[cashflyer]

I must be driving in the wrong places... or the right ones, depending upon your view. I have stopped for sheep on more than one occasion - sometimes a stray, sometimes a group being moved from one field to another.

Last time I was there the M-1 still had some areas that were not completed. I think around Dundalk.

The old A-1 is deadly if you don't pay attention - both to motorist and to pedestrians. Plenty of slower local traffic intermingled with people trying to make a speed record between Dublin and Belfast.

I've driven Nissans and Renaults over there. When you crest a hill and get some air, be glad it's a rental and that you took out the insurance.

Overall, I do not dislike Ireland roads. I equate them to little country roads like I grew up with in the rural south. No big deal. Just don't expect anything like the crosstown freeway.

If you head up north on the A1, be sure and see the Annesley Gardens in Castlewellan - then stop into the Old Tom for a pint.