A little bit of local knowledge goes a long way - and with this in mind, we at IrishCentral have prepared a brief guide to vacationing in Ireland.
Although remember - if you really want to fit in with the locals, you might want to avoid expressions like "vacationing" - use "going on holiday" instead.
You might also want to include the expression, "Where are yar' lucky charms?" in as many conversations as possible - the Irish will surely love you for that. (Note the sarcasm here...)
Driving
Don't go onto the roundabout (traffic circle) the wrong way round. The rule is you enter to your left, and give way to traffic from your right. And it’s petrol, not gas.
Not going to Northern Ireland
There’s really no excuse not to go to Northern Ireland. Even if you only have a few days, it’s still worth a visit, and Belfast is only a little over two hours away from Dublin by train. Derry (also called Londonderry) is worth checking out – especially at Halloween, when the entire city dresses up in costume.
Visiting Dublin – and only drinking in Temple Bar
Temple Bar is Dublin’s cultural center just south of the River Liffey. It has plenty of museums, stores, bars and restaurants. But all this is best left for the day time – at night, it becomes considerably less attractive. If you are looking for a good night out, try any number of the bars along Camden Street. George’s Street and Wexford Street.
Not going to a hurling or Gaelic football match
Hurling is sometimes described as a cross between lacrosse and hockey, but that doesn’t really do the sport any justice because it is unlike any other sport in the world. It’s well worth going to see a game – and the same goes for Gaelic football, which looks like a cross between soccer and rugby. The best time to see these games is during the summer when the season's just getting going. It gets increasingly difficult to get tickets towards the end of the season. Dublin’s Croke Park, the main GAA stadium is Ireland, includes a museum that explains the evolution of Ireland’s native sports.
Forgetting to claim your tax back
Taxes are generally already added into the cost of most goods and services in Ireland. As a tourist, you are eligible to reclaim this tax back at the airport – just remember to keep your receipts.
Deciding you don't need a map or a GPS locator
Ireland is notoriously difficult to navigate with signposts often impossible to find. Map vital, GPS essential
Get used to it guys. In Ireland you will need to drop the shyness and the macho outlook and ask
Irish people hate it when Yanks or anyone for that matter try it on. Not recommended .
Big mistake, no matter what the forecast says, rain can happen at the drop of a, well raindrop, very unpredictable and sometimes annoying.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.boydshield | Apr 29, 2012, 05:24 PM EDT
The biggest mistake is to NOT go to Ireland because of what you've read here. The people are wonderful, the language beautiful, the country gorgeous, and if you do the VAT tax rebate properly, you get ALL your VAT money back, normally in cash, there and then. Driving is different, but you do get used to it. If it's a problem, there are always tours you can take from the larger towns. Be yourself. The Irish are normally as enthralled with us, as we are with them. Go, and enjoy yourself!
Seanmor | Apr 28, 2012, 08:48 PM EDT
Remember that most credit cards do NOT cover colllision damage on rental cars North or South. In May of 2009 I made my first trip to the North, accompanied by my wife who has connections with those of the 'other persuasion' in that part of Ireland. In the Church of Ireland cemetery in Downpatrick, she led me to the reputed burial spot of Sts Patrick, Bridget and Colm Cille. Ireland is a single political entity for all Christian dnominations. And despite what the Partitions would have us believe, Fermanagh and Tyrone bear a much stronger similarity to Cork and Kerry that to Sussex and Kent. It would be much more convenient for U.S. tourists in Ireland if the South had remaing with the £ sperling.
STEVENSTAR | Apr 26, 2012, 09:10 AM EDT
@@@jamieLM | Apr 24, 2012, 11:08 AM EDT @Stevenstar, "Heathrom"??? I could give you plenty of examples of ignorant things that some Irish tourists have said when visiting America. Ha, Ha, Ha. So what. Here's who's really ignorant - you - thinking you're God's gift to Ireland. You're the last person Ireland would want to represent what it has to offer. We get it. You hate Americans and America. You should see a psychiatrist about all that insecurity - putting Americans/America down, in all caps, to make yourself feel better. Pathetic. The Irish and Ireland don't need your nasty comments about us to make them look good. The Irish can promote Ireland without any help from you >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> YOU SOUND LIKE A GUEST OFF THE JERRY SPRINGER SHOW.... haha!!
