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Driving tips for Ireland 02
USEFUL TIPS (cont.)
- Trams in Dublin: there are several locations with street running for trams but they are well indicated. Don't try and dice with trams since (a) they are deceptively fast and (b) bigger than you (unless you are a coach or articulated lorry).
- There are an increasing number of mobile speed camera units operating in the Republic; I don't know how they deal with drivers speeding in hired cars. They usually operate from the back of vans. Don't think that driving a hired car exempts you from speeding charges. While you won't get penalty points if you have a non-Irish driving licence, the hire car will bill you for the speeding fine. There are an increasing number of fixed and mobile cameras in Ireland; many are concealed and not necessarily visible on approach.
- Sign posting is variable in Ireland; if youre staying in a particular area, its well worth buying a decent map of the area. The Ordnance Survey maps are very good value and will save you a lot of your precious touring time.
- When you're driving on minor roads (or even major) roads outside Dublin and the main cities, it is customary to acknowledge oncoming drivers. This is usually done by lifting your forefinger (cool way) or you can also wave and smile.
- Beware of cows and sheep when driving on minor roads. We have often been blocked by livestock moving around the roads, so just chill out and watch the farming dogs work (nowadays the guys driving the quad bikes!). You sometimes get blocked on 'N' roads [national or main trunk roads] - the farm can't help it if it's located on a main road!
- If you are collecting your hire car from Dublin airport, the road to the city centre can be a bit chaotic at present with finishing work for the new Port tunnel. However, if you are heading north, west or south, you should take the ring motorway (M50) but be prepared to have the toll money for the bridge over the river Liffey. You can get change and pay by credit card here. The charge for a car is 1.90 euro (2007 prices).
- Never leave anything visible in your car when leaving it in an Irish city - take valuables and tuck non-valuables under seat, in boot, sorry, trunk, or wherever. Car crime is quite high in Dublin but violent crime very low in comparison to other countries. However, don't give criminals any excuse to break into your car.
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