Motorcycle
Touring - Ireland
Giants Causeway, North West 200,
the Antrim Coastal Road three very good reasons
to visit Ireland.
Northern Ireland is part of the
UK so traffic regulations are same as at home
and with the Troubles behind us it's a fascinating
and largely unspoilt destination. Head further
south and we are into an EU-fuelled frenzy as
the Irish celtic tiger economy
runs amok. New roads, new developments, new
hotels, new money…Cliffs of Moher, Ring
of Kerry and Ring of Beara are amazing on a
bike! Beautiful countryside and a real feel
of celtic history. Just do it!
FERRIES:
Irish Ferries Dublin/Holyhead. Stena Line Belfast/Stranraer
and Holyhead/Dun Laoghaire or Fishguard/Rosslare.
There are others but these are the quickest.
Note: Dun Laoghaire is a DIFFERENT FERRY PORT
from Dublin!
CURRENCY:
Funny pound notes issued by local Banks will
confuse
you in the north while south of the border it's
euros. Pay
by credit card or use the ATMs. Or call into
the Northern
Bank after closing time and ask for £30million…
CURRENCY ADVICE:
Same Euros you use in the rest of Europe so
keep any change for your
next foreign trip.
SPEEDING:
Lots of revenue raising by the radar-wielding
Garda - watch your speed
on the quieter roads in the south. The road
signs are in kilometres so it
feels faster.
ROADS:
Massive EU-funded upgrade programme has dramatically
improved the major commuter routes. Beware traffic
congestion in Dublin - it really does get gridlocked.
It can take two hours to cross town to catch
the ferry at Dun Laoghaire…
FUEL:
Cheaper to fill up in the south at approx 1.15
euros (93 pence) per litre.
POLICE:
Carry your documents with you. They are very
serious about drink/driving - it's a national
pastime.
DRIVING STANDARDS:
Assume that everyone else is drunk!
PASSPORT/VISA:
UK passport holders no problem. Others need
a visa for southern Ireland.
MEDICAL/EHIC:
Take your card with you and take out separate
medical/travel insurance cover.
|