STEVENSTAR | Apr 24, 2012, 01:55 PM EDT
ciaradexy, thank you for the kind words. I know tourist can be irritating, Most mean well, their enthusiasm sometimes gets in the way of the very experience they are looking for. Those planes fly both ways and a lot of us on this side of the Atlantic have dealt with the same situations. The stevenstars of the world are loud and obnoxious energy stealers you know like the quintessential"ugly American" but I wouldn't paint all Irish by his example. You know a lot of foreigners think we're singing Johnny Cash tunes all night, or rapping with the home boys, life is a funny journey.
Bythebay | Apr 24, 2012, 01:46 PM EDT
billie061, of course you're so encouraging of antiquaated Irish American ideas about Ireland because you're in the tourism business. You make your money off them. I bet you wear a tweedy cap and a wooly jumper and carry a blackthorne stick, begorrah!! Laughable.
jamieLM | Apr 24, 2012, 11:08 AM EDT
@Stevenstar, "Heathrom"??? I could give you plenty of examples of ignorant things that some Irish tourists have said when visiting America. Ha, Ha, Ha. So what. Here's who's really ignorant - you - thinking you're God's gift to Ireland. You're the last person Ireland would want to represent what it has to offer. We get it. You hate Americans and America. You should see a psychiatrist about all that insecurity - putting Americans/America down, in all caps, to make yourself feel better. Pathetic. The Irish and Ireland don't need your nasty comments about us to make them look good. The Irish can promote Ireland without any help from you.
STEVENSTAR | Apr 24, 2012, 09:57 AM EDT
@@@billie061 | Apr 24, 2012, 08:03 AM ED>>>>>>>>> WE HAVE A RUNNING JOKE HERE IN IRELAND...WHEN ONCE AN AMERICAN CAME OVER ON A TRIP FROM LONDON ASKED WHY DID THE QUEEN BUILD WINDSOR CASTLE SO NEAR TO HEATHROM AIRPORT ?? HAHAHA .. IF THATS NOT IGNORANT I DONT KNOW WHAT IS
billie061 | Apr 24, 2012, 08:03 AM EDT
Having worked on tours for the last 12 years, I have never had an American jump off and go looking for leprachauns, have had the odd single woman looking for a husband (why is beyond me) but on the whole tourists from the U.S. quite educated about about the country-side and culture of Ireland. the most un-educated were Aussies but there again you will get good and bad from all countries and cultures. Including Ireland so STEVENSTAR you don't speak for me when you say most Irish laugh at the Americians, I wouldn't be that ignorant with any visiting nationality
STEVENSTAR | Apr 24, 2012, 07:16 AM EDT
@@@@@@@@@@ciaradexy | Apr 23, 2012, 04:33 PM EDT Theres no issues with Americans using Irish expressions when they are here. We use terms like 'fries' and 'potato chips' etc when in the US so why shouldn't people use the terms the locals use?>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> WE? WHO IS WE? CAN U STOP LICKIN ASS HERE .. WE NEVER USE THE TERM FRIES OR POTATOE CHIPS U TWAT ... AND MOST IRISH LAUGH AT AMERICANS GOING AROUND IN THEIR RUNNERS AND WOLLY JUMPERS RUNNING ON AND OFF THE COACH LOOKING FOR LEPRAUCHANS ... ITS TIME AMERICANS BECAME MORE EDUCATED LIKE THE REST OF THE TOURISTS WHO VISIT IRELAND
ciaradexy | Apr 24, 2012, 05:49 AM EDT
BrianO & Jamie, you both sound like the kinda tourists we love, would start a conversation with and would actually bring on a little tour off the beaten track just like I did with the 2 lads I met from Nashville back in March! We need more like both of you and less like the G.Dildo. Mousemess, again, fair play to you! I attend Conradh na Gaelige which has a pub for members where we can learn different trad dances and play instruments. Its a tourist free zone unless you are signed in by a member and all we ask is that you speak Irish or at least make an attempt. Same goes for Aras Chronain which I have been attending since I was 4. We have plenty of foreign people taking Irish classes here these days along with older Irish people who grew up hating Irish because of its link to poverty and it was beaten into them in school by Christian brothers. They were not taught to speak it, they were expected to learn poetry instead and that is not how a language should be taught.
