BBC Home

Explore the BBC

h2g2
31st December 2009
Accessibility help
Text only

Guide ID: A412831 (Edited)

Edited Guide Entry


SEARCH h2g2
Edited Entries only
Search h2g2Advanced Search


New visitors: Create your membership
Returning members: Sign in
BBC Homepage
The Guide to Life, The Universe and Everything.

2. The Universe / The Earth / Europe / Ireland
2. The Universe / The Earth / Europe / United Kingdom / Northern Ireland
2. The Universe / Travel & Transport / Transport / International Driving Etiquette

Created: 9th August 2000
Driving Etiquette - Ireland
Contact Us


Like this page?
Send it to a friend!

 

It would appear that overtaking is a manoeuvre to be attempted at every opportunity: on a bend, on a hill, when the car you're overtaking is overtaking another car, into oncoming traffic, and along narrow one-way streets. It would also appear that it is compulsory to drive as fast as possible while attempting these, or any other manoeuvres. Unfortunately, many of the roads are not only narrow but badly surfaced, and full of drivers that never took a test. This was due to a massive waiting list in the late 1970s causing the government to issue a full licence to anyone that asked for one.

It seems the only really important thing to remember when driving around Ireland is the subtle form of greeting that is also common in rural areas of the UK (particularly in the Midlands). When one comes across a farmer travelling in the other direction on foot they will, out of politeness, raise their index finger by way of greeting. The driver should respond by raising the index finger of their right hand while keeping the entire hand on the steering wheel.

It is common for regular drivers who know many people in certain local areas to save time, and drive with their index finger permanently pressed to the windscreen in a continuous greeting mode.



Clip/Bookmark this page
This article has not been bookmarked.
ENTRY DATA
Written and Researched by:

Researcher 5
Spartus
Si
Ginger The Feisty
Ryan Grove
Global Village Idiot
Wolfman, Zaphodista :X (soon to be Zarquon again, or maybe not)
Samson
Fruitbat (Eric the)
The Ghost Of TV's Frink
QuantumSheep
Dr E Vibenstein (Sprouts? So it IS Christmas!)
Spiceman(sic)
SetupWeasel
Lonnytunes - Winter Is Here
Natski
Asiman
Ironic Joke
Digital[LOS]
Shazz PRME(emeritus)
Merkin
Pseudemys
Hoop the Mottle
Rhogart
Pog
Padawan
kats-eyes (psychically confirmed caffeine addict)
TBird7
Jimi X
Researcher Pfunk
Researcher 53547
dave
Kitten
Just zis Guy, you know? † Cyclist [A690572] :: At the 51st centile of ursine intelligence
Crazy Uncle Dave
Researcher 98991
mondo
No, four Goshos. Goshos for forks
The Beast of the Number

Edited by:

The Dancing Tree

Referenced Entries:

International Driving Etiquette
Driving Etiquette - Australia
Driving Etiquette - Canada
Driving Etiquette - Egypt
Driving Etiquette - France
Driving Etiquette - Germany
Driving Etiquette - India
Driving Etiquette - Israel
Driving Etiquette - Italy
Driving Etiquette - New Zealand
Driving Etiquette - Norway
Driving Etiquette - Portugal
Driving Etiquette - Spain
Driving Etiquette - Switzerland
Driving Etiquette - Taiwan
Driving Etiquette - UK
Driving Etiquette - USA



CONVERSATION TOPICS FOR THIS ENTRY:

Start a new conversation

People have been talking about this Guide Entry. Here are the most recent Conversations:

TITLE
LATEST POST
Driving in IrelandAug 10, 2002
Road Manners in IrelandMar 3, 2002
Driving in ConnemaraJun 15, 2001
You forgot to mention...Oct 10, 2000




Disclaimer

Most of the content on h2g2 is created by h2g2's Researchers, who are members of the public. The views expressed are theirs and unless specifically stated are not those of the BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of any external sites referenced. In the event that you consider anything on this page to be in breach of the site's House Rules, please click here. For any other comments, please start a Conversation above.




About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy