How did it come about that we drive on the left side of the road in Ireland?

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Conor

From a historic viewpoint, it is actually very interesting to note the differing stances nations took on driving on a particular side of the road. The reasoning for which side of the road a nation decided to drive on can usually be traced back to the times of foreign occupation, the British Empire spearheading the notion of driving on the left whilst the French putting forth the continental system of driving on the right. For instance the fact that the United States the continental system is used can be directly linked to the support generated by the French during the War of Independence. Others examples include nations which Germany overtook during WWII and then implemented driving on the right hand side of the road or farther back with the French during the Napoleonic War.

Ireland was obviously greatly influence by the United Kingdom and this system was implemented during British rule over Ireland.

For some sites on the issue:

http://www.brianlucas.ca/roadside/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driving_on_the_left_or_right#Advantages_2

canislupus

British influence as stated above . driving on the left and side apparently harks back to the days when it meant people on horse back travelling in opposite directions would still be able to you their sword effectively with their right hand.

me9189

agree with above comments. briatain should change to the right. im all up for being european, not british!

ashy

those Brits forced us to!!! Grr! (well actually i couldnt care less but still...)

teacher

2 words! British influence! Actually I'm surprised Ireland didn't change it as they have done their best to get rid of every other bit of Britishness..or at least do things before the Brits! Examples are: Number plates showing date and place of origin, non-smoking ban, joining EU and switching to Euro, 'kilometre' signs , tax breaks for the wealthy and for global corps etc etc

hk_in_limerick

Inherited from being part of the British Empire. Former colonies of GB tend to be same driving side of the road. I think only exception if Japan where the also drive on the left but is not a former british colony.

This is a general trend, there must be some exceptions.

Why did different folks choose different sides of the road is another question.

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