Besides some perilous roads and young (risk-taking) drivers keeping you alert, most likely your trip will carry on without disruption. However, it is always better to be prepared and understand what to do should an issue arise.

The police in the Republic and Northern Ireland are helpful and diligent in most cases. If your situation is not an extreme emergency, the police might take their time responding and may appear quite relaxed when dealing with your issue. Officers in Ireland are referred to as Garda and in Northern Ireland they are the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). If you have a problem, dial 999 in the Republic and 112 in Northern Ireland, which will connect you to all emergency response services.

If your children are old enough and have traveled with you before, they are probably used to a certain amount of rules and routine. If not, then consider bringing along their favorite books or games to help occupy them during driving and down times. Most accommodations cater to children, but a handful cannot provide for those under a certain age. Self-catering cottages, apartments, and lodges are great for families who want to prepare their own meals.

Be Aware

In the bigger cities, such as Belfast, Dublin, Galway, Cork, and Limerick, petty crime is a problem. Keep only your daily spending money and one credit card accessible. Store all other valuables in a money belt and in your room hidden in your baggage or in a safe. You will have no reason to carry your passport or plane tickets while walking around — a copy of any identity papers will suffice. If you have any medical conditions or allergies, be sure to keep this written down with your documents or wear the proper bracelet or necklace indicating the condition.

For other areas, use your common sense. Do not leave your car unlocked or in an insecure area. Do not walk down dark streets or walk alone in the late-evening and early-morning hours. Although drugs are not a huge issue in the cities, the problem persists where those under the influence rob the ill prepared.

Medical Insurance Issues

Quality travel insurance is a central component to safe travel. Well-rounded coverage will include lost or stolen baggage, plane delays or cancellations, medical expenses, and emergency transport (including airlift and repatriation). Obtaining the best insurance at an affordable rate will take some research and planning.

If you have medical coverage, be sure that your carrier will cover you while abroad. You might need to supplement your coverage for travel cancellation, emergency repatriation, and/or if you plan to be taking part in any adventure activities or backcountry hiking. One decent provider that receives good reviews for its performance and customer care is Travel Guard (www.travelguard.com).

When researching medical and travel insurance, find out who pays whom if an emergency arises. Most often, you will have to cover the cost and will be reimbursed once back home. Keep detailed, itemized receipts and original signed documents verifying all the charges for medication, transport, and any treatments.

Embassy and Consulate Information

To a minimal extent, an embassy and consulate will help one of its citizens while traveling abroad. For certain cases, the embassy or consulate will respond to (but not necessarily help much in) matters concerning indictment of one of their citizens. If you break the law in Ireland or in Northern Ireland, you are bound by their regulations.

For medical emergencies, the consulate or embassy might help you out slightly more. They can help notify your family and aid you in returning home (at your cost) if needed. For those in dire straits, the consulate will help get you a new or temporary passport. But, this can take several days. The U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Ireland is located in Dublin at 42 Elgin Rd., Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Phone them at 01 66 88 777 and send fax correspondences to 01 66 89 946.