We were very comfortable driving through Ireland went to Italy and no way thought of driving. Now planning a trip to Barcelona and wondered how that compared to Ireland or Italy. Would only drive to go outside of Barcelona not for around the town. Thinking first week of Dec or possibly mid Oct.

Like any large city driving and parking can be problematic and to rent a car just for day trips I'd say not as trains and buses go everywhere - like Montserrat, Figueras for Dali Museum, Girona, etc.

Now if wanting to drive to other places to stay - like up the coast towards France driving in Spain would be similar to Italy it seems. No problem.

If renting car be sure to get an International Driving Permit as it is required as are last I knew a spare pair of spectacles in the car if your license requires wearing them for driving..

As well as a spare pair of spectacles, and an IDP, we were told that drives should also ahve their passports with them in the car.

Driving is easy in Barcelona. Not more difficult than in Ireland. Easier than in southern Italy. Just don't leave anything visible in the car and park it safely (hotel, official parking garage, etc.). Cars with a Spanish license plate are preferred. I assume you're doing car rental then that's no problem.

The only issue with Spain are some strange roundabouts. I remember roundabouts with traffic lights in the middle. I've no idea how that made sense to anyone but it was surprising.

Other than that you don't need nor really want a car in any Spanish city. Parking is limited. Hotels in the city centres rarely provide it and if they do it can cost more than a budget room.

In general the roads are great. If it's summer and you're on the coast expect traffic jams but outside of that traffic isn't a huge issue outside of the cities.