Roads in Ireland

Ireland, both north and south of the border, has an extensive network of roads. Historically, Northern Ireland has had better quality roads, though the difference is less marked nowadays. It is true to say that many rural roads, even in Northern Ireland, remain an 'exciting' ride. For an unforgettable example, drive from Charleville to Macroom in County Cork; all the stereotypical components are present, from road 'surface' and potholes, to junctions and vicious bends (often combined for added thrills). With the advent of the Celtic Tiger and European Union funding, most National routes in the Republic continue to be upgraded. In the years from 1990s to the following decade the Republic went from having only a few short stretches of motorway in the country, to expanding the motorways to most major routes. This was part of a National Development Plan. Road construction in Northern Ireland has proceeded at a slower pace in recent years, although a number of important bypasses and upgrades to dual carriageway have recently been completed or are about to begin.

Related Topics:
Ireland - North - South - Border - Charleville - Macroom - County Cork - Pothole - Celtic Tiger - European Union - 1990s - The following decade - National Development Plan - Bypasses - Dual carriageway

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Signposts in Northern Ireland denote distances in miles, while all signposts placed in the Republic since the 1970s use kilometres (a remnant of old signposts in the Republic still using miles will also be replaced with signs using kilometre distances before the end of 2005). Currently miles per hour speed limits are used north of the border. Those in the Republic use kilometres per hour.

Related Topics:
Signposts - Mile - Signposts placed in the Republic - 1970s - Kilometre - Miles per hour - Kilometres per hour

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