{"id":3877,"date":"2019-03-25T16:42:09","date_gmt":"2019-03-25T16:42:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/overinireland.com\/?p=3877"},"modified":"2019-10-10T14:39:28","modified_gmt":"2019-10-10T14:39:28","slug":"driving-tips-ireland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/overinireland.com\/driving-tips-ireland\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Tips for Driving in Ireland You NEED to Know!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

After driving thousands of miles in Ireland, I know the stress that comes from thinking about driving a car in a new country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With over 9 million people each year visiting the country of Ireland,<\/strong><\/a> it is safe to say that many people will be experiencing the same types of fear that I had when it came to driving on the other side of the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coming from Canada, driving on the right side of the road has been ingrained in me for my entire life, so going to Ireland was the first time I ever had to drive on the left side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And to be honest with you it was a little scary at first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But totally worth it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t let fear deter you away from experiencing Ireland’s beautiful landscapes! It will be an experience that you will not regret.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15 Best Ireland Driving Tips For Tourists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfamiliarity with Ireland’s roadways and local driving rules can sometimes lead to accidents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That’s why I decided to write this guide to give you some insightful tips and tricks to keep you safe and on the right side of the law when driving around the Emerald Isle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Always Look Right First<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"ireland<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The country of Ireland, like England and many other countries, drive on the left side of the road. This will be unfamiliar to visitors from America and other nations that are typically used to driving on the right. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Driving on the left side of the road will initially feel weird and a little scary. But the key here is to concentrate on following the flow of traffic and to get comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just remember that when turning, instead of looking left first, that you should always look right.<\/strong><\/em> <\/strong>This is because oncoming traffic will be coming from the right side first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take your time intersections, think about where you were going, and make sure you observe the other cars that are around you and the direction in which they are heading. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A good rule of thumb is to check and double-check before making any turns or maneuvers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Driving on the left side of the road will feel strange at the beginning, but it will eventually feel second nature after a few days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Take Your Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some local drivers could be Formula 1 drivers. I am not kidding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The side roads in Ireland are quite tight, and there is not much room for error. But you will see some drivers speed around these tight corners like they are like Lewis Hamilton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But you can’t worry about those drivers. Drive at a speed you are comfortable with, and if you feel like you are being tailgated, just pull over to the side and let the car behind you pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Learn How To Change a Tire<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While you are traveling in Ireland, you are bound to end up in some pretty remote places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why it’s important to know how to change a tire in case one of your tires pop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On our drive, through the Gap of Dunloe we came across another driver who’s tire was popped after he had a run-in with some sharp rocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, he did not know how to change his own tire, and was a few hours away from an expensive tow truck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily for him, another local and myself helped him out – but don’t let the same thing happen to you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is a good video to watch before you go:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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