Automatic or Manual??Whoa is me!!
 

Ok, I am the crazy California driver that will be driving 3 other ladies around Ireland starting in Dublin and heading south to Waterford area, west to Dingle, north to Galway and finally leaving car in Shannon. What are the roads like on this route and is it really worth the huge difference in manual versus automatic in rental cars. Lots of mountains, hills, etc??? I drive stick here in CA with my right hand so is it that much different with the left??? Will I be shifting lots on these roads?? Help me with all of these indecions please!!

Thousands of American and Europeans have managed to get the knack of shifting with the left hand. Don't worry, be happy. (PS pedals and gear H are the same, not reversed - urban legend.) The main difficulty I (and I think many others) encounter initially is mirror location - I keep looking at the doorpost instead of the mirror, but again it's a transient trouble.

Some main roads are multi-lane, even some freeway-style, but the majority are two-lane, so the biggest issue will be passing ("overtaking") with limited visibility.

You'll get used to it in no time. But I'll bet you'll be using the windshield wipers when you mean to use the turn signals. More than once. The joke there and in Australia is that foreigners have the cleanest windshields...

Have fun

WK

When we were driving around Scotland for two weeks my wife and I drove in tandem a lot. I'd push in the clutch and she'd shift the gears...worked great!

I'll be the first to say that our trip to Ireland was very stressful due to the driving situation. You'll find it written time and again on this forum that driving can be quite challenging because you are not only driving "on the wrong side of the road in a vehicle set up on the right rather than the left" but you must navigate some of the most windy, narrow, blind-curved roads ever imaginable. As the passenger 100% of the time, my heart was constantly in my mouth. If I had it to do all over again, I'd definitely opt for a manual transmission. Why risk the stress when their really is a way to reduce it?

It's not necessarily a problem. I rented a manual for my trip to SW England (same crazy narrow roads) last May. I have not driven on the wrong side of the road for 15 years, and first time a manual that way. But no problem at all, no missed shift, no turning on the wipers.

I do consider myself a good and experienced driver, so your "mileage" may vary.

Another point to consider - don't think anyone else has mentioned it - pardon if they have, is that petrol is so darned expensive over there and a manual will use less than an automatic. On the little roads sometimes you need the quick change down of gears to get passed other vehicles on the road. I prefer a manual when driving in the UK. I feel more sporty!! Plus of course it is cheaper to rent a manual than automatic. If you don't mind the manual shift then for pure $$ sense go with it.

Hi

A mate of mine here in Australia is a policeman who has been trained in pursuit driving. During his trip in Europe he rented a manual car. He said he found it stressful trying to drive on the right hand side of the frenetic highway system while using his right hand to change gears and trying to read road signs, navigating etc. If he was in Ireland it would have been no problem! So what I'm getting at is he strongly recommended the hire of an automatic.

See ya

Bornintheusa: My 2 cents worth is this: If you're used to driving a manual and are a competent driver in the US, take a manual in Ireland.

Yes, there are lots of hills, narrow roads etc, as well as wide flat roads. They're not usually one lane goat-tracks, though. (Although there are some of those if you go looking ;) They'll be there whether you're driving a manual or an automatic. IMO, you have more control in a manual (particularly if that's what you're used to). The only thing I find a bit tedius in really hilly country where there's a lot of traffic is the constant hill-starts where some lunatic parks 1/2 inch from my tail & I worry about that inevitable little slide back on take-off.

I've driven on both sides of the road in auto & manual. And in Ireland. The beauty there is the many lovely little roads not completely jam-packed with other traffic. At first it does feel a bit "funny". It usually takes me an hour or so to feel comfortable on the RHS (and on the LHS when I return to it after an extended time away.) However, as others will tell you, the fact that the car is set up for the appropriate side of the road really makes it easier than you might imagine.

The difference in price is exhorbitant and I can't personally see any value in taking an auto if you're comfortable with a manual at home.

