Irish Road Trips:Tips and Bits about Traveling on the Emerald Isle
It's a fine day, Begorrah, and if you choose to drive in Ireland, it might get finer along the way to Dublin. Everyone knows that the Emerald Isle is one of the most scenic places on the planet for a drive, featuring spectacular landscapes, quiet old roads and big blue seas out in the distance ... what more could you want lass or lassie?
At Service King Babcock in San Antonio, TX, we know that many people are currently thinking about their next vacation, so why not consider Ireland
So, before you make that trip across the Atlantic, here are some things you will need to know about driving in old Ireland. So, here are some helpful tips:
Road Trips in Ireland Means Driving on the Opposite Side of the Roadway
The most dramatic difference when it comes to driving across the pond is the side of the road you travel on. In the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, drivers sit on the right side of the car and drive on the left side of the road.
Unlike in the U.S., where motorists can turn right at most red lights, you can never turn left on red in Ireland. Most road rules carry over, otherwise.
Like on American roads, all passengers are required to wear seat belts and like in some states, it’s illegal to use your phone while driving.
In Ireland, speed limits are displayed in kilometers per hour. Most drivers should catch on quickly, as speedometers are in kilometers as well.
In addition, town and country roads are often much narrower than American roads, and sometimes curvy to boot. Slow down and be prepared to yield to drivers on the other side of the road in particularly narrow spots.
How to Rent a Car in Ireland
The best way to experience the beauty of the Emerald Isle is by renting a car. In Ireland, drivers must be at least 21 to rent a car and there may be extra requirements or fees for drivers under 25. An international driver’s permit is not required for Americans in Ireland. A U.S. license will suffice.
Most major American rental car brands are easily available in Ireland, which is very fortunate for loyalty program members, but be certain to compare quotes from Irish brands to find the most reasonable price. When making your reservations online, always pay close attention to the type of car you choose. While automatic transmission cars, SUVs and trucks are standard in the U.S., the manual transmission is common in the U.K.
Other tips for driving in Ireland
- Driving in Ireland isn’t all too different from driving in the United States … there are a few changes that can take some getting used to but being prepared is half the battle. Be sure to:
- Always arry cash for parking and/or tolls. There are literally no toll roads in Northern Ireland, which is jolly good, but some of the major thoroughfares in the Republic of Ireland charge small fees. It’s handy to have euros on hand.
- Get ready for those often confusing roundabouts, because you will encounter a lot of them. Traffic circles are commonplace in some American communities than others. In Ireland, they’re everywhere, so make certain you know how to navigate through them.
- Fuel up. Most Irish towns and villages have at least gas station, or petrol station as they are known outside of the U.S. You won't encounter as many gas stations in Ireland as on American highways, so don’t ever cut it too close between those fill-ups. Also, it’s very important to check what type of gas your rental car needs. Many Irish cars use diesel fuel.
Service King Babcock in San Antonio, TX 78240
Sources: AARP and Sunset Magazine
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