Hi,

I just got back.  Flew in and out of Shannon.

My approach to driving was this:  Find the car.  Thfity didn't deliver it or take me to it.  Then, I'm alone in the parking lot with my Astos ready to face the world starting with airport traffic.

I drove around the parking lot three times for practice in getting the feel on staying to the left.

Then I parked the car again.  I waited till two men in official airport uniform walked by, flagged them

down.  They were friendly and helpful - as almost all the Irish people were who I met on this trip.

I asked them to tell me specifically what I would face in driving out of the airport. 

Once I knew that I stayed on the left on the one way street - easy -, then got to the round about and took my exit I was reassured and fine.  The scary part was not knowing what I would have to face immediately after getting behind the wheel.

Irish driving is forgiving.  If you miss a turn you can go around the round about again and catch it.

Not like California freeway driving where, if you miss an exit you have to drive miles to find a way to get back.

Also, I kept a little mantra going in the back of my mind at almost all times, and especially in rain, fog or darkness and in city centres - "left, left, left."  It helped a lot.

Also, in complicated or confusing driving situations, watch for a car that is going where you want to go and then follow it.  I got through some curvaceous and complex intersections this way.

Enjoy!  Thinking left after so much time thinking right, is great brain exercise!

Bon voyage. 

Diana