One word of caution though: Make sure you ask about reverse BEFORE you leave the rental counter. In lots of the models in Europe you have to pull up on a little ring-thing on the gearstick in order to engage it. I spent a very humiliating few minutes in front of a growing queue at the gate of the F'co. carpark the first time I rented in Italy.

BTW - I often use the wipers here to indicate too :) my car's European and has indicators on the opposite side to my friend's Japanese model.

My other tip: If you're the driver & travelling with others, take the car out for half an hour or so by yourself first to get accustomed to it and the roads. There's nothing more guaranteed to make (me anyway) nervous than being in a strange location & car with passengers yakking/directing/advising as I try to get to grips with it. Especially when I've just stepped off a 20 something hour flight (LOL) I take it from your post that you're the only driver?

Caution (2): T intersections need your attention. It's pretty easy to slip into "auto mind" mode & go onto your "normal side" the first couple you encounter if you're not careful. (Voice of experience here ! Refer note above about passengers' advice/questions to driver within 15 mins of exiting carpark after 20 something hour flight.) :o
Enjoy your trip - it's a lovely country.

Here's the thing - it really depends on how much you like driving, how comfortable you are driving in unknown territory, how good a navigator you'll have with you in the car, and how good your reflexes are.

For me the automatic was worth the money, and so was the collision damage waiver, and i wish i'd turned down the free upgrade to a larger car because the smaller the car the better on those winding, narrow roads in the west of Ireland. Even with the automatic it was stressful, and the CDW came in handy when i was hit by a parked car.

What happens is, even though the roads are narrow enough to begin with, local drivers park their cars at the side making it narrower still. Then other drivers want to go whizzing along, so they ride your bumper if you don't feel comfortable whizzing yourself. and if you feel under pressure to drive faster than you really think is quite safe, and you have trouble judging where your left bumper is because it's in a different spot in relation to yourself than you're used to, and you insist to yourself that there must be enough room to get by because other cars do it, that's when those darned parked cars are likely to just reach out and hit that bumper of yours.

don't let me alarm you, it was still a grand trip and i'd do it again in a heart beat, but i'd do everything i could to make driving as easy as possible.

that said, my uncle drove a motorhome on those same roads. so... back to my first point - it really depends on you. (and it seems like it ought to be possible to upgrade to an automatic after a few days if you start out with a manual and don't feel comfortable with it. if you're thinking of giving the manual a go, you could ask about that.)

have a wonderful trip, kate

Suggestion: Take a local driving lesson. The insructor will explain local driving idiosyncrasies.

It depends on you.

I pay the extra wherever I go--I've got enough to do in a new driving environment plus trying to find my way about and catch glimpses of the countryside to worry about shifting gears, especially with my off hand.

Once I got a car with A/T, I never contemplated getting another vehicle with a manual transmission. Might as well go back to horse and buggy days as far as I'm concerned.

But I'm not a car nut while some people just enjoy shifting gears, and others will put up with additional aggravation to save a couple of hundred bucks. I'll save money elsewhere. Personal choice and preference.

The title is misspelled. "Whoa" should be spelled "woe".

First of all - a majority of Americans have never driven a stick so they have two learning curves - shifting adn the "wrong side of the road". You don't have that problem.

Second - I am totally uni-dextrous - Can't really do anything lefthanded. yet I have no problem shifting w/ my left hand. You won't be doing any power shifting or trying to pull someone off the line. At least I hope not :) And missing a shift now and then is no big disaster anyway. You likely won't ever get into 5th and on most country lanes you will be in 2nd and 3rd. And in small villages - 1st/2nd. So don't think you will be constantly shifting through all the gears.

And third - I actually think having a stick helps keep you alert to being on the "wrong side". Most visitors get into trouble is when they sort of go into "auto pilot" and forget about being on the left. A stick is a big help at keeping you on your toes - whereas an automatic can let one drift off.