GeorgeDillon | Apr 24, 2012, 02:00 AM EDT
Mousemess: That's pretty good quality Irish, better than Ciaradexy can offer, indeed better than what 98% of Irish people could do. My only criticism is the last sentence. That won't work. I'd suggest "... “ i limistéar Washington DC chun bheith á labhairt leo”. Go n-eiri go geal leat leis an nGaeilge.
GeorgeDillon | Apr 24, 2012, 01:45 AM EDT
mairint: Good to see you menetioning the Tax Rebate rip-off. The place at Dublin Airport is staffed, using that term loosely, by incompetent and rude people. They have bilked me out of rebates also. American tourists should realize that they have no friends in Ireland. The Irish don't like us, they just want to relieve us of some of our dollars.
Mousemess | Apr 24, 2012, 12:37 AM EDT
A Chiara, Usaidim Gaeilge reasunta glan gach la. Ta grupa Gaeilge againn inar limistear. Leann agus aistrionn an grupa s'againne scealta Gaelacha i ngach leibheal deacrachta gach oiche Cheadaoin. Ni theastaionn laethanta saoire uaim le haghaidh an Ghaeilge a labhairt le daoine. Ta gaeilgeoiri agus muinteoiri na Gaeilge anseo sa limistear Washington,DC seo a labhairt le. Oiche mhaith. Ciara, I use reasonably good Irish every day. We have an Irish language group in our area. This group of ours reads and translates Irish stories in every level of difficulty every Wednesday night. I don't need holidays for an occasion to speak to people in Irish. There are Irish learners, speakers and Irish teachers here in this Washington DC area to speak to. Good night.
BrianO | Apr 23, 2012, 06:49 PM EDT
ladies ask for a lift not aride
jamieLM | Apr 23, 2012, 06:25 PM EDT
@ciaradexy, the first time I was in Ireland with a group we thought we'd order sandwiches "to go" because we were in a hurry. I couldn't see the menu board at the outdoor counter. Someone asked if I'd eat an "egg salad" and I said yes. We all got a laugh when I was handed a lettuce salad with a hard boiled egg on top. No big deal, but a lesson for all of us. In the U.S., under "sandwiches", you can get egg salad, ham salad, chicken salad, & tuna salad. Really, it makes no sense to call them "salads", but I didn't coin the terminology. From then on, I made sure I knew what I was ordering if there could be any doubt. When I'm in contact with Irish tourists, I don't care what terms they use. I just make sure that we're all on the same page. When I'm in Ireland, I always try to use the Irish words for things. The difference in terminology is part of the charm for me in traveling in a foreign country. If everything was the same, there would be no reason to leave home. Btw: "biscuits" is another one of those things that have a different meaning in the U.S. than in Ireland/England. Lots of words like that.
BrianO | Apr 23, 2012, 05:59 PM EDT
Seems like tourist season is here, one article to help tourist enjoy their time along with another article about the best Irish folk songs. Anyway the best advise I have is to be invited into a conversation, In the U.S. we are used to starting conversations which is a no-no in Ireland, as soon as you speak the locals will know you are visiting and most Irish are nice enough to include you if you are not a pain.
ciaradexy | Apr 23, 2012, 04:33 PM EDT
Theres no issues with Americans using Irish expressions when they are here. We use terms like 'fries' and 'potato chips' etc when in the US so why shouldn't people use the terms the locals use?
ciaradexy | Apr 23, 2012, 04:29 PM EDT
Mouse, Im indifferent to you or anyone else learning irish or any language for that matter! Fair play to you but for you to come to Ireland to expect to speak to only a tiny fraction of the population in certain tiny pockets of the country is disingenuous and very pretentious. I get to speak Irish every weekend and several times a week when Im helping my nephew with his homework. I dont have to wait till im 'on holidays'. Brendan, I live in Kilmainham during the week and Galway/Connemara at the weekend. Id be delighted not to ever meet your giant fat arse to be honest and as you said, you talk too loud. We can hear you before we even see your arse blocking out the sun. And as someone who spends my weekends working in the gaeltacht around Spiddal, I can assure you that its try-hards like yourself they mock there. I like Americans/people who are open, inquisitive,unpretentious, who arent fake, loud and who are pleasant rather than those who think they know it all and assume they know the Irish. Luckily enough the American I seem to meet under a certain age are all the things I love about Americans, it just seems to be that this site is full of the old pastiche time warp Oirish Americans who project and perpetuate the Quiet man version of Irishness that the real Irish are trying to get away from. The version of Ireland that Hollywood created. Its embarrassing the same as it would be for you lot if everyone thought you kept slaves, wear baseball caps, white socks and chinos, ate in McDonalds 3 times a day, were obnoxious, arrogant, war hungry, gun carrying, muslim hating, red neck, bible bashers. Steven, Id love snow for 4 months of the year. Dont knock it.
