kdowns,

It is a easier to find your way from the airport on the motorway than to have to contend with Dublin traffic, construction and confusing streets. Also, on the motorway all the traffic will be going in the same direction and if you are just getting used to driving on the left you won't have to contend with two-way traffic (except when exiting the airport).

The signs on the M50 can be a bit confusing for beginners so before leaving the airport ask for specific directions from your car rental company. And write it down because you will never remember it. Give the instructions to your navigator and let them talk you through the M50 ring road to whichever route you plan on taking across the country.

Michele