SO -- even w/o the money savings I'd usually choose a stick.

No, I think "whoa" works in the context.

Well, put us in the automatic vote. My husband is an outstanding driver, in all kinds of road and weather conditions. Yet, without an automatic in Ireland, the driving would have been traumatic.

We were SO glad that we opted for automatic, as we drove throughout the island and encountered so many difficult passages -- a manual transmission would have undone us. (And yes, we both know how to use manual, and also are originally from California so we understand that traffic and the highways/freeways there, as you, bornintheusa!)

Well, whatever you decide, have a safe trip -- and enjoy. Ireland is magical.

All the best,
Sue

I'm in the pay the money for the automatic camp for all the reasons that have already been stated.

Since you're accustomed to a manual, use a manual. As others have said, it's no big deal. I've been to the U.K. and other left-drive countries and it takes just a couple of minutes to get used to it. The one word of warning is to be careful at intersections when you're turning right. You're accustomed to the left being the "danger" side when you're looking but remember that there it is the right because you'll be crossing the lane(s) with oncoming traffic when you turn right. So you need to look both ways.
Have a good trip. It'll be fun!!

Born, we have driven in Ireland 4 times, only once with an automatic. For our most recent trip, I ordered up an automatic because I thought it would give DH a break. He decided to take an upgraded vehicle with standard for the same price (which was excellent through O'Scannlain/Hertz, by the way).

If you are still undecided after reading all this input, I say price it out. Go to several websites and get prices for similar cars in both standard and automatic. If you can narrow the price gap, then go for the automatic and the peace of mind. (Especially the peace of mind for whomever will be your navigator, as that is really the hot seat, IMHO!)

Let me explain a little further why it's not an issue:

- Pedals are arranged the same way as in LHD cars. There's no confusion there.

- Yes, you shift with your left hand, but since you have never shifted that way before, there's no confusion where the gears are. I learned and learned quickly. I didn't even have to think about it after maybe 15-20 minutes.

- Unlike the problem some people confusing turn signals with windshield wipers, I can guarantee you that you won't hit your right hand on the door because you want to shift with your right hand. Not going to happen.

It's really a minor nuisance rather than a major issue. Go for the manual.

I'm planning my eigth trip for this April, and all have so far, involved using manual transmissions. I've driven 9 passenger vans (round the Ring of Kerry, and through the extreme wilds of West Cork), 7 passenger vans, a 5 passenger people mover and full size, mid size and compact sedans.
I too, drive a stick stateside (though the "Good" car is an automatic). Even if the price difference wasn't SOOOO Much, I think that I would choose a stick in Ireland, just for the versatility.

Bob

bornintheusa: You must be so confused by now! Good grief! I wonder what you will decide......good luck!

And safe travels indeed. All the best.

Sue

I learned to drive on a stick shift, and have rented manuals in Ireland twice. Not a big deal for me. The only time I ever wanted an automatic was when we drove up the road to Slieve League. We got halfway up and encountered 3 cars coming down (on a one lane road with an 800 foot dropoff on the left). A couple of cars pulled up behind me, and it became clear that we'd have to pull over as far to the left (and the chasm) as possible. Feathering the clutch and gas with my wife on the passenger side groaning and my legs trying to tremble was painfully difficult. I didn't learn not to drive a stick next time, but I'm sure not driving up that road again.

By the way, the roads along the route you've chosen are pretty good by Irish standards. Of course, there are the usual surprises of sheep in the road, roads through towns lined with cars parked on both sides, "loose chippings", etc., but you should really enjoy that route. Where are you staying along the way, may I ask?

Thanks all of you for your wonderful advice and even better driving stories!! Still not sure what to get in the way of manual vs. automatic but am going to price both and decide from there. Will let you all know what I decide when I finally rent something. To MexicoBeachbum we will be staying at local B and Breakfasts (not sure which ones as my darling girlfriend is working on those and my job is to research and work on getting the rental car) along the way staying in each one 2-3 nights--total of 14 days in Ireland and then a 3 day stay in London on the way home.