maryosullivan | Apr 23, 2012, 03:58 PM EDT
Am I being cut off from commenting again? indeed the truth does hurt
maryosullivan | Apr 23, 2012, 03:55 PM EDT
Someone has finally acknowledged it!!!! the North is just over two hours from Dublin, given the total coverup in the Irish Newspapers of crimes against the Catholics there by the Brit government and their surrogates over these many many long years one might be excused for thinking "the North" was somewhere out there in StarWars Land
jamieLM | Apr 23, 2012, 02:39 PM EDT
I'm an American. I don't try to sound Irish. I never say "going on holiday." I go on vacations. I don't expect the Irish to say, "going on vacation" whether they're here or in Ireland, just because I do. Everyone should use their native expressions.
jamieLM | Apr 23, 2012, 02:31 PM EDT
@johnshiel, BrendanDunphy, Frosty38 - some of the voices of reason and commonsense on this site.
peterson | Apr 23, 2012, 01:49 PM EDT
Try not to imitate an Irish accent !!
Frosty38 | Apr 23, 2012, 12:55 PM EDT
I think your response from locals in Ireland are like any other county including USA. If you are rude then that when feathers get ruffled . Treat people as they do you.
Frosty38 | Apr 23, 2012, 12:49 PM EDT
learn your manners on posting. 1 you do not cap-means yelling 2 Play nice with your cousins LOL
johnshiel | Apr 23, 2012, 11:42 AM EDT
odd that this same piece ran in sept 2011. except for the comments; the ones here are far more topheavy with offerings from tiresome axe grinders. very unhealthy trend for this forum...
mairint | Apr 23, 2012, 10:50 AM EDT
Do not bank on getting your purchase tax (VAT) back. That is all a bit of a swizz. Their office at Dublin Airport is seldom manned and even leaving the receipts in the mail slot does not result in rebate. I left receipts for all my purchases last Sept/Oct and I am looking at two princely rebate cheques - one for 2 Euro and one for AUD 1.61. from Fexco - souvenirs of dishonesty. So who is doing the ripping off?
johnshiel | Apr 23, 2012, 10:35 AM EDT
re driving, murph, you're right: approaching your rental car from the wrong side is hard to avoid. i practiced a "scratches and dents inspection" mode whenever i thought people might be looking...
Mousemess | Apr 23, 2012, 10:24 AM EDT
Gaelphoncan, IrelandNorth agus BrendanDunphy, Go raibh mile maith agaibh. Aontaim libh i dtaobh an te a bhionn a magadh faoin ngaeilgeoir. Na bac leis na magadoiri! Thank you very much. I agree with you concerning the one who ridicules the Irish speaker. Don't bother with the scoffers!
johnshiel | Apr 23, 2012, 10:17 AM EDT
re the irish weather, i've mostly traveled ireland in feb and march... often people will sort of apologize for the weather that's on... being from just outside chicago, it's always kind of funny to assure tham their weather is just fine, not a problem at all, and what a lovely place they live in... and re GAA games, it's always been a disappointment that, once i understood what they mean, no chances seem availabble to see one - especially a hurling match - during that season. would love to learn otherwise. did, however, get a great intro to GAA: my very first full day in ireland was driving westward thru clare... clare was playing offaly in a big playoff hurling match in limerick... got settled in to pub in doolin with great plate of stew and a pint and a hugely friendly CROWD to watch the match. lots of friendly explanations for my very greenhorn questions... gorgeous clare women sharing the booth... clare lost but the world has managed to move along anyway...
