Page 20 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

18 BACK ROADS IRELAND

Road Conditions It is wise to allow local drivers, who
Most roads in Ireland are both well- know the roads well and will drive
surfaced and well-maintained. much faster, to overtake. And be sure
Distances are shown in kilometres to give drivers who make way for you
on signposts in the Republic, and a friendly wave of thanks.
in miles in Northern Ireland. In the
Republic (and occasionally in Taking a Break
Northern Ireland), road signs and If you are feeling tired or think you
place names are posted in both may be lost, it’s a good idea to pull
English and Irish. In the Gaeltacht over and take a break. Many roads Above Dangerous bend warning sign
(Irish-speaking areas), however, there have signposted areas where you
are stretches where signs are in Irish can pull off and stretch your legs, If you have an accident, you must stop
only. Also be aware that road signs have a snack and consult your map. and exchange name, address and car
may be inadequate or confusing in The glorious scenery can be a huge registration details with the other
rural areas and, on occasion, can be distraction so, if you find it hard to parties involved. The police must be
broken off or pointing in the wrong keep your eyes on the road, it’s best notified within 24 hours if anyone is
direction. It is essential to have a to stop and admire the view. Parks injured and a report will be filed. Call
good road map. and areas with nature trails also make the emergency services (see p13) if
Given the small size of the island, good picnic stops. Ireland does not there are casualties. Be sure to get the
and the relatively short distances have US- or Continental-style rest insurance details of the other driver
between towns, it can be easy to areas, as distances are not great and give them yours. If your vehicle is
underestimate the time it takes to between towns with pubs, petrol rented, the company must be notified.
drive between two points. Back stations and other public facilities. Circumstances can be confusing at
roads by their nature are often slow the time of an accident, so do not
and winding, with reduced speeds Breakdown and admit fault, accept liability or give
through villages and hamlets, while Accident Procedures money to any party. If possible, take
traffic can become surprisingly If you have a breakdown or accident, down details from any independent
congested in busy tourist towns move the car safely off the road and witnesses. It is also a wise idea to take
such as Killarney. Unexpected things turn on hazard lights or use a warning photographs of any vehicle damage,
can slow things down – a flock of triangle. Emergency telephones are as well as the scene of the accident.
sheep in the road, a farm vehicle, a sometimes located along the hard
beautiful view or even two locals shoulders of the motorways, but Parking
stopping their cars for a chat in the along rural back roads it is best to have Parking is allowed wherever you
middle of the road as they pass. Take a mobile phone. see a red circle with a black P. A
extra care on blind curves and look Rental car companies will normally diagonal line crossing the sign
out for pedestrians walking on the supply a number to call in case of means that parking is prohibited.
roadway. An average of 50–65 km breakdown or problems with the A red circle marked with an X means
(30–40 miles) per hour is a sensible vehicle. They will advise or arrange for the road is a Clearway, and you may
figure when planning your route. assistance, and can usually provide a not stop on it during the hours
Many country roads are so narrow replacement vehicle quickly. No repairs indicated. Double yellow lines on the
that one vehicle will have to pull over should be undertaken on a hire car pavement mean no parking at any
to the side to let an oncoming car without the company’s authorization. time. Car parks and other parking
pass. Courtesy dictates that the one If you are a member of the AA, RAC areas are designated by a blue P sign.
closest to a wide spot waits. Buses or AAA, check whether reciprocal It is permissable to park on the street
always have right of way, however. services are available in Ireland. unless signs indicate otherwise.

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