|
|
Roads
The standard of our roads are generally good. There are
only a few motorways or "M" roads in the country,
mostly around Dublin, Belfast and, under construction,
between these two major cities. Many
National or "N" roads have been improved in
recent years and this work continues as Ireland grows.
Rural or "R' roads are also good, though out in the
country they may not be as well maintained and they may
be winding with blind curves. Other roads may often be
narrow and of uneven surface. The country areas
are criss crossed with narrow lanes and awkward junctions.
If you pass a local driver, farmer or other pedestrian
on these roads you will often receive a polite wave. A
return acknowledgment is customary. |
|
|
|
In Ireland all traffic drives on the LEFT hand side of the road
and roundabouts go clockwise. If you have never experienced
driving on the Left and are generally not a confident driver
it will take you a few days to get used to driving conditions
here.
|
|
 License
To drive a car in Ireland, you will need a current, valid EU
or American drivers license in addition to your Passport for
Identification. If you are planning to bring your own car by
ferry, it must have a current, valid EU registration. The insurance
regulations and costs for private cars in Ireland are extreme.
If you are visiting friends or relatives, do not expect to borrow
a car.
Roadsigns
Our Roadsigns are marked
in a mixture of Miles and Kilometers. The standard format on
new roads and upgraded signposts is Kilometers. Our Speed limits
are much the same as in the UK, 30mph (50km) in built up area's
and around towns, 60mph (100 km) on the Dual Carraigeways and
Main Roads, and 70mph or (115km) on our Motorways.
Maps
Irish Car Rentals
provide a very good map with all of their cars. The Michelin
Voyage Edition map (#923, scale 1:400,000, 1 in= 6.3 mi) is
also very good and is widely available.
The best maps are put out by the Irish Ordnance Survey. Their
Road Atlas (scale 1:210,000, 1 in = 3.3 mi) is excellent and
contains over 100 pages of detailed maps showing virtualy every
country road and lane that is passable by car. The city maps
in the atlas are also very good though you may need additional
maps for Dublin, Cork or Galway if you are trying to find a
particular residential street. The Ordnance Survey Discovery
series of 90 maps are even more detailed (1:50,000) and are
suitable, even indispensible for hikers. Unfortunately, these
maps are not easily available outside Ireland. However they
are widely available in Ireland including many bookstores, the
information counter outside Shannon arrivals and at the Ordnance
Survey office in Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Emergencies
and Accidents
Take Care, especially at Junctions. If you are unfortunate enough
to have an accident you must report this to the GARDAI, (POLICE),
and should do this before leaving the scene. You can contact
the GARDAI from any telephone by dialing 999. All emergency
services can be contected at any time by dialing 999 including
the Fire Service, Ambulance and Coastal Rescue.
If
you are DRIVING A HIRED CAR you must also inform the HIRE
COMPANY. You will find their contact details on the Hire Documents
you received at the time of hire. Although Ireland is riding
the crest of an Economic Boom at present the rate of repair
of our roads is slow. Some roads especially in rural areas,
have many Potholes and are quite dangerous. We are quite used
to this and drive around them with alarming ease, however,
for the uninitiated, please take care, especially when driving
at night.
Enjoy yourself and stay SAFE. . .
That said, Ireland is a wonderful place to tour around, and
the best way to see most of it is by Car. So take care, drive
carefully and enjoy!
|
|
|
|
Ireland