dingle999 | Apr 23, 2012, 10:03 AM EDT
A very annoying thing about Americans is when they start talking about leprechauns...Sorry guys they do not exist and 'most' Irish people find it insulting
johnshiel | Apr 23, 2012, 10:00 AM EDT
seems to me that using irish expressions ("going on holiday") is just as poser as attempting a fake irish accent... both are... well, fake. i try to keep with my own way of talking, as it reflects something just as real as the derryman's accent does... but after a week or so it's impossible to not reflect some of the speech patterns that surround you as an american visitor. so it seems...
dingle999 | Apr 23, 2012, 09:54 AM EDT
A national sport amongst Ireland's drunken 18-somethings is to turn road signage around so do not depend on the signage. The signs are attached to round steel poasts with metal strapping instead of being bolted in place so it takes little effort for the Guinness fueled brats to do their evil work. Utter garbage and lies...
BrendanDunphy | Apr 23, 2012, 09:42 AM EDT
Five travel tips for my fellow Americans: (1) we tend to talk loudly. Try not to do that over there. (2) Never, ever say you are "Irish". The Irish (the ones born there) get really annoyed at that. They don't understand that we're not meant to be taken so literally! (3) don't wear an Aran sweater or a kelly green sweatshirt that says "IRELAND" on it. (4) don't tip bartenders, unless food service was involved. (5) don't kiss the blarney stone. The locals pee on it at night.
STEVENSTAR | Apr 23, 2012, 09:41 AM EDT
@@@@@BrendanDunphy | Apr 23, 2012, 09:25 AM EDT @STEVENSTAR ... Florida, San Diego, Arizona, etc., get 4/5 months of snow?? Do you REALLY want to have a silly debate on which country has the better weather? I think we ALL know which country loses on that one.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> DO I REALLY CARE ? NAH !!!
BrendanDunphy | Apr 23, 2012, 09:29 AM EDT
@CIARA ... remind us all which city/town in Eire you live in so that we can all make note to avoid that unfriendly bigoted area. Given your distaste for Americans, I suppose that would be a win-win for of us both.
BrendanDunphy | Apr 23, 2012, 09:25 AM EDT
@STEVENSTAR ... Florida, San Diego, Arizona, etc., get 4/5 months of snow?? Do you REALLY want to have a silly debate on which country has the better weather? I think we ALL know which country loses on that one.
STEVENSTAR | Apr 23, 2012, 08:31 AM EDT
@@@@@@@@@@@IrelandNorth | Apr 23, 2012, 05:29 AM EDT Nothing as unfashionable and distinctly untrendy to the discreetly uncharming Irish middle-classe Foxrock set than the native Gaelic Irish tongue, which they rarelly miss a opportunity to do down. It's called post-colonial inferiority complex engendered by 800 years of British imperialism, still not worked through by some posters>>>>>>>>>>>WHY ARE YOU ALWAY BABBLING ON AND ON ABOUT IRISH PEOPLE WHO LIKE BRITISH PEOPLE???? THEIR OUR NEIGHBORS ... YOUR PROFILE NAME SAYS IRELAND NORTH BUT I WOULD BET YOUR AMERICAN LIVING IN AMERICA ?????? WHY DONT YOU GIVE IT UP,, YOUR VERY ANNOYING AND YOUR OPINIONS ARE SO OLD SCHOOL... I BET YOU NEVER EVEN BEEN TO FOXROCK YOU SILLY PERSON ..
STEVENSTAR | Apr 23, 2012, 08:29 AM EDT
YOU FORGET TO SAY THAT THE BIGGEST MISTAKE AMERICANS MAKE WHEN COMING TO IRELAND IS THAT THE MAINLY COME TO IRELAND IN APRIL OR MAY WHEN THE AIR FARES ARE CHEAP AND THATS WHEN WE GET MOST OF THE RAIN.. ASK ANY IRISHMAN WHO LIVES IN IRELAND AND THEY WILL TELL YOU WE'VE HAD VERY LITTLE RAIN ALL WINTER ITS BEEN VERY MILD AND THEN SINCE APRIL THIS YEAR ITS NOT STOPPED RAINING ... BUT AT LEAST WE NEVER GET THAT HORRIBLE 4 /5 MONTHS OF SNOW YOU GET IN AMERICA ...
