To answer Joe's point added to the end of the over-long first thread, the sign saying Spancilhill 8 could have meant either miles (English miles or Irish miles...!) OR kilometres, depending on the age of the sign.

The old fingerpost type signs would be in miles, but the new type are in kilometres, as Ireland is much more Europe-friendly than England.

So- a straightforward answer, as you'd expect. :0)

Noreen