When my mom and I took a 2-week trip to Ireland back in September, we decided renting a car would be the best way to get around to all of the places we wanted to go. So, to prepare for our trip, I did a crap-ton of research. After a few days, I started to see the same tips over and over again, and I thought I’d covered everything. I thought I was ready.

I was wrong. Oh man, was I wrong.

The thing is, other websites give good information – but they always give the same information. Watch out for sheep; drive on the left side; the roads are extremely narrow. No one told us where we could grab a quick meal on the road, or how highway exit signs rarely repeat information, or what to do if someone is blasting their horn at you while riding your bumper. These were all things we had to learn along the way.

So, to save you a headache (or three), I’ve compiled a list of the most useful information below. Here are 11 things you need to know about driving in Ireland.

1. Drive on the left side, including roundabouts

You’d be surprised how easy it is to forget this one if you’re used to driving on the right. Luckily, some rental car places will have a sticker on the window to remind you. But if you’re ever in doubt, just watch what other cars do! One thing I have to recommend is to make sure you rent an automatic car. Even if you know how to drive stick-shift, it’ll take some practice to use your left hand to change gears. Going automatic will take some of that stress off your shoulders.

2. If someone is tailgating you, move to the shoulder

The shoulders on many highways are wide specifically for this reason, so just take a deep breath and move over. The other driver will be thankful and you’ll be relieved to no longer have someone three inches from your bumper. Sometimes the shoulder isn’t wide enough to pull over; in this case, just continue on as usual and the person behind you will pass you when they can. They also may honk to let you know they are passing.

3. DON’T go any faster than you’re comfortable driving

People will undoubtedly drive much faster than the speed limit, sometimes even on hairpin-turn roads, and there won’t always be a wide-enough shoulder to pull over to. In this case, just continue on at a comfortable speed and be patient; they will pass you when they can. Take extra time if you’re trying to navigate a very narrow space – it’s better to annoy the people behind you than it is to take off someone’s side mirror.

4. There are no rest-stops/fast food places

As an American, this is almost an inconceivable concept. We have a McDonald’s, like, every 5 miles! And pulling over at a tiny rest stop for a bathroom break and some vending machine goodies is a staple of the American road-trip. But finding a rest stop or drive-thru in Ireland? Good luck! Instead, if you need to stop to use the lavatory or grab a quick meal to eat on the road, a gas station will be your best option. (Some of them even carry hot food, huzzah!)

5. ALWAYS have a road map with you!

Trust me, at some point or another, you’ll need it. Don’t rely completely on a GPS, either, because I can almost guarantee that there will be a point where it won’t work. Even so, it’s nice to have access to a GPS, if only just to confirm you’re going in the right direction. Google Maps works well, too.

6. Driving in the big cities is much, much worse

The roads can be confusing, the traffic lights have different symbols on them, and drivers will lay on their horns for any and every reason imaginable. If there’s anywhere that a GPS will come in handy, it’s in cities. My advice? Just skip it. The only time we drove in the large cities was when we were coming in or leaving. Walking, taxis, biking – there are a thousand different ways to get around these cities, so do yourself a favor and leave the car keys in your room. Your blood pressure will thank you.

7. Know your exit ahead of time

As soon as you turn onto a new road, know which exit you need to take. Sometimes the exit you need will come up right away – and I mean right away. So it’s a good idea to be ready. (I always liked to know the next 2 exits we’d be taking, so I’d always be at least one step ahead.)

8. Look at EVERY road sign

In America, we’re used to seeing road signs that repeat the same information for miles and miles, so it’s not a huge deal if we miss one or two. In Ireland, if you miss even one road sign, you may miss your exit. Sometimes the exit sign will list the city or monument you need, and then the next one won’t mention it at all. It can be confusing, but you’ll at least be less panicked if you saw the first sign.

9. Be aware of your surroundings

Bicyclists are everywhere, as are livestock. You’re probably gonna have to slam on your breaks to avoid sheep a few times. Be ready.

10. Allow an extra hour (or two) to get where you’re going

“Google Maps lied!!”

– Me, on several occasions

As it turns out, GPS navigation doesn’t usually account for traffic, construction, bad weather, small and winding roads, pit-stops, or wrong turns. So allow plenty of time to get where you’re going and enjoy the ride! Another note: You will come across several toll roads no matter where you go. Taking time to dig around your wallet for spare change may add a few minutes here or there.

11. Ireland & Northern Ireland measure speed differently

In Ireland, speed is measured in kilometers per hour. But as soon as you cross into Northern Ireland, the measurement of speed changes to miles per hour. (This is because Northern Ireland is considered part of the UK.) Sometimes rental cars don’t have both on the speed gauge, so just be prepared – you may have to google some conversions ahead of time.

Every time we told someone we were driving ourselves around, they were shocked – they couldn’t believe that we, as foreigners, were taking on such a nerve-wracking task. People would congratulate us for being brave or raise their eyebrows and huff a “good luck.” And yeah, it was stressful. But it was absolutely worth it, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Driving yourself means you control the schedule. Ireland offers some of the most incredible landscapes you’ll ever see, and when you’re driving yourself, you have the freedom to stop whenever and wherever you want to enjoy the view. So take the time and stop often.

As they say, getting there is half the fun. And in the end, you’ll remember the road trips just as fondly as anything else!

Adventure on, my friends.

Have you driven in another country? How did it go? Would you consider renting a car in Ireland? Do you have any fond road trip memories? Leave a comment below and let me know!

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