Getting
to Ireland
Ireland is home to a number of
international airports, including Shannon, Dublin and Knock. Golf enthusiasts
tend to fly into Shannon; located in the Southwest
of the country, the airport is close to a number of noteworthy courses. Aer Lingus
and Delta frequently fly direct from the U.S. to Ireland – Aer Lingus has daily
flights from New York to Shannon and Dublin and a daily flight from Boston in
the summer months. If you're coming from Britain, take a ferry to the Irish ports
of Larne, Dun Laoghire or Rosslare.
Getting
Around Ireland
A car is the ideal way to explore
Ireland. Scenic routes, attractive towns, and off-the-beaten-path
restaurants and hotels abound. Remember, you'll be
driving on the “wrong” side of the road and the steering
wheel will be on the opposite side of the car. Consider
booking a rental car while you're Stateside – Irish
rental cars are usually cheaper when booked from America
and it's not uncommon for the major airports to be
out of rentals during the busy summer months. Bring
along a detailed map to navigate the roads. The Michelin
Road Map of Ireland is excellent, and can be bought
online from Amazon.com.
Roads in Ireland tend to be narrow. With just one
lane reserved for each direction and innumerable twists
and turns, it's hard to drive at speeds above 40 miles
per hour. Keep in mind while driving that the journey
is as enjoyable as the destinations – take your time
and don't let Ireland's landscape pass by too quickly.
