Hi Virginia, My experience with email in Ireland was mixed. Internet cafes were slow and fraught with connection problems if you are receiving email as well as sending it. When visiting family there was no DSL but I don't think that is a big issue for one or two PICS if you send them when everyone is in bed so you don't tie up their phone line. I send and receive PICS while at home with no problem. And there is no extra expense. Some B & B's have a computer which you can use for email but I wouldn't want to tie it up for long. You will need a plug adapter and a converter and be sure to get the right kind for cameras and computers. Any electronics store in your home country can help with that. Be sure to bring charger for your camera battery and I recommend an extra battery for backup. I also carry two discs one with 128 and one with 8 mg memory for a backup. I carry my camera's software so that I can download to whomever I am visiting's computer if they want a copy of my pictures. I would bring blank CD's and save my pictures to CD's so that I could unload my camera when desired. Personally, I would only bring a laptop if absolutely needed. Potential for theft exists. But the biggest disadvantage is the loss of freedom of movement and carefree travel the extra expensive baggage demands. A journal and a camera are all you really need and a fanny pack big enough to carry them. Now here is my best free advice. Find someone who is traveling to Ireland before you. Give them money to buy you 100 postcards. (More if desired) When you get them, sit down and write one to everyone you know and address them. Pack them in your carry on luggage. At Shannon or Dublin buy your postage stamps at the airport and post them. They will have a chance of beating you home and have taken none of your valuable travel time. And your friends and family will be impressed and don't need to know of your postcard shenanigans until they need the same advice. Have a great time on your visit. Judy