Courageous, Confident or Just Plain Crazy!..Driving tips for Ireland from a Canadian Girl
- michelleausten
- Aug 21, 2015
- 3 min read
Updated: May 10, 2023
“If you believe you can-YOU WILL!”
Upon returning safely from a 3 week trip to Ireland, I thought I would share a few driving tips.
Being a Canadian girl, traveling alone in Ireland…
Driving on the ‘left side’ of the road- was my biggest fear.
Do one thing a day that scares you! Check!
However, I am a stubborn Virgo and my desire to see the countryside on my own timeline…outweighed my fear. I was praying to find a cute Irish driver to drive me around, but apparently that was not in my divine plan.
It was just me, my rental car, GPS and a few trusty road maps.
With a quick lesson on a deserted beach under my belt- I headed out.
Driving lesson on the Beach
Reminding myself that people drive in Ireland everyday. I am proud to report… I survived the challenge and conquered my fear.
I have to say I was never more PRESENT in my LIFE!
Happily, I returned my rental car without a scratch, covered many miles, saw beautiful vista’s, almost on one tank of Diesel.
My Rental Car- Safely returned
If you’re planning a road trip to Ireland…Read on.
Tips before you leave-
· GET a GPS- it will be your best friend
· Bring a CDW Insurance travel letter-if you have coverage on your credit card
· Bring music or buy a good Irish music CD-Irish radio talk is endless and not very soothing for the nervous soul.
Most of the rental cars in Ireland are manual- Shift on the Left. Pedals and Clutch are the same as in North America. Automatic Transmissions are available, but harder to find and more expensive. I rented my car before I left through Costco online and brought a travel letter from my visa company to wave the insurance. If you’re not covered… I highly recommend getting the insurance. The roads are rather narrow and the tour buses are very large. Don’t be scared. If I survived, so can you!
Here are my Tips…
· Put the correct spelling in GPS- A 1 letter slip up sent me the opposite direction.
· Make sure Rental car has insurance, floor mats and a good old fashion road map- it rains a lot in Ireland and a missing floor mat makes for a very slippery clutch. Learned this the hard way.
· Gas- for you and the car. Road snacks and proper hydration
· Stay LEFT- LOOK RIGHT, TURN LEFT… repeat, repeat.
· Always keep body to middle of road or white line to middle of road
· Learn Roundabouts- Trick: you can ride them around and around if you miss your exit. I also heard the locals do stop and wait, if you happen to go the wrong direction.
· For the most part Trust your GPS- It will reroute you, however when in doubt or in the middle of nowhere. STOP and ASK a local for directions. Remember all roads eventually lead somewhere…unless the road is closed…reroute via a local. The Irish are very kind, patient and more than willing to help.
· Use side mirrors to gauge the edge of the road.
· Back into parking stalls whenever possible.
· Travel early to avoid Tour buses.
· Have money for toll roads on the M50.
Give yourself ample time. Time pressures create stress and not a clear mind.
· Practice YOGA. Breath Deeply, Fully Exhale. Relax shoulders and fingers. Stretch occasionally. Pull over and cry when necessary. Set intention for safety and good weather. Expect a few roadblocks.
Bonus: The sheep do not move.
My Mantra’s
· If you believe you can, you will!
· I am a good driver… I will get to my destination safely.
· All roads lead to somewhere.
Benefits of driving on the opposite side:
Increased Alertness & Awareness= Present Moment Living
Challenge your fears. Success= Empowerment
· Senses are heightened.
Go dté sibh slán…May you go safely
Enjoy the beauty!
Michelle
Bonus tip: Bring a 3 prong adapter.
Adapter for your electronics.
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