Two families will be travelling to Ireland, renting two cars, and driving together to various locations. I have used walkie talkies in situations like this in the USA, which was very useful if one car had to stop, or the families wanted to chat. I seem to recall long ago on a Fodor's forum that walkie talkies are reserved for police use only in some parts of Europe. Does Ireland allow private citizens to use them? I suppose in the age of cell phones, this may be a relic of the past.
Thanks
Paul H
Walkie talkies in Ireland
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One problem is that the radio frequencies allocated to private citizens (for walkie talkies, CB radios, etc) in the U.S. do not match the radio frequencies allocated to citizens in Europe. (Nor do cell phone frequencies match, which is why you have to jump through hoops to get a cell phone to work in Europe). In addition, some countries do not have frequency bands available to private citizens, period.
So even if walkie-talkies are legal, is likely that your US set will use an un-approved frequency band, perhaps one reserved for police or otherwise.
You used to be able to look up on the internet which frequencies are allowed, but I can't find the information now.
Don't bring walkie-talkies from the US. They interfere with emergency vehicle frequencies. Bring cell phones if you have a need to chat with others.
Many Irish mobile operators have like to like free calls so two Tesco Mobile (my choice) or two Meteor sim cards have free contact. (There may be others)
http://www.tescomobile.ie/
Thanks to all. Good advice.
Paul H