Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ON FOOT Small and compact, Dublin is ideal for walking, as
long as you remember to look right and then left (in the direction
opposite your instincts) for oncoming traffic before crossing the
street, and to obey traffic signals. Each traffic light has timed
“walk-don't walk” signals for pedestrians. Pedestrians have the right
of way at specially marked, zebra-striped crossings; as a warning,
there are usually two flashing lights at these intersections. For some
walking-tour suggestions, see chapter 5.
BY TAXI It's very difficult to hail a taxi on the street; instead, they
line up at ranks. Ranks are located outside all of the leading hotels,
at bus and train stations, and on prime thoroughfares such as Upper
O'Connell Street, College Green, and the north side of St. Stephen's
Green near the Shelbourne hotel.
You can also phone for a taxi. Some of the companies that oper-
ate a 24-hour radio-call service are Co-Op ( & 01/676-6666 ),
Shamrock Radio Cabs ( & 01/855-5444 ), and VIP Taxis ( & 01/
478-3333 ). If you need a wake-up call, VIP offers that service,
along with especially courteous dependability.
Taxi rates are fixed by law and posted in each vehicle. The fol-
lowing are typical travel costs in the city center: A 3.3km (2-mile)
journey costs
8 ($9.60) by day and
10 ($12) at night; an 8km
(5-mile) journey runs
10 ($12) by day and
12 ($14) at night;
and a 16km (10-mile) journey costs
20 ($24) by day and
22
($26) at night. There's an additional charge of
.50 (60¢) for each
extra passenger and for each suitcase. And it costs an extra
1.50
($1.80) for a dispatched pickup. Be warned: Some hotel staff mem-
bers will tack on as much as
4 ($4.80) for calling you a cab,
although this practice violates city taxi regulations.
BY CAR Unless you plan to do a lot of driving from Dublin to
neighboring counties, it's not practical or affordable to rent a car. In
fact, getting around the city and its environs is much easier without
a car.
If you must drive in Dublin, remember to keep to the left-hand
side of the road, and don't drive in bus lanes. The speed limit within
the city is 46kmph (30 mph), and seat belts must be worn at all
times by driver and passengers.
Most major international car-rental firms are represented in
Dublin, as are many Irish-based companies. They have desks at the
airport, full-service offices downtown, or both. The rates vary greatly
according to company, season, type of car, and duration of rental.
In high season, the average weekly cost of a car, from subcompact
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