Utility poles in Ireland
Wooden poles and bilingual signs
Slim wooden poles like the UK's, but with Irish-language or ESB Networks signs, say Ireland.
- Slim wooden poles, close to the UK's.
- Yellow ESB Networks danger signs on the pole.
- Signs in Irish and English nearby.
15 photos, grouped by the clue they show.
Key clue Slim wooden pole 12
Key clue ESB danger sign 2
Key clue Irish-language sign 1
Ireland: what its poles look like
Ireland uses slim wooden poles that look a lot like the United Kingdom's, carrying phone lines in towns and power lines across the countryside.
The best clues are on and around the pole: yellow ESB Networks danger signs fixed to the wood, and road signs written in both Irish and English.
Wooden poles are everywhere in rural Ireland, running along lanes and fields. Town centres have more of their power lines underground.
Look-alikes: how to tell them apart
Ireland vs 
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is the main look-alike. Irish signs are bilingual and speed limits are in km/h, while UK signs are English only (Welsh in Wales) and in mph. ESB Networks signs on poles mean Ireland.
Questions about poles in Ireland
What is ESB Networks?
ESB Networks runs the electricity network in the Republic of Ireland. Its yellow danger signs on wooden poles are a handy clue that a photo was taken in Ireland.
How do I tell Ireland from the UK in a street photo?
Look for bilingual Irish and English signs, speed limits in km/h and ESB Networks signs. The poles themselves look very similar in both countries.