I think an automatic is the way to go as well - BUT...do you also need to factor in your preference for the size of the car? I mention this, because it seems like most of the smaller cars in Ireland are not available with an automatic, and my experience with driving in Ireland really doesn't make me want to rent a large car.

I've driven both, small car with manual and a larger car with automatic, and I can't say with certainty what I'm going to rent this summer. Any thoughts on what the best small car option with an automatic would be that would usually be available for rental in Ireland?

I'm familiar and comfortable with a standard at home, but would definitely opt for the automatic to drive in Ireland. From what I understand, it is difficult enough to navigate on the "wrong" side, down very narrow roads, keep away from foliage along the sides that will cause damage (or, as someone told me, "figure on losing your side view mirrors early on"), and figuring out road signs, where you can find them.

Story from friends: Reserved a standard to save money. Just could not get used to that clutch. And, had very difficult time each and every time getting car into reverse. Came to a traffic signal one day. Light turned green, car stalled. By the time got car going again, light red. After this happened again and again over several light changes, there was a tap on the window from a driver behind, "Are ya waitin' for a particular shade of green?"

For me, it's not so much shifting as it would seem there are lots of other contingencies also worthy of your attention while driving.

I drove a manual for years, both in Germany and California. When we go to Europe, I'm always the driver, as my travel partner, my sister, is timid about driving there. We almost always rent cars with manual transmission because usually automatics are considerably more expensive. I haven't found driving a manual to be difficult, though I do hate having to wait in traffic on a hill when I may or may not stall the car with others right at my bumper.

However, I did have an accident in England. I hit a dump truck! I was turning from a two-lane road onto a dual carriageway, and I got confused. I think next time I go to the UK I will get an automatic unless the price is just too outrageous. I think the fewer complications I have when driving there, the better.

The roads in the country are often extremely narrow. My sister and I had a system--she would gasp, which was the signal that I was too close to the rock wall on my left. Our system worked well until the fateful day when I encountered the dump truck.

My husband has driven cars in Scotland, Ireland, England for trips over the past 25 yrs. and we always have rented a manual. He did VERY well, but is left handed and has a great sense of direction and road conditions.
Having said that: the past couple of years we have rented automatic and it's WELL worth the added price...and is certainly one (BIG) thing less to worry about. There will be 4 of you ladies and you will be having lots of fun and giggles , I'm sure. ..and will probably split the price..right? We did almost your same route, only in reverse, a few years ago. Ireland is beautiful , wonderful, full of super nice people.....however the roads ARE curvy, hilly some, quite rough some, and narrow. I think you'd have a more relaxed, enjoyable time renting an automotic. And with 4 of you, you'll need a larger car anyway. Besides, it's safer. Even with just the two of us we usually rent a Tarus or similar.
(and "Mandatory" CDW insurance in Ireland is NOT mandataory , IF you have a letter from Mastercard and rent with a MC).

Aw come on lads our roads are not that bad! ....seriously i would advise on a Manual, and just grit your teeth driving the Ring of Kerry:)

bornintheusa: I have a recommendation for a reasonably priced B&B in Waterford that's quite charming and a fairly short walk to downtown and the quay. It's the Mayors Walk B&B. Jane Hovenden, the hostess, is a sweet lady and does a nice job on the food. Not fancy, but a good value nevertheless. No website when I checked last, but her email is: [[email protected]]

By far, the most difficult aspects were getting into the car on the (wrong) driver's side and intuitively knowing where the left side of the car was in "space".
Had no trouble shifting with my left hand nor the brake, clutch which are the same layout.
M

Well, with all of your help I have come to the conclusion that even though I am a crazy California driver I am going with an automatic. Being the driver for my 3 friends I don't want to endanger their lives and mine!! So this way the only thing I will really have to get use to is driving the "wrong" side of the road and don't have to worry about that AND shifting. Found that we can get a mid size automatic (Ford Mondero) with 4 doors and a hatchback that says it fits 5 people (probably 5 year olds!!) and 4 bags I think for about $800 in US dollars for 11 days. But with 4 of us that is only $200 per person for a lot of sightseeing. Am going through O'Scannlain.