Gaelphoncán | Apr 23, 2012, 08:13 AM EDT
IrelandNorth and Mousemess, fair deuce to ye. Mousemess, ná bac le Ciara s'againne, ní thuigeann sí an seanfhocal 'an té a bhíonn a magadh, bíonn a leath faoi féin'. Mousemess, I can tell you from my own experience of living nearly two decades in Inis Ealga that being able to speak good Irish is a fast track to integration in Ireland if you get in with with the right crowd. The overwhelming majority of those who can speak good Irish themselves will treat you with the utmost respect (even if your Irish isn't perfect). The fashionably cynical West Brit types (who seem almost perversely proud of their inability to speak Irish after years of learning it at school) can invariably be counted on to sneer at you with condescension. Ná bac leo; bíodh an fheamainn acu. A Chiara, a chroí, I don't take the ---- out of anyone's accent but I can tell you that most Americans who make the effort to learn Irish generally speak it with far more authentic (and far less annoying) blas than a lot of Dubs, and this is the opinion of a lot of my friends from the Gaeltacht (no offense, IrelandNorth).
IrelandNorth | Apr 23, 2012, 05:29 AM EDT
Nothing as unfashionable and distinctly untrendy to the discreetly uncharming Irish middle-classe Foxrock set than the native Gaelic Irish tongue, which they rarelly miss a opportunity to do down. It's called post-colonial inferiority complex engendered by 800 years of British imperialism, still not worked through by some posters.
bogsidebunny | Apr 23, 2012, 12:38 AM EDT
"Ireland is notoriously difficult to navigate with signposts often impossible to find. Map vital, GPS essential" NOTE#1: Irish GPS software is notoriously inaccurate. NOTE#2: A national sport amongst Ireland's drunken 18-somethings is to turn road signage around so do not depend on the signage. The signs are attached to round steel poasts with metal strapping instead of being bolted in place so it takes little effort for the Guinness fueled brats to do their evil work. HINT: A good road map of the country is the best bet for staying on course.
Mousemess | Apr 22, 2012, 10:11 PM EDT
Ciara, English is not the only language some Irish people speak, they also (gasp!) speak Irish.
Mousemess | Apr 22, 2012, 10:02 PM EDT
Ciara, There are Americans across the USA learning the language of the Irish language right and loving it. Sorry if that shocks you! It's also being taught in a very prestigious university Catholic University of America in Washington, DC by an Irish-language teacher from Ireland. We also have Irish classes being taught elsewhere in the USA. Your point of view is as odd as those of any other country who think Americans should learn no other language but English! Americans have long been accused of not wanting or not speaking any language except English. And if some of us want to learn Irish, that's our concern,not yours!
Mousemess | Apr 22, 2012, 09:48 PM EDT
Ciara, When I come again to Ireland to visit, I will stay only with those who have a love of and a pride in their national language, I have no desire to meet sad people like you.
mreinhar2001 | Apr 22, 2012, 07:20 PM EDT
Bythebay; Thank you, that is a happy development compared to 19 years ago. Thanks!
mreinhar2001 | Apr 22, 2012, 06:50 PM EDT
ciaradexy: Hee-hee. That's a good one!! Half of the US the US did, too, back in '93--just not from the right side of the car .
ciaradexy | Apr 22, 2012, 06:29 PM EDT
Im still laughing at Mousemess, learn the language!!! The language all Irish speak is English. It that difficult for you to pick up?
Scrivner | Apr 22, 2012, 06:13 PM EDT
Loved the stick shift we rented, agent didn't think that we were American because of my attitude. But we it was a Citrion rented at DeGaul and we drove to straightaway to Dublin. That way any goofs were blamed on the French, not the Yanks.
