When we first arrived we used Google
Maps to gauge everything because in a new place you never know how long it’s
going to take to get where you’re going. As a person who likes to be punctual
(ok, even a bit early is always good for me), this was very important. Within
the first week I learned a very important lesson… GOOGLE LIES. Now they don’t
mean to lie, but no matter what the time says unless it is Highway (motorway)
the whole way, there isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell we’re going to make it
there in the time google says.
As I mentioned in my previous post
about the Ring of Beara, sometimes this time estimation can be grossly off by a
number of hours. So why does this happen? Well, for one as new people over here
we tend to drive a bit slower than the locals. So even though the speed limit
is 80 kph (~53 mph), we’ll probably go closer to 65 kph (40 mph), and you will
too. This is often due to the fact that narrow roads tend to make people drive
either a bit slower or faster depending on whether you’re of the school of slow
and cautious or Dear God, get me off of this road as soon as possible MUST!
DRIVER! FASTER!!! I tend to be the latter and Matt is usually the former, so it
always makes for interesting driving. Also under the school of “Dear God, get
me off this road as soon as possible,” is the age old, “Holy hell there is a
car coming I’ll just stop, close my eyes and wait for it to pass!” So I guess
if you average my speed I probably go at about the same rate as Matt. Mine is
just filled with terrifying speed and terrified halts. As I’ve gotten more used to driving I don’t
do this as much anymore, I just slow WAY down when another car is coming
because if we’re going to collide or clip each other, I’d rather it be at a
slow speed. I’m just practical that way.
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| AAAACCCCKKKKK!!!! Tiny road! Tiny road!!! |
The other reason Google Maps gives
unrealistic expectations of time is that it is based on speed limits. Roads
that you and I would not in a million years drive at 50 mph are posted as such.
These are roads with sharp turns, gravel, and car swallowing pot holes you must
artfully dodge while maintaining speed. Not a chance! This has been recognized
by the Irish themselves and I believe there is an initiative to change the
speed limits on these type of roads. But by and large you will not go as fast as
the posted speed limits here until you’ve lived in the country for more than 6
months.
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| Look at that lovely rainbow, oh and that tiny road. Wait.. I'm supposed to go 80kph on this?!?! |
As part of my Friends and Family
visiting guide I’ve listed how far various attractions are from our house. Even
though I used Google Maps for these estimations I clearly state at the front,
please multiply the driving time by 1.5-2 depending on how off the beaten path
the journey is.
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| 2 hours? Not too bad. So that means it should only take an hour to get around the ring, right??? NO |
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| One of the widest roads on the ring |
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| Normal sized road. Notice no center line, that's because you just drive in the middle until you meet another car... |
The other option is your trusty GPS,
aka the Sat Nav. If you’re like us, you’ve gone on a number of “Garmin
adventures” in the US. It is no different here. While trying to find a local
pub where the hunt was kicking off, we ended up at someone’s farm. It has given
me the directions, “Go off road.” DO NOT DO THIS. GARMIN IS LYING! More on this
in a bit. Google Maps will often lead you to the right place but it will take
much longer, Garmin on the other hand may take you to your destination, or it
may take you out into the middle of nowhere and say TADA! You’re here!
So
please take this into account when visiting.
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| Contrary to the picture, the road actually did go on... SURPRISE!! |
Your best bet is to find a town
close to where you want to go and ask the GPS to take you there. Once in the
town you will most likely find signs to point you in the direction of your
desired attraction. If not, ask a local and they’re often happy to help. You
may need to ask more than one on these trips. I’ve found that if I ask between
2 and 3 locals I usually find my way. Now this doesn’t mean ask 2-3 people in
the same place, no you have to follow person number 1’s directions until you’re
lost again and then the 2nd or 3rd person will steer you
right. Part of this could also be because of me not fully understanding some of
the accents. Each county and sometimes each town may have a slightly different
accent. They’re all Irish accents, but west cork has one of the hardest to
understand in my opinion so often there is a lot of smiling and nodding going
on and not a lot of understanding. It’s
like if you were to travel far into Cajun country in the US. Are they speaking
your language? I think so… Can you understand anything? Not a chance. None the less they are all delightful and
trying to be helpful. With Google Maps, you have a smaller chance of this
happening, but with GPS, God help you.
Another tip, be mindful of the road signs, if it looks like a 90 degree turn, it probably is. If it looks like multiple curves, watch out!
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| Wait, you want me to make a 90 degree left turn and do something that looks like a snake?!?!? Oh geez! |
Just a
word to the wise, if your GPS tells you to “Go Off Road.” Don’t do it! This
isn’t just an Ireland thing with Garmin GPS. I was on the USDA farm trying to
find the building where Matt was working and I ended up on a back road which
led to the pig facility. Once I got there I was supposed to “Go Off Road” and
cross the pasture up to the building.
Instead I went back to the main road and took the driveway up once I
knew which building was his. Usually if you follow these sorts of directions
you’ll get stuck or tear up someone’s property which is unacceptable no matter
what country you’re in. Instead ignore
the GPS and make it back to a main road where perhaps a local will be able to
guide you on your way. If you have reception and a plan that won’t charge you
an arm and a leg for data you could always use Google maps on your phone to get
you the last bit of where you’re going.
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| Another issue are the number of pot holes! The Irish have joked that they don't drive on the Left of the road, they drive on WHAT'S left of the road. Boy! Are they not kidding! Pretty sure I saw koi fish in a few of these! |
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| What Garmin says |
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| Yes, that drop off on the right is where I'm supposed to go. Holy crap they weren't kidding! |
Speaking
of going onto someone’s property…Over all the Irish are very kind about
strangers wanting to visit random ruins on their property. To us these may be the
oldest ruined structures we’ve ever seen, to them it’s their backyard so be
mindful and respectful. If there is a sign requesting you keep out, do it! If
there isn’t a sign, be respectful of the property and mindful if they have
livestock in the area. It is not uncommon to see cows, horses, or sheep
wandering around these sites. This is their grazing land and just happens to
have a ruined structure from the 1300’s in the middle of it!
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| They look pretty, but most of them just wanted to be left alone. |
Most of these
animals will not want to be pet, or snuggled. Trust me. And in trying to do so,
you may cause them undue stress, so if they’re curious they will approach you
and you can pet them, otherwise leave them in peace. Also be aware they are
animals and can kick and bite. If you get kicked or bitten it is your own fault
for intruding into their home so unless you know what you’re doing don’t even
approach them. Sadly I didn’t follow my
own advice on our honeymoon and managed to get bit by a Border Collie when a
farmer was checking his sheep. The farmer was terribly apologetic, but it was
my own fault for sticking my hand down there, even if the dog was smiling and
wagging his tail… As the farmer apologized he mentioned the dog was a bit daft
in the head, which is why he looked friendly but bit me.
| May look happy, but could bite, so ask before you pet! These may be working dogs and not socialized like a normal house pet |
So the
moral of this post is, Google Maps lies, GPS may get you stuck in a field, be
respectful of other’s property, and don’t trust daft dogs.
