patricia
Unregistered User
(7/11/05 2:50 pm)

driving in Ireland

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My friend and I are planning a trip to Ireland next summer (2006) in June. We are not sure about driving and how difficult it is to adapt. What are your thoughts and is it better to begin in Dublin and end in Shannon or the other way arround.
thanks
Pat

stannseniors
Registered User
Posts: 153
(7/12/05 8:42 pm)

driving

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I'm a patricia too!
I was scared to death about the driving but i would say DO NOT start in Dublin! If you are not used to driving on the opposite side, Shannon is a good place to start. My husband was the driver and i was the navigator. You almost have to have somone who will watch the signs and maps. The shuttle driver from the airport gave us the best advice "keep left, look right" We said that outloud the first day until my husband got used to driving on the left side. When turning and in small town we said it outloud again - it became the joke - but really did help....."stay left, look right"

Carrie
Unregistered User
(7/13/05 6:12 pm)

Driving

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Hi, I've taken two solo trips to Ireland and managed the driving and navigating without trouble. Driving on the left is really not that hard to get use to. But I know the apprehension you feel at your first time. I've been there! I was terrified the first time I drove on the left. I would recommend getting the smallest rental car possible as the roads can be narrow. I agree that starting in Shannon would probably be best. The driving around there is quite nice with less traffic. Have a wonderful time!

DebbieK
Registered User
Posts: 158
(7/13/05 10:25 pm)

Re: Driving

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One of the best tips I found for driving was this one:
try to line up your outside shoulder ( in this case your right one) with the line down the middle of the road. This will keep you from drifting too close to the stone wall on the passenger side :0


Other tips -
1. Don't be afraid of round-a-bouts - consider them 'getting lost preventors' - If you are not quite sure which leg to take - go around the circle again! Also - when all else fails, take the leg that says "CITY CENTRE" from there you should either be able to get back on track, or find a gas station for help. (And DON'T be shy about stopping and asking for directions. They are used to people getting turned around, and are happy to point you back in the right direction. )

2. Get a good map - I like the Michelin map - each page is about how far you want to drive in a day.

3. Expect to average about 30mph - you may go a bit faster , but trust me - that really is what the average ends up being.

4. Write down both the GAELIC & ENGLISH names of the places you are going to , and the towns on the way , so you will be able to tell if you are on the right path.

5. take along a small notebook - keep track of your miles each day and how long it took to drive. It adds a nice touch to your trip report , and helps with future planning.


Hope this helps
Debbie K

Michele Erdvig
Administrator
Posts: 3262
(7/14/05 1:50 am)

Re: driving in Ireland

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Pat,

You have received some excellent advice here. Do take a look at my "Car Rentals & Driving" page for some tips. Definitely start in Shannon. It is pretty rural. Dublin is a big city, with lots of traffic, confusing signs, etc. You might also want to stay somewhere not too far from the airport on your first day if you are aprehensive. If you are visiting Dublin on this trip and plan on staying in the city center you should drop off your car as you will not need it in Dublin. You can walk and take public transportation there. A car is only a hindrance.

Each individual adapts at their own pace. I often think the most dangerous place to drive in Ireland is the car rental parking lot and departing the airport because that is where tourists first start getting used to driving on the left. So be especially careful in those spots.

Michele