Good Morning, Sheila,

I always take a pair of sturdy walking boots or shoes that are waterproof for daily wear. I always pack another pair of shoes to kick around town in whilst my boots are drying, as well.

As to driving, the roads, when you get off the motorways, are often more narrow than what we are used to here in the states.  Most of your travels will probably be done on these secondary, rural two-lanes. I always tell people that their maximum speed will be between 30 - 35 mph.  If you keep in mind that there is no shame in letting "native" drivers pass you, you will be just fine.  If you notice a build up of traffic behind you, look for a pull out and move off teh road as soon as it is safe to do so.

There are "road hazards" that you won't find in your normal day to day driving: pedestrians, livestock, Large trucks, farm equipment, rock walls camoflauged by bushes and grasses.  Roundabouts are your friend...really. They look lscary at first but once you get the hang of them, you will see that they are very useful, indeed.

As to GPS, I have never found it to be useful but some sing its praises. I prefer the two maps which I carry. I use a Streetwise Ireland Map, which is laminated and easily fits on your dash or in the door pocket, and an Ireland Ordnance Map, which is much larger book but highly detailed.

Did you rent a standard or an automatic? I prefer renting an automatic, though the cost is higher, simply bcause it gives me on less thing on which to divide my focus.

It is good to not drive in Dublin. It is not he easiest city in which to navigate and there is little to be had for parking.

Slan Beo,

Bit

From the perspective of someone living full time in rural mountain Ireland. I have a pair of trainer (sneaker) type Day shoes which I wear everyday for driving and going to town, day out on the Burren or across to Clifden on the Connamara. A pair of safety working boots for messing with the cottage or wandering across the fields or onto the mountain and a pair of typecast Ox Blood Brogues for going down the pub an a Friday night or Mass on Sunday.

If you are out in the country on a little road that you took by mistake, asking the sat nav where you are might likely get the response "how should I know". The step son came over last year and passed the western end of our lane 5 miles before the sat nav directed him round to come up from the east. A good map is the best option. I am one of those terrifying egits that know the little lanes and narrow roads too well but Christina is more sensible and lets the fools like me pass by just pulling over at a wide point. Even I have been known to use the Hard Shoulder to let folk pass on the main roads. Remember the safe speed is the speed you are comfortable at not the speed some less considerate person behind you thinks you should be doing.

Sheila,

I answered your email. But I wanted to add that my sneakers are dark gray and I waterproofed them heavily before going to Ireland. My black walking shoes are leather and pretty water resistant. Sometimes I wish I had a pair of Wellies but they would take up the whole suitcase!

A GPS is only as good and up to date as they system you buy or rent. With all of Ireland's recent road building projects it is possible that it will not recognize some highways. Also depends on your settings. If you choose "shortest route" it may not be the "best route". For me it is a couple of maps and the Ordnance Atlas. I sometimes use the very detailed individual Ordnance Maps when I am looking for something obscure. But for your trip check with the shop or tourist office at the airport to see if they have the Atlas. If they don't, you can find it in many bookshops.

And Tony's advice about driving is spot on! As for those roundabouts (traffic circles) they flow in a clockwise manner meaning you enter toward the left. Always yield to the traffic in the circle and merge into the circle when safe.

Will you be the driver or navigator? Both are important.

Michele

Deborah,

When I drive over there, I have a "Photographer Driving" sign that I put in my back window. That way there is no misunderstandings when I suddenly pull over and stop.

Perhaps there should be a large "T" for tourist that is placed in the rear windows of Rental cars.   

I usally have the slip-on shoes I wear whilst on the plane and pack my boots. That gives me shoes to wear whilst I stuff my boots with paper and set them to dry for the next morning.

