Hello! My husband and I will be traveling in Ireland in April and are renting a car. We were planning on purchasing the Ireland maps for our garmin GPS, but I am afraid we'll get that dreaded "lost satellite signal" when we're out in the country; this happens to us occasionally in the US. What is a good, relatively inexpensive map or atlas to have as a back up? I am the navigator and just want to make sure all of our bases are covered. Thanks!!
Posted by
Spring, Texas
635 posts
I used my Garmin on a trip to Ireland and didn't have any problems except for new construction that wasn't in my version. You will probably be better off getting a European set and not just Ireland if that's even available. As for maps, I suggest you get a large map book (81/2 x 11 or so) and not a folding map. You'll get a folding map when you rent the car. Folding maps don't have as much detail as the larger book
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
I get along fine with just the rental counter map, but I have also been happy with Michelin maps. You can buy one at a Barnes and Noble or other bookstore here before you go.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1862 posts
I bought the Michelin Ireland 712 map (one inch = 6.3 miles) for the overview and the OS Official Road Atlas Ireland ( one inch = 3.3 miles) for driving. I ordered both items from Amazon.........We have relied on paper maps for road trips in several countries. GPS is useful, however, if you are navigating city streets.
Posted by
Land of La
9221 posts
I like the Streetwise map brand. Laminated. Barnes and Nobles carries them or you can order online. Must say Eire is a small island, wouldn't be too worried about getting lost.
Have a great visit. Wonderful country, lovely people.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
I believe that the Streetwise maps only cover city centers. I have one for Dublin, London, Madrid, and Shanghai. They are great for walking around in cities, and since they are laminuated they don't get beat up or ruined by weather.
Posted by
Oakhurst, CA, USA
101 posts
Depending on who you are renting with you could just go with the map they give you at the rental counter. My husband and I had several maps but ended up favoring the one Hertz gave us for free. Just familiarize yourself with the basic location of villages and towns and the street signs will direct you the proper direction if you happen to lose your bearings.
Posted by
Land of La
9221 posts
@Nancy invite you to look at the Streetwise map website. Check out the Ireland (not Dublin) map. Click on Details. Surprise! Learn something new everyday! http://www.streetwisemaps.com/country-map/ireland-map.html
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Claudia, good to know. My local Barnes and Noble has only ever carried the city series, I guess.
Posted by
Land of La
9221 posts
@Nancy, easy to carry and use. Love them. Needed to share.