Driving in Ireland

Driving in Ireland can be fun and exciting and it’s a great way to see the country, but as almost anyone that has driven there will agree, sometimes it can be a bit of an adventure.  From winding narrow roads, to roads with no lane markings, animals on the road, the weather conditions and quite a few other hazards it’s a wonder anyone gets around.  Well they do, and if you’re prepared for what’s in store, then you will too.

I always advise friends in the US who are visiting Ireland to rent a car that is no bigger than what they need.  When driving in most parts of the US (maybe with the exception of inner-city driving) there’s so much room for each car.  When driving in Ireland you’ll find you’re not afforded so much room.  I’ve heard people say “it’s like driving in a bike lane!”  A little bit of exaggeration, but you get the point.

Typical Irish countryside road

Cars in Ireland, like England, Australia and a few other countries, are driven on the left (opposite of the USA).  Of course the cars steering wheel is then on the right, which can take a little getting used to for a lot of tourists.  A good tip that I try to use is to tape or stick a little note somewhere you’ll see it every time you sit in to remind you to drive on the left.  It may sound silly, but plenty of people have made the mistake of driving on the side they’re used to, which can obviously turn out for the worst.  I’ve had plenty of chuckles to myself when I’ve sat in to the car in Ireland and reached for the wheel, only to realize I sat in at the wrong side J  I’m glad it was that I was doing, and not pulling out on to the wrong side of the road.

Renting a car in Ireland is similar to renting a car anywhere else in the world.  You need a valid license and usually a credit card or cash deposit.  Check the insurance and license requirements before you go.  All the major car rental companies, Hertz, National, Avis etc, have offices there, so you won’t have a hard time finding a rental.  What may come as a surprise to a lot of tourists though is that almost all cars in Ireland are manual (stick shift) and not automatic.  Of course the rental companies do offer automatic cars, but the cost factor is significantly more.  If someone in your group can drive a manually operated car then you’re gonna save a few Euro/$.   And you’ve found your designated driver J, which brings me to “don’t drink and drive”.

Obviously drink and driving is dangerous, and illegal.  It’s just better that you don’t do it.  Taxi services in Ireland are readily available, and public transport is always a good option.  I’m sure wherever you’re staying the staff can provide the info you need to get to where you want to go.  Police (called Garda in Ireland) checkpoints are quite frequent on Irish roads.  Chances are high they will breathalyze you if they stop you, so be prepared.  The culture to drinking and driving has changed a lot in the last 10-15 years.  There was a time when basically there was no limit on what you could drink before driving.  But now the laws are very strict, for the better, and the limit is effectively zero tolerance.

It's not uncommon to see tractors on the road

A few things to note: 1. Turning on a red light is not allowed.  2. Roundabouts (traffic circles) are very common, so do a little research on them if you’re not used to them.  Basically the traffic in a roundabout has the right-of-way and entering traffic must yield. 3. Road markings are a bit different e.g. double yellow line = a US red zone (no parking).  4. Parallel parking is more common, so you will find a space faster if you can do this.  5. Don’t be afraid to ask people you pass for directions (they love to chat).  Directions are usually given by land markings and not road names.  6. Talking while on a mobile/cell phone is not allowed.

I know this post may seem like a little bit of a downer, pointing out dangers, a few rules of the road etc.  But it’s better to be aware than not.  That way you can plan.  I would like to say that driving in Ireland is the best way you are going to see the country, probably the most affordable, and it also gives you the freedom to go where you please and when you want.  You will be able to take in some spectacular scenery and take detours to some amazing little places that you may not be able to do if you are on a tour bus.

Enjoy, and be safe!

Next blog: Points of Interest

Where to Stay

So you've completely lost touch with that long lost Irish cousin.  And the guy from the pub who drunkenly offered you a place to stay isn't answering his phone.  Well, after a hectic day of sipping the black stuff and snapping pictures of sheep with paint on them (more on than some other time) it seems like you may be looking for a place to lay your head.

Ireland is full of great accommodation offerings, probably the most notable being the local B&B (Bed and Breakfast) that you’ll find in every town and village around the country.  These B&Bs are a great place to stay for their cleanliness, the food, the hospitality and the craic!  Generally speaking you will be staying in somebody’s home.  Due to this, the place will be clean, they will serve you food that they would eat (traditional and yummy), and in the evenings there may even be some singing to accompany the pint you’ll have in your hand.  Of course not every B&B is the same, but if you read the reviews, and find one that suits you, then these are a great option, and a favorite of mine.  One website that offers great information on location, pricing, reviews and other details for B&Bs all around Ireland can be found here.  They have an interactive map so you can find B&Bs by county, and they even have mobile apps for the tourist on the go.

Ireland like most other well developed countries has a decent hotel network, with many major hotel chains having locations there.  Most travel sites will provide you with options for finding these, but it is also quite easy to do a web search for the county you are staying in to find what hotels are available.  Many hotels offer specials, such as leisure center access, free breakfast, evening entertainment etc.  This is one of those areas where you need to do the research to find what best suits your needs.  Like anywhere else in the world, you will find hotels that span a very wide cost scale, so it’s best to do your research well ahead of time.

