I would consider myself a good driver on the right side of the road but I am wondering if visiting Ireland and renting a car is for me.
Also how do you feel about driving manual transmission when not used to churning gears with the usual hand?
I’m from the states and live in Ireland. I never had a problem with switching back and forth as I visit the states and Germany frequently.
The one danger is if youre in a parking lot or similar and pull out onto the road when there are no other cars after not driving for a while, you might be on the wrong side for a second.
The trick to remember isn’t left or right its that the driver is always in the middle of the road.
If youre holding the steering wheel and are on the outside of the road, youre going the wrong way. Keep the center line right next to you and you’ll be grand as the Irish say.
The trick to remember isn’t left or right its that the driver is always in the middle of the road.
While not pertinent to the OP, the USVI drives left and has left-side driver seats as well.
I change between the two fairly often and the two most dangerous things are -
Looking the wrong way when approaching a roundabout
Going to change gear with the wrong hand and punching the door
Generally it’s only difficult if you drive a RHD car on LHD roads or vice versa
Going to change gear with the wrong hand and punching the door
When I was planning a trip to the UK I swapped the gearshift location on my racing wheel setup and drove around a bunch in Forza Horizon 3 so that I’d be ready.
Didn’t end up renting a car, so all my work was for naught.
It’s not so bad if there’s loads of other cars, but if you set off onto a quiet road, it can be quite easy to zone out and forget where you are if you’re not careful
Did this when driving abroad, my partner also didnt notice and had to remind me.
You should be ok if you stay focused and alert. When you’re in the driver’s seat you will always be in the middle of the road next to the white line, whatever country you’re in.
The trickiest part is making turns. Driving in Europe, the US and Canada I used to say to myself “loooong left and tight right”. In Ireland, you’ll be turning right across the oncoming traffic. It’s tricky because if you don’t focus, habit will take you on to the wrong side of the road. After a couple of days you’ll get used to it.
Hire an automatic, they’re more common these days anyway. Having said that, I never had a problem changing gears withe the “wrong” hand.
Enjoy! The Irish countryside is lovely.
I’m pretty sure driving on the wrong side of the road is illegal in most places, please do not drive on wrong side in Ireland.
