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Driving tips for Ireland 03
USEFUL TIPS (cont.)
- Bus lanes: When in urban areas (including dual-carriageways), you will frequently see bus lanes. The majority of these are part-time; they only operate at peak times (typically 0700-1000, 1600-1900); all bus lanes have signs which indicate period of operation. At other times you can drive in them but - be warned - you are effectively driving on the inside (non-driver's side). This means that cars in the lane beside the bus lane who want to turn left often cut into the bus lane without warning. An increasingly number of bus lanes continue into dedicated bus gates where an electronic device is required to trigger the traffic lights. Obviously you won't have one, so you need to rely on the good nature of those queueing and indicate into the inside lane. Many people do not realize that bus lanes are often part-time and suspect you of breaking the law by driving in them - therefore expect some hostile stares, occasional honking and some blocking when you attempt to rejoin another lane!
- Speeding and hire cars: 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.
- GPS - worth hiring or bringing?: Yes! worth bringing/hiring a GPS if you're driving in cities
- Jet lag - don't give yourself long and difficult drives from airports into cities. Many visitors to Ireland make the classic mistake of having a long drive from the airport. Stay somewhere near to your airport and, if possible, have a daylight opportunity to experience Ireland's roads for the first time.
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