WOW, that's an awful lot for just 11 days of rental. Did you try Autoeurope.com? Also, if you use your Plat M/C, they cover the CDW, which can be very expensive. ((b))

We rented an automatic Mondeo in England in 1998 and the rate at that time for a 1-way rental, 9 days, basic (i.e. CC insurance as opposed to car rental agency insurance) and free extra driver was around £ 20 per day. (I'm quoting in pounds to minimize confusion for you as I paid in $CAN). Allowing for the fairly steep inflation that has affected rental car markets, then at today's prices the rate I paid would be around £ 30 per day, for a 1-way automatic rental of at least a week's duration. It seemed steep to me even at the time but I had no standard of comparison (no pun intended) since all our other rentals were standard transmissions, and in other countries.

The Mondeo was adequate for 4 people provided each of you packs fairly lightly. (A Mondeo is like a Contour, if memory serves.)

If you really want to find out the answer to your question, you could always try renting, in addition to your 'main' rental, a 1-day rental of a manual transmission car out of a local garage once you get to Ireland. Local garage rates tend to be reasonable, since they don't offer full service e.g. multiple depots, extended office hours, or 1-way dropoffs. Then you could try out the manual for a day when you are over there (preferably in a smaller city or town) and see how you like it. You'd then know for future trips.

But given that driving with 3 people on a long-anticipated trip is bound to be somewhat distracting, I think you made the right choice for your main rental. It's also much harder as a rule to find automatics than manuals overseas, so switching at the last minute isn't always possible.

We have yet to drive in Ireland (making our first trip in March!) but we have driven in England and preferred automatics. We are planning on doing this in Ireland too. There is enough to worry about without also worrying about shifting with the other hand! But I think it just depends on how well you drive at home and how good you think your driving ability will be over there.

By the way, I just checked out autoeurope.com and the price differences between auto and manual weren't too bad. We are going March 18 through the 26 and the cheapest manual is $91 for the week, cheapest automatic is $191 for the week. The rates are so inexpensive that we are going to pay the extra $100.

Tracy

$800 for a mid-size AT car seems a bit high to me as well--though not outrageously so. Maybe $100 or so.

Besides autoeurope try Nova at www.novarentacar.com or 1-866-NOVACAR Like autoeurope, Nova will try to match or beat other prices you are quoted.

Doesn't hurt to shop around a bit. And be sure to check what each rental company/broker is and isn't including in the price.

Always curioius, I just checked Nova for a mid-size car with AT and they came up with about $560 for 11 days from Dublin city to Shannon airport. Around $15 higher from Dublin airport.

We rented a Ford Focus (manual) for 21 days through Dan Dooley for about what you're paying for 11 days, I think. Check with them through theirelandexpert.com, and you'll get a discount and a free size upgrade.

Jumping into this discussion a little late but let me add my vote for automatic. I haven't driven in Ireland but maybe my experience in the narrow roads in Cornwall qualifies me. With an automatic, I found little trouble adjusting to RHS driving. However, I did find driving on narrow roads required closer attention than I normally need here in the western US. Many roads have no shoulder at all; instead there's a curb or a hedge or, most unforgiving, a stone wall. Nothing like passing an oncoming car on a narrow road bordered by stone walls.

Also helpful is a good navigator, so you can concentrate on the driving.

I am all about saving $$ so will check Autoeurope.com, Novarentacar.com and theirelandexpert.com as you all suggest. Triple A and Hertz were about $1000 for an automatic Mondero with all of the insurance--so will keep looking...have lots of time!!