Transport in Ireland.

Driving

This can be a real pleasure since Irish roads are the least congested in Europe. Here is some useful information for driving in Ireland.

NB: REMEMBER TO DRIVE ON THE LEFT IN IRELAND.

From 20th January 2005, the measurement of speed limits on Irish roads will change from miles per hour (mph) to kilometres per hour (km/h). In addition, there will be significant changes to speed limits on certain roads and there will be some new vehicle speed limits.

Unless signs indicate otherwise, speed limits are:

Seatbelts must be worn by driver and passengers at all times.

The major car hire firms are represented in Ireland, and you will find them represented at airports, ferry ports, and all major cities.

Cycling

horse-drawn caravans

Horse drawn caravans are available for hire in counties Cork, Kerry and Wicklow. It is a wonderful, relaxing way to appreciate the countryside. It is, however, slow. Expect to cover about 10 miles per day. Be prepared too for some work - feeding, grooming and harnessing your horse can be time consuming and take effort.

The caravans are generally designed to cater for four persons and are fairly basic. They come with a gas cooker and utensils, crockery etc. are provided. They do not, however, have toilet facilities. In high season, expect to pay €500-€600 for a week's hire plus about €8.50 per night for overnight parking.

Inland Waterways

The three main waterways for cruising are the River Shannon, the Grand Canal and the River Erne. All three are exceptional for fishing and birdwatching.

In the Republic, six approved companies offer cabin cruisers for hire on the River Shannon and two on the Grand Canal. Cruisers range in size from two to ten berths, all have refrigerators and gas cookers, most have heating, hot water and showers. Dinghies, charts and safety equipment are included in the package. Experience in handling a boat is an advantage, but not a prerequisite. Training will be provided.

Trains and Buses

In the Republic of Ireland, the State transport authority, CIE (Coras Iompair Eireann) is the umbrella body for three companies. Dublin Bus (Serving the city), Bus Eireann (serving provincial areas from Dublin) and Irish Rail (Operating inter-city trains as well as the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) system.)

Timetables for bus and train services, including details of various money-saving commuter and tourist tickets, are sold in outlets throughout the city.

For bus and train information within Ireland.

Tel: 01 873 4222 (Dublin Bus)
Tel: 01 836 6111 (Bus Eireann)
Tel: 01 836 6222 (Irish Rail)

You can dial direct for a recorded timetable for most mainline rail destinations, check phone directory under Coras Iompair Eireann.

The DART rail service provides an efficient means of travel along the eastern coastal strip between Bray and Howth. Work has begun on an extension to Greystones.
There is a comprehensive bus network servicing routes throughout the city, but bus times tend to be unpredictable. There are also daily bus services to many provincial towns including Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.

Cabs (or Taxis)

There are metered cabs (also called taxis) available at various locations such as railway stations, ports, airports and taxi ranks in main cities. Elsewhere, it is possible to book hackney cabs where fares are agreed by arrangement with the driver in advance. Details are available in the telephone directories.