Transportation
Traveling by plane
According to top-medical-schools, Aer Lingus (EI) connects Dublin with Donegal and Kerry. Aer Lingus flies to Shannon via London; to Cork via London or Manchester. The Aer Arann Islands (RE) flies from Connemara Regional Airport (NNR) (27km from Galway) to the Arann Islands of Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Óirr.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Left
Condition of the roads
National roads are well developed. Federal roads are mostly quite passable. Expressways are two lanes. However, there are also roads with poor surface and potholes. However, the Irish government is showing a keen interest in expanding and improving the road network. A lot is being built.
Road classification
Motorways are marked with an M in white letters on a blue background, federal highways are marked with an N on a green background; Distances in kilometers.
Car rental
Numerous car rental companies are available in airports and seaports, as well as mediation through hotels. All major international car rental companies are represented. Minimum age: 21 or 25 years; under 25 and over 70 years often an additional fee is charged. Maximum age: 75 years.
Taxi
Taxis are available in all cities. There is a uniform tariff system. Taxis are usually metered. You should always make sure that it is switched on while driving.
Bicycle
Bikes can be hired from Rent-a-Bike and Raleigh Rent-a-Bike, among others.
Coach
Bus Eíreann, the state bus company, operates buses between all major towns and cities outside of Dublin. The bus network is very well developed. Buses run at regular intervals. The Expressway intercity buses complement the rail route network. Dublin Bus Station is on Store Street. Bus Eírann provides detailed information about its BÉClub loyalty points scheme. Long-distance bus: Numerous companies offer round trips with tour guides. Routes and duration of the tours vary. Full and half-day sightseeing tours are conducted in numerous cities (May – October).
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – left-hand traffic; – obligation to wear seat belts; – Children under the age of 12 may only ride in the back seat; – Alcohol limit: 0.5 ‰. – Helmets are compulsory for motorcyclists, including passengers. – Cell phone use is prohibited while driving. Speed limits: – within built-up areas: 50 km/h; – Open non-federal single lane roads: 80 km/h; – Federal roads: 100 km/h; – Motorways: 120 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; for vehicle damage / breakdowns: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, for illnesses / injuries: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. The ADAC partner club in Dublin can be reached in the event of a breakdown on Tel. +353 ( 0)1 649 7460.
Documentation
National or international driver’s license. EU citizens must carry their vehicle documents with them; if the vehicle is not owned by the driver, a power of attorney must be presented. The respective nationality plate must be attached to the vehicle. For citizens of EU and EFTA countries, the license plate number is valid as proof of insurance. Nevertheless, EU and EFTA citizens are recommended to take their international motor insurance card with them in order to be able to enjoy full insurance cover in the event of damage. Otherwise, the statutory minimum liability insurance coverage applies. In addition, the international motor insurance card can make it easier to record accidents.
Traveling in the city
Dublin’s public transport system consists of buses, light rail and the Luas Light Rail Lines tram, with 2 lines connecting the surrounding area to Dublin’s inner city area. They run every 4 to 15 minutes Mon-Fri between 5:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m., Sat between 6:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. and Sun from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The suburban fast train (DART) operates between stations along the coast from Howth in the north through Malahide to Bray and Greystones in the south of Dublin. Rambler tickets are valid for 5 or 30 days on all Dublin buses. More information on this and other tickets is available online from Dublin Bus.
Locally on the way by train
The route network of the Irish state railway Iarnród Eíreann (Irish Rail) offers train connections to all parts of the country. It has a comb-like structure, linking Dublin to the larger cities to the west and south-west. Other routes run along the east coast, connecting north to south. Fast trains connect the larger cities. Partial dining car or refreshments. Limited connections to some locations. There are reduced fares for children and students. More information from Iarnród Eíreann.
rail passes
The Interrail One Country Pass and the Interrail Global Pass are also valid in Ireland.
Traveling by ship
There are regular ferry services to the west coast islands. More details on site.