Driving in Dublin, Ireland
August 25, 2013 by Helen
Filed under Travel information
Our Dublin hotel provided us with very clear, simple, straightforward directions as to how to drive to their front door. So, why was getting to the hotel such a nerve racking experience?
Well, quite simply…the streets of downtown Dublin were not planned with motorized vehicles in mind. This is logical when one considers how long Dublin and its roads have been in existence, but when one is trying to drive through the heart of Dublin one does not think of such things.
Roads on the outskirts of Dublin are “normal”…but Old Dublin is a different story.
To begin with the downtown is divided into North Dublin and South Dublin by the river Liffey.
Getting from one side of the river to the other is not simple.
Traffic on the north side of the river goes one direction, traffic on the south side of the river goes the opposite direction.
One of several bridges over river Liffey, Dublin
The one way streets along the river have two (sometimes three) lanes. One lane is for taxis and buses only. One lane is for regular vehicles. (Sometimes there is a parking lane, sometimes there is a turning lane.)
One lane reserved for buses/taxis only.
There are several bridges across the river…some just for pedestrians, others for vehicles and pedestrians. Each bridge is named. Locals know where each bridge is BUT tourists need to rely on signs, and seeing the signs (assuming they exist) is rather difficult.
Our directions told us to turn right on the O’Connell Bridge. Okay, but which one is the O’Connell Bridge, I have not seen signs on any of the bridges we have seen so far!
Once you get to the correct side of the river you will still be faced with one way streets that lead you back and forth, taking you many, many blocks away from your destination before you can even turn in the direction of your destination. You will be sharing these one way streets with numerous bicycles.
Dublin traffic
The story of our misadventures in getting to our hotel could go on and on, but to make the story shorter I will only say that thanks to the help of a lady who was very skilled at giving clear directions we finally arrived in the vicinity of our hotel.
So, here are our recommendations re driving in Dublin.
1. Don’t drive in downtown Dublin.
Taxis are not that expensive when one considers the expense of parking at your destination (assuming parking is even available) and the wear and tear on your nerves.
2. Use the ring road to get to the end of Dublin you want to be in. Then come off the ring road and book your accommodation there.
3. Walking in Dublin is a common mode of transportation. Consider staying just off a main highway, but close enough to a Hop on Hop Off bus stop that you can comfortably walk to.
Rapid Transit in Dublin (DART)
4. Public transportation to the outskirts is very modern. It is known as DART or Dublin Area Rapid Transist. Check where the stations are and stay within a comfortable walking distance of one of them. http://www.dublin.ie/transport/dart.htm
5. Be prepared for rain. Frequently there is a misty type of rain, but when there is what the locals call a “wet rain” (downpour in my vernacular), driving becomes even more interesting.
“Wet rain” in Dublin
Summary: Dublin is a fabulous city. Visit it. Just seriously consider whether or not you want to drive in the heart of Dublin.
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