TRANSPORT IN DUBLIN
There are various modes of transport available in Dublin. Here're some tips on each of them.
On Foot
Also known as "Shank's mare", this is the best method if you're staying within the city centre. It's worth stressing the Dublin city is not that large, and an exhaustive day's traipsing around will not put you in for moire than a few miles walk in all - as well as being far quicker than any mode of transport.
Taxis/Hackneys
If you must travel quickly, or need to keep dry, hail a taxi. Taxis are easily recognised by the yellow sign on their roof, showing the licence number. For short distances with a full car (max. 4 people for most cars) they can be extremely economical, but note that if required to travel outside the city boundaries they are basically free to charge what they like, so negotiate the fare beforehand. Taxis can be hailed on the street, ordered by phone (for a small extra charge) or you can go to a taxi rank. The main ranks in the city centre are at O'Connell Street, Dame Street opposite Trinity College and Stephen's Green, but expect long queues at these late at night at the weekends (you'd be better off walking, but stick to well-lit main thoroughfares). Hackney cabs cannot pick up customers from the street, but must be booked by phone, or by walking into the hackney office and ordering one. They will agree a price with you beforehand. For lost luggage or any complaints contact the Carriage Office in Dublin Castle.
Bus
Dubliners have moaned for years about their bus service but, in fairness, Dublin Bus have made huge improvements in recent years, mainly through the introduction of Quality Bus Corridors (QBCs). These are bus (and taxi) only lanes on the main roads into the city. If you're fortunate enough to be travelling on one of these a six mile journey into the city can take as little as 25 minutes even at peak hours. The bus system, however, is mainly designed for commuters. Very few Dubliners would use a bus for transport within the city. For one thing, relatively few buses actually cross the city; most deposit their loads in the city centre and then turn round, so if you want to get, for example, from Dun Laoghaire to Howth you'd have to change buses. One thing that many visitors (and their kids) love is that most of the buses are double deckers. So for a perfect view of where you're going go upstairs and sit at the front. Pay as you board the bus, and remember that you must have the exact change, or buy a weekly pass. Buses run till 11.30 p.m.. From 1.30 a night bus service runs on certain routes, with limited stops and pickup points. Most of these go from College Green and O'Connell Street and you must buy your ticket before boarding. They cost about twice the daytime fare. For more information on routes and fares, check out the Dublin Bus website. Of course, if you are travelling from Dun Laoghaire to Howth, you'd be better off on . . .
The DART
Built 20 years ago, the DART transformed travel (and house prices) in Dublin. It's a fast suburban light rail that cut the travel time of the then existing trains by half, joining communities on the North and South sides to produce a hybrid Dublin accent now known as "Dort-speak" and indicating the well-to-do along the line. In twenty years the DART has become over-subscribed, particularly at rush hour, so a major upgrade is underway to extend the platform lengths at stations (and hence the capacity). If you're visiting before this is complete, be sure to check for alterations to schedules, especially at weekends when most of the work is done. That said, a trip on the DART is a must. Buy a day ticket and travel the whole sweep of Dublin Bay in 40 minutes, with views of the sea for much of the way. Get off at Howth, Dalkey, Bray or Blackrock and stroll around. More information can be found at the DART website.
The LUAS
Dublin's new jewel in the crown, LUAS (Irish for speed) was launched in Summer 2004. It is Dublin's first operational tram for over 50 years, and runs on two lines. The Green Line runs mainly along an old suburban rail line last used in 1956, from St Stephen's Green to Sandyford in the south. Go on it just for the fun and stand behind the driver for the best view. Never mind that it will dump you in an industrial estate dominated by Microsoft, just turn around and go back again, or stop off at the suburban villages of Dundrum or Ranelagh for a walkabout. The Red Line runs from Connolly Station (linking there with the DART) across the north city and out to the newer suburbs of Tallaght. Good for a short hop or the whole distance; either way it's great fun. You buy your LUAS ticket from a machine on the platform. They take notes and give change.
Car
Forget it. We're trying to discourage them in the city centre. Take a taxi or walk. However, you may want to drive to get to your hotel. If so, there's a few things you should know:
* We drive on the LEFT.
* Most of the city centre is one-way, so try to plan your route before you set out. Use an up-to-date map, ask for advice and use the Dublin City Council's website for traffic updates.
* In a weird side effect of our evolution from imperials to euro-metrics, Irish speed limits are given in MILES PER HOUR, while distances on signposts are in kilometres. Makes the journey much more entertaining.
* Update- The last point no longer holds. As of January 2005, all Irish speed limits are in kilometres per hour. See our speed limits page.
Other Modes of Transport
Try the Dublin City Tour buses. You pay for the day and hop-on, hop-off wherever you want. They come every 15 minutes and in between stops you get a guided tour of what you're passing. Go down to The Green and get one of the horse-drawn hackney cabs. They won't take you far but they're great fun for groups (and kids) and you'll get to see a bit more of the city. A bit more expensive than a taxi though, but a great photo opportunity.
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