marvi623
Unregistered User
(7/13/03 1:40 pm)

driving and navigation tips!! and thanks!!

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Hi Michelle and everyone who has helped in this forum. Our two-week trip was just "lovely", and Michelle's book was an essential part of the planning!!

I was the navigator and my friend was the driver -- a great, and necessary, division of labor!! Not sure who had the more challenging job... Even the Irish will jokingly tell you their signage is inadequate and one person told us so that was to keep the tourists there longer!! Would've been great to stay longer, but just in case you need to return... here's my tips that might help...

1. Get over the issue of stopping on the road to see things... that's how it's done or the driver will see little of the west coast... just pull over as far as you can on a straight(er) section... you'll be stopping for sheep anyways..

2. Sometimes the sign for where you want to go is BEFORE the intersection, but not AT the intersection.

3. Sometimes the "sign" is written on the pavement. And, so are many signs in towns... especially, "NO Entry" and a triangle, which means yield.

4. Know what the NEXT town is on your route and follow signs to there, and then the one after that once you get to it, etc. until you reach your destination town.

5. Take a compass. The sun is often not shining to help you figure directions, and sometimes just knowing which direction you are pointed will help.

6. At confusing intersections that you will need to pass again on returning, turn around and see how they look from the other direction so you will recognize them.

7. When in doubt, go left. It's easier and gives the navigator time to find the next sign or road. Which leads me to,...

8. TRUST YOUR NAVIGATOR AND BE WILLING TO PASS YOUR ROAD, TURN AROUND AND GO BACK ! We were never lost; but at least a dozen or more times we passed our road because there was no useful sign or information at the intersection. The roads you need are not always marked, and sometimes there are 15 signs at an intersection.

9. Roundabouts are aptly named. I could usally figure out the right direction, but sometimes needed to see the options 3 or 4 times first. Also, Use right, left and straight for directions to the driver coming to a roundabout, or whatever works for you.

10. Major route numbers, when used, are randomly signposted on a pole like a small metal flag, perpendicular to the road you are travelling.

11. Forget asking people where the small route numbers are... they don't use them... Ask for the place... and be willing to stop and ask often if you need to. It's actually part of the fun...meting the people, hearing the language and learning new ways to give directions.

12. Have a good map and know how to read it. Also, the Michelin maps are excellent for everything except going through even the small towns... It is hard to find the right road out of 7 or 8 meeting at an 1/8 inch circle on a map... Take a break, get coffee in a pub and ask the locals if you can't figure it out.

13. Hope this helps, have a great time... and feel free to add additional suggestions...

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1616
(7/14/03 8:44 pm)

Re: driving and navigation tips!! and thanks!!

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Hi Marvi,

Welcome back. I'm so happy to hear that your trip was a success and that my book and forum helped. Thank you so much for posting your tips on navigating around Ireland. Very good info for all. Feel free to jump in and offer advice wherever you want. We would enjoy hearing your opinions now that you are an "Ireland veteran".

Michele