Tips for Driving in Ireland
My best friend and I spent about 48 hours driving in Ireland, from the west coast, down south, and back to Dublin. I wouldn’t say either of us are good or bad drivers, probably just decent (though we did drive into a ditch on this trip LOL). Here is a quick guide to help you if you decide to drive in Ireland!
Get the smallest car possible. We got a car similar to a Ford Fiesta and it was great. We just had ourselves, and our backpacks + shopping. You also need a small car because the roads aren’t 2-lane, they’re like 1.25 lane, with little pull-over spots to avoid other cars.
Get an automatic. It’s just easier… Get an automatic car! No shifting gears driving on windy roads and avoiding tour buses.
Driving isn’t as scary as riding. I had a much harder time being a passenger and not getting scared, than driving.
The Irish love roundabouts. Learn how to safely and effectively drive in a roundabout! They’re EVERYWHERE. Know when to yield, know when to go, and where to get off.
Know when to pull to the side. When I was driving, most people pulled over for me, but know where and when to pull off to the side so you don’t wreck. You need to drive pretty offensively in order to make it to wherever you’re going, but be ready to pull to the side if needed! And not into a ditch :)