Drink Driving Laws in Ireland

As I was returning home last night from my night out in Belfast, I was stopped by two cheery Irish police officers for a random blood alcohol reading. Even though I passed, according to the police officer, 'I was 1 drink away from being locked in a cell for a night'. The reason being, is that the limit is ONLY 0.035 here compared to our 0.05 in Australia. I had 2 pints of Stella Artois over a 4 hour period so I disagreed with the policeman's assessment. I think he was out to worry me. Anyway, the Irish are very strict here. If you show a BAL over 0.035, the police arrest you on the spot, take your keys, leave your car where it is and take you to a cell for the night. In the morning you are taken to the courthouse and subsequently charged. I think this is a bit over the top, but on listening to talkback radio, it seems to be working. Drink driving is very much a taboo subject here in Ireland and people simply don't do it. Maybe we are a bit too liberal in Australia... from memory, I think we need a reading of 0.15 before we are arrested. I will be limiting my alcohol intake to 1 pint I think for the rest of my time here! I would hate to end up in a cell.

3rd Place

I got lost last night as well. I ended up going far more north than I was suppose to go. I dropped in a fuel station to refill and the service attendant was the rudest, most arrogant Irish person I have met. He was of no help at all, and wouldn't even let me use the toilet to relieve myself. To date, I haven't found the Irish people to be that friendly. I stand by my convictions that South East Asian people are the friendliest on the planet.

4th Place

Belfast is great... I found the entertainment strip and spent most of the night talking to a flight attendant from New York City... Edward works for Continental and was in Belfast for the night. He was definitely under the influence but only had to walk around the corner to the Holiday Inn. The bar I went to was friendly and had a live band... not bad for a Wednesday night. I think I will have a quiet one tonight before returning to Belfast tomorrow.

So here I am in Carrickfergus checking out the sights (Castle) of this small town.

5th Place

A darker view of the castle

Another poster

Another view of the Castle

Carrickfergus Castle, Northern Ireland

First place in a poster competition