Hi,
I will be driving from Dublin to Galway, Galway to Derry, Derry to Belfast, and Belfast back to Dublin.
What is the best map/atlas to use? If possible, I'd like to avoid huge fold out maps that are difficult for my navigator to use. However, if that's the only option than what do you suggest?
Thanks in advance for any help you can give with this!
Is there some reason you don't plan to use Google Maps or another online map service?
If you go to Amazon and type in 'Irish Ordnance Survey Atlas' you will find exactly what you need for £12.99, so hopefully around USD18 plus shipping.
The Irish Ordnance Survey are the State mapping company.
Doubtless there are also other such atlases produced by private companies.
I also hate big maps that I have to fold up. I've always the AA road atlas of Ireland at a scale of 3miles to an inch. You can buy from Amazon before you leave or else they should be readily available from petrol stations once you arrive.
Is there some reason you don't plan to use Google Maps or another online map service?
They are not good for planning purposes as they only cover a small area and not good for giving a wider view of the surrounding countryside. You are unlikely to pick up interesting diversions or places off the planned route. (However, I admit I am biased and much prefer a 'proper' map....)
I like Michelin maps. They have a sturdy cardboard cover that protects it and makes it easy to turn the "pages" and fold up.
We were on an adventure tour traveling in a 4WD van in Ireland traveling to all, and more, places that you are going. I really regretted not taking a detailed map with me to mark our route each day.
Have a wonderful trip!
They [Google Maps] are not good for planning purposes as they only cover a small area and not good for giving a wider view of the surrounding countryside.
Interesting perspective. I find zooming in and out covers as large or small an area as one could want, and as wide or focused, but obviously others use their maps differently. Everyone has their own way of doing things, which adds variety to life. With that said, I'm extremely happy not to be burdened with paper maps any longer.
Google maps
15 years of using it, works everywhere. Download the offline map of where you will be so that it works with or without service. Star the places you want to go to at home on google maps, then when in Ireland just click on a star and click "directions", turn by turn with voice navigation for free, just like the Nav devices they want to rent you at the rental car agency for $15 a day.
