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some practical information for visiting Ireland

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How to move across Ireland

 

Muoversi in Ireland

 

By car
Car is the best way to discover the island, as you can better enjoy the slow rhythms of the local people and get lost in the small country roads, hiding stunning views at every bend. The only inconvenient is driving on the left, so it may be a good idea to rent a car with automatic gear, in order to avoid any confusion with the lever.  

Speed limits in the Republic of Ireland are 50 km/h in the city centres, 90 km/h on regional roads and 110 km/h on highways. In Northern Ireland limits are indicated in miles, but they are all the same. Irish highways are not numerous, but they are all free, with the exception of the Dublin highway, which requires a toll (approximately 1, 50 Euro). The majority of Irish roads are narrow and tortuous, so allow longer times for transit.

Parking in Ireland is never a problem. Be careful not to park on double yellow lines, which indicate prohibition of parking, whereas one single yellow line indicates a time restriction for parking. The use of parking meters and parking discs is widely spread, which can be bought by the newsagent’s. Check always the signs before parking, as they may be different from those in your country.

By bus
The Irish bus network is efficient and widely spread, connecting all the main cities and towns, but sometimes, especially on the longest itineraries, it might be necessary to change bus, with longer travelling times. The national bus company is called “Bus Eireann” (www.buseireann.ie), whereas in Northern Ireland operates the “Ulsterbus” ( www.translink.co.uk). Dublin and Belfast are served respectively by the “Dublin Bus” www.dublinbus.ie and “Belfast Citybus” (www.translink.co.uk.). In addition to these national companies there are several private companies providing local links. However, bus rides are subject to season, so the frequency of bus connections is reduced in low season.  As for fares, buses are generally cheaper than trains. Whenever possible, buy a return ticket with the option “same day”, as the fare is cheaper compared to the full tariffs. Below you find a list of the main options offered by Bus Eireann to tourists:  

Open Road Pass
This is the most complete package offered by Bus Eireann, allowing unlimited travels on all routes operated by the company, such as the Bus Eireann Expressway, urban and local transports. The card has a validity of 3 to 15 days, starting from € 54, 00.

Irish Rover Bus Only
This ticket allows to travel on all buses of the company “Bus Eireann” and “Ulsterbus” including Belfast. Fares vary from 83, 50 euro for three days, and up to 280,00 euro for 15 days.

Irish Explorer Bus/Rail
This is the best option if you plan to travel both by bus and train. The ticket price is 245, 00 Euro and has a validity of 8 days. Journeys in Northern Ireland are excluded.

Also, another special card called “Foni”, (Freedom of Northern Ireland) is available to travel through Northern Ireland. The card entitles to unlimited journeys on the railway and bus network, at a price of 14£ (one day) and 50£ (one week). More info on:  www.translink.co.uk

By train
The train is an expensive and not very comfortable way to move across Ireland. The railway system is managed by the Irish company “Irish rail”, which serves only the major cities and towns, whereas the smaller and isolated corners of the country are left out. The service is reliable, but the train is better used for the longer journeys only: www.irishrail.ie
In the Republic of Ireland there is also a train service called “Dart”, (Dublin Area Rapid Transit), which serves the surroundings of Dublin and is operated through electric trains.
In Northern Ireland the railway service is operated by the “Northern Ireland Railways” with only two main lines departing from Belfast: one goes to Londonderry via the Giant’s Causeway, the second one goes to Dublin. www.nirailways.co.uk

By plane:
Besides the two main international airports of Dublin and Belfast, Ireland is also served by several minor airports such as the one on the Aran Islands, or the airports of Galway, Sligo, Kerry, Donegal, Derry, Waterford and Knock. The main Irish companies providing links between these minor airports are:

Aer Arann www.aerarann.com
Aer Lingus www.aerlingus.com
Ryanair www.ryanair.com
Aer Arann Islands www.aerarannislands.ie
Logan Air www.loganair.co.uk

By boat:
An alternative and original way to visit Ireland is sailing along its rivers, channels and lakes on board of small floating houses provided with all comforts. The rental of a boat offers an unusual and romantic opportunity to discover the beauties of the island. There are numerous rental companies offering this service. It is not necessary to have a nautical licence to drive a houseboat.

Below is a list of the main rental companies:

Cruise Ireland www.cruiseireland.com
Shannon River www.shannon-river.com
Aghinver Boat Company www.abcboats.com
Emerald Star www.emeraldstar.ie
Carrick Craft www.cruise-ireland.com
Manor House Marine www.manormarine.com

 

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