TayandCake | Apr 22, 2012, 04:30 PM EDT
Wouldn't go out of my way to watch a GAA match or any sporting event for that matter,
TayandCake | Apr 22, 2012, 04:26 PM EDT
FOREIGNERS IN
ciaradexy | Apr 22, 2012, 04:04 PM EDT
mreinhar, everyone drives stick outside of the US and Canada! Mouse, we dont want to here you trying to speak with an irish accent so we definitely dont want to hear you speaking our native language with an American accent either.
mreinhar2001 | Apr 22, 2012, 02:39 PM EDT
It is probably not this way anymore, but when I was over back in '93, not that many people in Dublin drove. I had rented a car, though, to drive down to Carlow. Driving on the left side of the road and thinking in kilometers per hour didn't bother me. My difficulty was with starting the car. As I recall there was something about the fact that all the cars for rent were stick shifts that made turning the engine over different. I collected the car at the airport where it was already turned on so all I had to do was drive it to the hotel and park it. I did take the key out of the car for the night. The next day, I could not figure out how to start the engine. I asked the concierge. Neither he, nor any of the bellmen, or any of the front desk or housekeeping staff drove cars, so they did not know. I finally called the rental agency. The first thing they asked me was "Is the key in the engine?" (Apparently they had dealt with this before.) I shared that the key was in my hand as I spoke to them on the phone in the lobby (no cell phones back then). I afforded, though, that I had put the key in the ignition before I called and that as I turned the key nothing had happened. So they described a trick, new to me, for starting stick shift cars while I sat on the right driver's side. (One that I have long forgotten.) We made it to Carlow just fine, but I am assuming that these days more people drive or that fewer cars for rent from the Dublin airport have stick shifts anymore, but I do not know.
Mousemess | Apr 22, 2012, 12:48 PM EDT
Another tip, learn to speak Irish language and speak it with those in Ireland who like it and/or are fluent in it.
ballyhip | Apr 22, 2012, 12:15 PM EDT
Do go to a horse race or at least place a bet and watch the race in a nearby pub. You'll meet the real Irish. Lived and owned a Ford Sierra in Ireland (Roscommon, Sligo, and Galway). Never had too much trouble driving as signs were point to point not necessarly route numbers. From Sligo, used to drive into Fermanagh and Derry during the "Troubles". Sometimes a few roadblocks which were always interesting if you know a rifle is aimed at you. Always showed my American passport and not my Irish one. Completely different now.
carrickcourt | Apr 22, 2012, 11:36 AM EDT
I have seen GAA matches on tellie in Ireland, need to get to one some day. In general road signs are much better in Northern Ireland then in the Republic. I love asking for directions in Ireland as the directions will be based on landmarks and not on street or highway names or numbers. In the country you will be very lucky to find a road marked with a name or with a sign directing you to a particular place. I love real maps and especially the Irish Ordnance Survey Discovery Maps. Be very careful driving through small villages and towns in Ireland especially when people are parked on both sides of a street. With the steering wheel on the right one can forget how close one is to cars parked on your left. I speak from experience on this last one.
joanxis | Apr 22, 2012, 11:24 AM EDT
Oh and dickmac, being from Maine, I love Boston but it is one of the worst places to drive and at my age, I've given it up altogether.:)
joanxis | Apr 22, 2012, 11:22 AM EDT
I just returned from a 3 week driving holiday in Ireland and had a fabulous first time adventure. I found southwestern Cork to have plenty of signs, although I did get lost a few times, but I always found my way. The only thing that made me nervous was getting used to the narrow roads, even though I had a small car. Once I got used to them, I did fine. Driving on the other side of the road was fairly easy to get used to. It was just the size of the roads. Everyone was super nice and helpful and now I can tell my 64 year old self that I did it!
Murph46 | Apr 22, 2012, 11:06 AM EDT
dickmac-you are so right -the two places I fear driving -Boston (rotaries)and Ireland!I like you was a good quiet traveler in Ireland-With my family (3 kids) I instituted a policy of we would pick up hitchikers if they would either teach us Irish songs or give us some local stories or history,we met a varity of wonderful people that way and had great fun.
dickmac | Apr 22, 2012, 10:41 AM EDT
I have been to Ireland a number of times and enjoyed every visit. However I am from Boston and my "accent" is a wee bit differant. I still wear white socks and switch my knife and fork when I eat a meal. I also drink black iced tea. But no one notices me. Unless I don't talk or eat in public. Driving is not a problem as we here in Boston drive all over the road anyway.
Murph46 | Apr 22, 2012, 10:31 AM EDT
My problem while driving was after taking a break,lunch ,or potty,when I went to get back onto the road ,several times I would go to get onto the "American" side!Took a while to get used to,but after that,no problem.