I am from the US . I'd like some tips on driving in Ireland when I go in September.?

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Trish D

Hire a small car. Don't get a big tank-sized thing.
The roads can be very narrow once you go off the main roads.
The standard of driving in Ireland is quite poor with a high accident and death rate, so be careful.

Allow to make progress of about 45 miles (72km) in an hour's driving. Of course you will do more on some roads, but if you allow that sort of figure, you will not get stressed by delays and you might arrive places early and have extra time to enjoy them.

Driving in Dublin is mad - do not get the car until you are leaving the city.

The speed limits are in kilometres, as are distance signs.

katie

very slowly

inmyownreality23323

Just remeber, they drive on the left side of the road : )

Mama Gretch

When I drove in Ireland a few years ago, my first experience with driving on the LEFT, the worst part was the intersections. Just look in both directions and don't worry left from right there. Also, they have a lot of roundabouts (rotaries) in Ireland. A good tip I read was to just follow the car in front of you if possible. If you miss your turn-off, don't panic, just go around again! Another tip is that although they use the metric system for distances, the speed limits are posted in miles-per-hour (so are the speedometers in the car)! Go figure! Some of the country roads are very narrow with rock walls on either side. It can be indimidating when a huge bus or truck is speeding towards you from the other direction. Hold your lane and don't drift too far over. Go slowly when you have to. We drove about 1,000 miles in a week and never had a mishap. Be alert and don't let the driver drink any Guiness at lunch!

montenapoleone

Drive on the left.

wmp55

Drive on the left, and when you're on the country roads be prepared to slow down for every curve. The country roads have NO shoulders.

jack

Dont drive on the same side of the road as you do back home!!!!

emjay1212001

Do not hire a eight-litre SUV; We have curves and bends on our roads and so on, not the ten-lane straight highways and roads you're used to. As Americans can't drive European manual stick-shift cars, you're probably going to find it easier in something like an automatic sedan, but car-hire is very expensive here as is petrol......

sh04

we don't have a lot of pavements like America people walk on the road so be careful you knock some on down.

porky

try riding your bike around first, becuase you really really really get screwed up. But believe me. The worst part is coming back home because you are even more screwed up then. Actaully, it isn't that hard because the place the steering wheel is. YOu'll remember.

giddy

they say a good tip for driving on the oppsite sideof the road is ,change your wristwatch to your other hand, also your rings. this acts as a permanant reminder. otherwise just take your time

sob01

dont do it man were all bloody mad over here

Tony B

I'm from the UK and have driven all over Ireland lots of times. We both drive on the left which makes it easier I know but I found that getting around is so easy, the road signs are much better than they are in my country. In fact, I didn't get lost once.

tompy100

- we drive on the left, right and up the middle of the road
- all cattle has right of way
- the Gardai can will be so pleased to make your acquaintance
- if you get to South Armagh and see a sign saying "Sniper at work" dont worry about it

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