Slan Beo,

Bit

-- Edited by CowboyCraic on Wednesday 18th of August 2010 11:20:13 AM

There is a little yellow dot in the front and rear windows of Hertz hire cars. Every Irish driver recognises this sign. It can mean "Wide load" "Slow Vehicle" " I'd go faster if I could find the right gear" and worse case "why is my passenger on the central side"

Michele,

The info about the L is funny ... my last rental car from Hertz had a big L in the back window as well as one on the front dash. I thought it was for tourists to remember to drive on the left. hahaha

Deborah
I have used the Michelin atlas in Ireland and found the maps very good. On my last trip in May I took my Garmin GPS for the first time. It was useful BUT you have to be aware that it is not so great on the newer motorways. I have driven through Limerick numerous times with little trouble (follow the signs). The GPS took us (unnecessarily) right through the city center en route to Kenmare from Shannon. Irish residents I met had the same experience. The GPS was great to turn 'lost' into 'found'.

Stewart

Probably if I was going alone, I would use a GPS.  But if you have another person with you who can read a map, that is certainly in my opinion the way to get around Ireland.

Those who disagree perhaps have never tried the old fashioned method of getting turned around now and then and meeting new people along the way.  What fun! 

I look at the cost of the GPS as an unneccesary expense that can be used elsewhere, but I certainly know that this is a personal choice.

-- Edited by Monty on Thursday 19th of August 2010 09:00:20 AM

It isn't "getting lost" but being "faery led". I prefer those "how the heck did I get here" memories. They have given me some special photographs, introduced me to new friends and shown me things I would have missed otherwise.

I have traveled over solo a few times. If I needed to look at a map, I would pull over to do so. Inevitably, someone would be tapping on my window to see if I needed help finding my way.  That would lead to a converation about the area and a local tip on a site that I might never have found.  In a few cases, it has given me the wonderful opportunity of "our farmhouse is just at the next bend. Ya look weary. How 'bout a cuppa?" moments of sharing.

I think part of my draw to Ireland is that I never know where each trip will take me exactly. I have my set destinations for lodgings...sometimes...but otherwise, I let the Faeries lead.

Tony, I think that the locals have the same internal conversations when they see my "Photographer" signs....

Slan Beo,

Bit

I can see the difference between those of us going to Ireland for the first time and those of you returning again and again.

Because I don't know Ireland like you do, I'm thinking I need to focus on getting us from point A to point B.  I do, however, plan to be open for any and all experiences we might encounter along the way but I'm most likely to use a map and our gps to keep the stress of the unfamiliar to a minimum.

I enjoy hearing about the love for Ireland that everyone on this site carries in their heart--I would like to feel the same after our return.

SheilaK, my husband and I have  used a gps for the last 5 years. We found using a gps especially helpful making our way through large sprawling cities--something not as likely to encounter in Ireland. Before that we just had a good map, one with  much more detailed than you will get from the car rental company. I know I bought my maps at Barnes & Noble or Borders but now you can get them online. I would be sure to have a map with as much detail as you think necessary. Have fun planning your trip to Ireland.

Thanks again Michelle and everyone for all the help to us first time visitors. Deborah

I never use my Garmin GPS, here in the states, for routing. I use it more as a digital map and I expand it out in 3D mode. That way I can see the roads coming up and it also indicates lakes, ponds, etc. on the sides that I can't see becuase of the trees.

I purchased a 2010 UK/Ireland chip for the Garmin and plan on using it the same way, just as a map not as a "tourist guide!"

Maybe a letter "X" on the back would be the best. "Get close at your own risk."

Walt

Walt, 

I think I should make a bumper sticker for tourists to Ireland. It will have shamrocks and a skull and crossbones on it. The crossbones will make the X. Maybe a red T for tourist in dripping blood on the skull? And: "Warning! Tourist Driving. Approach at Your Own Risk".
 
Michele

-- Edited by Michele Erdvig on Thursday 19th of August 2010 06:59:04 PM

Walt,

Good idea. Although the magnet would be too small to see. Maybe both - the bumper sticker for the car and the magnet as a souvenir.

Michele

@ rusty ... I would totally want a magnet!! How about Danger Will Robinson Tourist driving?


@bit ... go-go-go n whoa! made me *giggle* love it and am stealing it