-box for if you need an invitation letter, and we will issue a letter within a couple of days of your registration. The immigration service will not always issue a visa if there is no confirmation that you have paid the registration fee, which is why we issue the letter after your registration is completed.

Q: When will the meeting end on Friday 13th May?
A: The programme will finish at lunch time around 13:00, see the latest programme here.

Q: I am presenting a poster. Will they be presented digitally or on poster boards?
A: We are planning presentations on poster boards, up to A0 (portrait) or A1 (landscape) size. There are no printing facilities for posters onsite. We will provide velcro fixings for the posters.

Q: What is included in the registration fee?
A: The registration fee covers lunches Mon-Fri inclusive for participants, tea/coffee breaks morning and afternoon, bus transfers for participants from Dublin Airport to the Slieve Russell Hotel and back again, rental of the conference facilities, a Welcome Reception Sunday evening at the Slieve Russell Hotel, the Conference Banquet on Thursday evening, the online-only Proceedings, and costs for administration and payment processing.

Q: Bus times on Friday: when can I book my return flight for?
A: We will schedule the buses to start after the conference ends at 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00. Note we cannot facilitate earlier departures while the conference is still ongoing. Buses will be assigned based on the preferences you indicated in the booking form. The last bus should arrive at Dublin airport at or before 17:00 under normal Friday traffic conditions. Follow airport and airline guidance for how much time to allow to get through check-in/bag-drop and security.

Q: What times are the shuttle buses from Dublin Airport/Dunsink Observatory to the Hotel on Sunday 8th May? When should my flight arrive?
A: Buses will be scheduled throughout the morning to mid-afternoon (11:30, 13:00, 15:00), with a late bus at 18:00 for those unable to arrive earlier. Note that people on the 18:00 bus will miss most of the welcome reception. Bus times are based on your arrival time as completed in the booking form – you will also receive email confirmation of this time soon based on your booking. Buses will pick up from the coach park at Terminal 1 in Dublin Airport, and the 15:00 bus might also go to DIAS Dunsink Observatory if there is enough interest. This historic observatory requires a taxi journey (approx. €30) where some refreshments will be available and a place to relax.

Q: If I need to arrive late on Sunday or Monday morning and don’t drive, how can I get to the conference venue?
A: The Expressway bus service, route 30 (not X30!) goes from Dublin Airport to Belturbet, with departure times from the airport at 06:50, 09:50, 12:50, 18:50, 21:50, 00:50 every day (journey time 2 hours). You would have to get a taxi to the Slieve Russell Hotel from Belturbet for ca. €20-25. Please let the hotel know in advance if you are arriving late so they can ensure that a local taxi driver is available.

Q: What should I know about renting a car in Ireland?
A: We drive on the left in Ireland! Most international driving licenses are accepted for car rental in Ireland. Insurance is required by law, and usually there is a cheap option with an “excess” (the maximum amount you have to pay if the car gets damaged) or a “no excess” option that is significantly more expensive. All airports have car rental pickup/dropoff locations at or near the terminals.

Q: My institution requires certain information to be on an invoice for the registration fee. What should I do?
A: For most participants the PDF ticket from Eventbrite should have sufficient information. In case this is not enough contact us at info@massivestars2020.ie explaining exactly what needs to be on the document and we will prepare a letter for you.

Q: My institution requires that the registration fee is paid by bank transfer. How can I do this?
A: This is not possible at the moment. An invoice receipt (see above) should suffice in most circumstances to claim back the costs. Contact us at info@massivestars2020.ie if you have any issues.

Q: I want to share a hotel room. Do you have any system to help people find others who wish to share?
A: Unfortunately because of COVID we can’t do this officially, however see the latest announcement regarding a google spreadsheet where attendees can share information informally.