Page 21 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

Driving in Ireland 19

Above left Cows on the road near Kells Above centre Scenic drive sign, Gortin Glen Forest Park Above right Sign for Glenariff, Northern Ireland
However, check in case there is a accept credit cards. Drivers with
parking scheme in operation, such as disabilities can use their UK blue badge DIRECTORY
Pay and Display, in which you obtain to park in designated spaces in Ireland. MOTORING ASSOCIATIONS
a ticket from a nearby machine and For further assistance and information,
display in on your windscreen. Disc and for disabled drivers from other Automobile Association (AA)
01 649 7460; www.theaa.ie
parking is another system used in countries, contact the Disabled Drivers’ (Republic of Ireland)
many towns, whereby you must buy Association of Ireland. 0800 887 766; www.theaa.com
a scratch card from a nearby shop and (Northern Ireland)
scratch off the date and time before Maps Aviva Ireland Breakdown Cover
displaying it in your car. In many rural Free tourist maps are widely available, 1800 448 888;
towns and villages, there is little room but they are seldom of much use for www.aviva.ie
for parking in the centre, but there are back-roads driving. It is useful to have
car parks, usually free, situated at the a map that gives place names in
edge of town. In the countryside, be both English and Irish, especially if
sure not to block farm or other gates travelling in Gaeltacht areas such
or private roads if you are leaving as Connemara and Donegal. The
your vehicle for a walk or to explore Ordnance Survey Official Road Atlas
archaeological sites. On single-lane Ireland is highly recommended. This
roads, never park in designated can be purchased at petrol stations,
passing places, as this is a traffic hazard. bookshops, newsagents and tourist
In the cities, where space is at a information centres. Even with the
premium, parking regulations are best map in the world, you are likely
strictly enforced, often by towing or to have to stop and ask directions
wheel-clamping. These are strong somewhere along the way. Locals
deterrents to parking illegally or usually refer to roads by their
overstaying the time limit on a parking direction rather than their number,
meter, as it is can prove very expensive as in “take the Limerick road”, so it’s
to get a car released. In the Republic, helpful to know which towns are
traffic wardens and police can issue near to your destination.
on-the-spot fines for parking offences.
Should you receive one, be sure to get Below far left Sheep on village street, Achill
an official receipt from the person Island Below left Array of signs in the Glen of
collecting the fine. It is best to use a Aherlow Below centre Give Way sign in Irish
designated car park, and some now Below Road through Galbally, Glen of Aherlow

018-019_Back_Roads_Ireland.indd 19 11/09/17 12:29 pm