If you’re on a tight budget, then a hostel may be the way for you to go.  Hostels are generally more widely available in the larger cities of Dublin, Cork and Galway than they may be in more rural areas.  They can be quite affordable but have their drawbacks such as having to share a room with a complete stranger (protect your valuables!).  You can find a hostel finding service at the following link. 

Wherever you choose to stay, stay safe and have fun!

Next blog: Driving in Ireland

Getting there

Like almost anything these days, the internet has made things a lot easier in researching ways to get to Ireland. Obviously there’s no way for me to know where you’re coming from, but I can highlight a few of the entry points into Ireland to assist with your trip.

By Air: Ireland has multiple international airports, the largest being Dublin on the east coast and Shannon on the west, which service flights to/from the USA as well as many other parts of the world. Many of the other Irish airports can be reached via European hubs such as London Heathrow, Spanish, Italian, French airports etc. You really need to search the current flight listings for this information. The more common airlines flying to Ireland at present are Aer Lingus, Ryanair (low cost, no frills), BMI, Air France, American, US, Delta, Lufthansa and quite a few more. The best option for finding the route and fare that suits your needs is by going to one of the main travel sites such as Expedia or Orbitz. A web search using a phrase such as “air fares” will give you more options.

By Sea: Ireland can be reached by ferry from France and the UK. This is a great option if you want to bring your car or if you are on a tighter budget. A lot of times travelling by ferry can be a lot less stress and hassle, but of course you do have to sacrifice some more time to get there. However, there are some “fast ferries” available if you are travelling from the UK. Stenaline and Irish Ferries currently provide these options. Their websites are the best point of contact for further information.

By Car: Of course Ireland is an island consisting of the Republic and Northern Ireland, so technically you can reach Ireland from another country by simply getting in your car and driving across the international border (easy!).

Not that you’ve gotten there, what if you want to leave? A vacation from your vacation! I thought it would be a good tip to mention that you can fly to so many other parts of Europe on low cost airlines for next to nothing. The one thing to be aware of is the baggage and other extra charges that low cost airlines are always trying to find or increase to fatten their wallets. Many Americans in particular will travel to Europe and want to visit many countries. Ireland is a perfect staging point for this approach to travelling, so have fun with your fare-finding.

I suppose a “Getting there” topic wouldn’t be complete without touching on what you may need to get into the country. I’m not going to go into too much detail here because I am by no means an expert on what visas are required, but more importantly because this information changes frequently, and the best points of contact are your own countries embassy and the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service website

Next blog: Where to stay

Why Ireland?

Ireland is such a wonderful place, and when you go there you will see exactly why.  It’s nicely situated on the far west side of Europe, just off the main continent, with its closest neighbor being Great Britain.  It’s easily accessible through many regional and international airports, and can also be reached from mainland Europe and Britain by ferry.

Ireland retains many of the attractions and qualities that have drawn visitors to its shores for generations.  The people are friendly, the scenery is unrivalled, the music is lively, the cities are bustling, the food is flavorsome and the drink is free-flowing.

When you combine all of these qualities, the result is a perfect place in the world for people to gather and enjoy themselves.

Ireland’s unique past and its long and privileged association with countries such as the United States, Britain, Australia and many more, have always been a source of interest for people in retracing their roots, and coming back to what millions of people call “home”.  There are not many places in the world that are as celebrated as Ireland.  Our patron saint’s day, March 17, is celebrated in almost every country in the world, and the love for Ireland can be sincerely felt by ex-pats living all over the world.

Now that I hope you are fully convinced that Ireland is a place for you to personally lay eyes on, I will begin providing some valuable tips for your stay.

Next blog: Getting there

Fáilte go hÉireann (Welcome to Ireland)

So here you are.  You’ve decided to visit the land of saints and scholars.  The place where leprechauns and rainbows are in abundance.  The place where you can enjoy the “craic agus ceoil”, and sip the finest pints of Guinness.  Ireland!

I am happy you have chosen to visit Ireland, and I really do hope you have a wonderful time.  To make your trip more enjoyable, I have decided to create an interactive blog, where I provide information to you on a wide ranging list of topics of all things you’ll need to have a great time.  I am hoping some of you take the time to post your experiences on here and hopefully together we can build up a great source of information on what it takes to enjoy your trip to Ireland.

I’m sure there’s a hundred and one, maybe even a million and one, places on the internet where you can get travel advice for your trip to Ireland.  I’m sure they all provide very valuable information and you should consult more than one reference source to ensure you have a happy stay in our very beautiful country.  I am hoping I can add to your experience by posting a new update as often as I find time.  Please use this blog as a place to comment on your experiences, and what you found to be helpful or not.  Also, if you have requests on topics you would like to see discussed, please send me a note.

Fáilte go hÉireann.