Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bikes are only allowed on suburban trains (not the DART), either stowed in the guard's van or in a special compart-
ment at the opposite end of the train from the engine. There's a flat €4 charge for transporting a bicycle up to 56km.
Dublinbikes
One of the most popular ways to get around the city is with the blue bikes of
Dublinbikes
(
www.dublinbikes.ie
), a pay-
as-you-go service similar to the Parisian Vélib system: cyclists purchase a €10 Smart Card (as well as pay a credit-card
deposit of €150) - either online or at any of the 40 stations throughout the city centre - before 'freeing' a bike for use,
which is then free of charge for the first 30 minutes and €0.50 for each half-hour thereafter.
Hire, Purchase & Repair
Bike rental has become tougher due to the Dublinbikes scheme. Typical rental for a hybrid or touring bike is around €20
a day or €120 per week. Raleigh Rent-a-Bike agencies can be found through
Eurotrek
(
01-456 8847;
Cycleways
(
www.cycleways.com
; 185-186 Parnell St) An excellent bike shop that rents hybrids and touring bikes dur-
ing the summer months (May to September).
Eurocycles & Eurobaby
(57 South William St; 10am-6pm Mon, Tue & Sat, to 8pm Wed-Fri, noon-6pm Sun) New
bikes, all the gear you could possibly need and a decent repair service; but be sure to book an appointment as they are
generally quite busy.
MacDonald Cycles
( 01-475 2586;
www.macdonaldcycles.ie
; 38 Wexford St) Does repairs, and will have your bike
back to you within a day or so (barring serious damage).
Car & Motorcycle
Driving
Traffic in Dublin is a nightmare and parking is an expensive headache. There are no free spots to park anywhere in the
city centre during business hours (7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday), but there are plenty of parking meters, 'pay and
display' spots (€2.50 to €5 per hour) and over a dozen sheltered and supervised car parks (around €5 per hour).
Clamping of illegally parked cars is thoroughly enforced, and there is an €80 charge for removal. Parking is free after
7pm Monday to Saturday, and all day Sunday, in most metered spots and on single yellow lines.
Car theft and break-ins are a problem, and the police advise visitors to park in a supervised car park. Cars with for-
eign number plates are prime targets; never leave your valuables behind. When you're booking accommodation, check
on parking facilities.
The
Automobile Association of Ireland
(AA;
01-617 9999, breakdown 1800 667 788;
www.aaireland.ie
;
56
Drury St) is located in the city centre.
