GPS

yardsailor · Member

GPS

annemurph · Newbie

I cannot speak from experience regarding GPS systems but I do know that you can't just take the US GPS systems to Europe...you will need to get the memory card for Ireland/UK. We are bringing a Garmin on our trip and we will need to buy the card that makes the system compatible in Europe. I am hoping it works!

yardsailor · Member

Thanks Anne, I had just learned that on the Tom Tom site, just have tofigure out if my model will take the gizmo for Ireland. I am hoping it works also.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Jane,

My thanks to Anne for answering your question. I have not used a GPS myself in Ireland but I have heard feedback that it is excellent in certain areas and dismal in others. I will also pay to have a good map while traveling around. Using the two will get you around Ireland efficiently.

Michele

TxDevil · Veteran Member

I'm sure that if you just buy the proper memory/program that goes into the TomTom, it would be just fine. Ireland isn't that out of touch. haha.

I brought a Palm Pilot 3 years ago, with some downloaded maps and programs and it worked like a charm.

yardsailor · Member

Thanks TX, I am just waiting tilltomorrow, my tech savvy daughter will be home and I will let her handle,it. I will let the board know how I make out.

TxDevil · Veteran Member

I've also noticed that Hertz (or one of those car rental places) has GPS in some of their cars. Not sure if that would be cheaper for you to just rent a car with one - or to fuss with programs and such on your existing GPS.

I, for one, love getting lost. I rarely keep a strict schedule, and it helps me appreciate the country more. Although, I have been so lost that it lead me to crying. haha.

But, I'm a self-confessed gadget nerd and I have a multitude of "used once" high-tech gadgets.

Sidz · Guru

Using a GPS in Ireland would take a great deal of the fun away from the trip as far as I'm concerned. Use a map, take your time, and have a bit of adventure. Some of the best times I've had in Ireland were the results of being a bit lost and finding an area I didn't plan on seeing. it's part of the wonderful dance you take when you tour the country. biggrin

yardsailor · Member

We were planning on just using maps and signs, but felt we might need it at the end of the day to find that days B & B, we are going to Ireland to celebrate my younger brothers 60th birthday, so we are all lacking a few brain cells. LOL The GPS might come in handy.

Sidz · Guru

I always find that people in Ireland are more than willing to help with directions if you get lost a bit -- and meeting people in that fashion can lead to some interesting discussions. Either way you go, just take your time and you'll be fine! Have a wonderful trip. smile

aprilmay · Veteran Member

DOn't know if you have decided on the whole "GPS" thing but my husband is a complete gadget guy so we took a Garman GPS and of course a map and at times we still got turned around -
Auto Europe where we rented had the same Garman to rent w.their cars if you wanted.

I agree the people are so friendly and stopping to ask for directions is part of the adventure and I loved hearing all the different accents but when it gets dark it sure is nice to have the GPS for help ...

April :)

Chuck · Member

We just got back from Ireland and rented our vehicle from Dan Dooley and paid for the use of a Garmon GPS. I am glad we did. It worked well throughout our trip in the Republic. We did not go into Northern Ireland. It was especially helpful on back roads (we got lost a few times). We simply put in where we needed to go and it directed us back. I don't advise using it exclusively. Use it with the maps. Sometimes the GPS routes you on a longer route than you can find on the maps. Simply head to your location on the map and the GPS will correct itself and reroute. We had a couple of times where the GPS actually took us down some back roads that were wonderful in scenery that we would have missed had we just relied on the maps. I would definitely use it again if I retturn.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Chuck,

Welcome back from Ireland. Thanks for your input on the GPS. I love those little back roads in Ireland. There is nothing like getting off the highways to see the real Ireland.

Michele