Ireland (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Fionn Davenport [635]
You’ll need a good road map and a sense of humour to deal with the severe lack of signposts in the Republic, and on minor roads be prepared for lots of potholes.
Petrol is considerably cheaper in the Republic than in the North. Most service stations accept payment by credit card, but some small, remote ones may take cash only.
All cars on public roads must be insured. If you are bringing your own vehicle in to the country, check that your insurance will cover you in Ireland.
Bring Your Own Vehicle
It’s easy to take your own vehicle to Ireland and there are no specific procedures involved, but you should carry a vehicle registration document as proof that it’s yours.
Automobile Association members should ask for a Card of Introduction entitling you to services offered by sister organisations (including maps, information, breakdown assistance, legal advice etc), usually free of charge.
Automobile Association (AA; www.aaireland.ie) Northern Ireland ( 0870-950 0600, breakdown assistance 0800-667 788); Republic ( Dublin 01-617 9999, Cork 021-425 2444, breakdown assistance 1800 667 788)
Royal Automobile Club (RAC; www.rac.ie) Northern Ireland ( 0800 029 029, breakdown assistance 0800 828 282); Republic ( 1890 483 483)
Driving Licence
Unless you have an EU licence, which is treated like an Irish one, your driving licence is valid for 12 months from the date of entry to Ireland, but you should have held it for two years prior to that. If you don’t hold an EU licence, it’s a good idea to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home automobile association before you leave. Your home-country licence is usually enough to hire a car for three months.
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FERRY, BUS & TRAIN DISCOUNT DEALS
For Travel Across Europe
Eurail (www.eurail.com) passes are for non-Europeans who have been in Europe for less than six months. They are valid on trains in the Republic, but not in Northern Ireland, and offer discounts on Irish Ferries crossings to France. Passes are cheaper when purchased outside Europe. In the USA and Canada try Europrail International ( 1888-667 9734; www.europrail.net). In London contact Rail Europe ( 0870-584 8848; 179 Piccadilly).
InterRail (www.interrail.com) passes give you a 50% reduction on train travel within Ireland and discounts on Irish Ferries and Stena Line services. Passes can be purchased at most major train stations and student travel outlets.
For Travel Within Ireland
Holders of the new Student Travel Card (www.studenttravelcard.ie) are entitled to a 40% discount on Irish trains and 25% off Bus Éireann services. The card is available from Usit offices (www.usit.ie).
Unlimited-Travel Tickets For Buses & Trains
The Open-Road Pass covers bus-only travel within the Republic, allowing for a variety of travel options, from three days’ travel out of six consecutive days (€54) to 15 days’ travel out of 30 (€234).
Irish Rover tickets combine services on Bus Éireann and Ulsterbus. They cost €83.50 (for three days’ travel out of eight consecutive days), €190 (eight days out of 15) and €280 (15 days out of 30).
Iarnród Éireann Explorer tickets cover train travel in the Republic. They cost €160 (for five days travel out of 15 consecutive days). The Irish Explorer rail and bus tickets (€245) allow eight days’ travel out of 15 consecutive days on trains and buses within the Republic.
Freedom of Northern Ireland passes allow unlimited travel on NIR, Ulsterbus and Citybus services for £15 for one day, £36 for three out of eight consecutive days, and £53 for seven consecutive days.
Children aged under 16 pay half price for all these passes and for all normal tickets. Children aged under three travel for free on public transport. You can buy the above passes at most major train and bus stations in Ireland. Although they’re good value, many of them make economic sense only if you’re planning to travel around Ireland