One transportation mistake tourists make in Ireland is passing up the opportunity to rent a car. Ireland’s gorgeous green landscape (it is called The Emerald Isle, after all), beautiful coastal towns, and cozy villages are just begging to be explored via road trip. But navigating Ireland’s winding roads and bustling roundabouts can be intimidating for visitors, especially if you aren’t used to driving on the left side of the road. Travel guru Rick Steves has a tip to help things go a little more smoothly. “If you want to get a little slack on the roads in Ireland, drop by a gas station or auto shop and buy a red ‘L’ (new driver with license) sign to put in your car window,” he writes in his article “Go Left, Young Man: Driving in Great Britain and Ireland.”
That “L” sign will signal to other drivers that you’re still getting the hang of things. Hopefully, this will earn you a little extra patience and understanding on the road. However, Steves adds that you should “wait till you’re outside of Dublin, as Irish ‘Learners’ aren’t allowed to drive on the motorways that cluster around the city.”
Of course it’s also important to do a little research before getting behind the wheel in any foreign country. Check online ahead of your trip for the basic rules of the road, as well as laws and regulations you should be aware of. But Steves also advises that, when in doubt, “follow the locals’ lead and drive defensively.” It also won’t hurt to purchase car and trip insurance just in case you hit any figurative or literal bumps in the road.
More tips for driving in Ireland
