For first time tourists to Ireland, the best way to fully appreciate Ireland is to travel on an escorted motor coach tour – sitting on comfortable seats with a panoramic view of scenic Ireland. Tourists are ensured of the best views without the hassles of maps or getting lost. To top it all, accommodations, meals and sightseeing are organized by the tour operators. A tourist gets a good overview of Ireland.
For adventurous travelers who are not daunted by narrow county roads and prefer to set their own agenda, then renting a car is the best option. The best mode of transportation to explore picturesque Ireland is by car as many interesting sights are not accessible by public transportation. However, car rental is expensive during peak seasons thus it is better to opt for a package deal.
In Ireland, driving is in the left side of the road thus drivers without experience in left-hand driving should be particularly cautious. Tourists driving rented vehicles should pay close attention to the stipulations in their rental contracts. Failure to do so can result in fines or even confiscation of the rented vehicle. Most cars for rent use manual shift. Cars with automatic transmissions are hard to find.
Road conditions in Ireland are generally good but once off the main highways, county roads become narrow and uneven. Roads become dangerous especially during summer and holiday weekends because of traffic buildup.
Speed limit on Irish roads is measured by kilometers per hour. Travelers are advised to inquire about the speed limits from their car rental agents and observe speed limits whenever and wherever they drive.
Use of mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited. Drunk driving is not recommended. In Ireland, the maximum permitted blood alcohol level is lower than that enforced in the United States. Penalties and punishments are significant.
Ireland may not be a big country but getting around by public transportation is not as easy as one might think. Distances may be short but in Ireland getting from one place to another never follows a direct route.
When traveling to Ireland, another option is a bus ride. Buses offer regular commuter services as well as high speed coaches between Dublin and other main cities. However, frequency of bus services leaves a lot to be desired. Plan ahead when traveling by bus especially since round trip tickets are more expensive than one way trips.
Taking the train is yet another great option. Train travel is flexible thus will suit travelers who prefer impromptu journeys. Travelers who wish to go to another city in Ireland that is too far for local transportation can take the train instead.
Ireland is connected with the Eurail system. With a Eurail pass, a traveler can wander freely throughout Europe. For travels limited to Ireland, a traveler can avail of one of the many passes offered by Irish Rail. Rail Runabout offers a pass valid for seven days of unlimited travel in Northern Ireland. Irish Rover allows travel to the Republic and Northern Ireland good for five days. Irish Explorer permits unrestricted travel within the Republic for five days.
Aside from Ireland’s wealth of walking and hiking expeditions, biking is a great way to get around Ireland, albeit hills, poor roads and wet weather. Cycling around Ireland is the perfect way to experience first hand the stunning landscapes, grandeur castles and the Irish hospitality. Bikes can be rented from numerous rent-a-bike dealers throughout the island. Rates vary from 7 Irish punts for a day to 30 Irish punts for a week.