Driving in the left lane...
 

Planning on visiting Dublin soon. Is it difficult adjusting to driving on the left side?? Should I just skip renting a car??

I am currently planning an Ireland trip also, and from what I can tell, a car isn't necessary in Dublin. We're planning to fly into Shannon and rent one, but drop it off before our few days in Dublin.

We're doing Scotland in May/June and renting a car for the countryside but taking trains and buses into the cities.

If you've ever driven in the passing lane of a freeway, you've driven on the left side. You'll probably adjust pretty easily. The steering wheel in the "wrong place" should be a good reminder!

The challenge is not driving on the left side of the road. It is having the steering wheel on the right side of the car. So many things seem counterintuitive and shifting with your left hand adds even more confusion. Backing up is the worst. For some reason, looking over my left (rather than my right) shoulder completely disorients me. If you have to rent a car, pick it up in a small town or the outskirts of a large city. This will allow you to become accustomed to the misplaced steering wheel under less stressful circumstances.

My hubby and I were surprised that doing this was not as difficult as we expected (I keep saying "we," but he did the driving!). We did rent an automatic so we wouldn't be dealing with shifting with his left hand.

However, we left the car at the airport when we reached Dublin and took the bus into the city. Neither of us would drive in big cities and there really was no need, as Dublin has a great bus system.

&quot;<i>Planning on visiting Dublin soon</i>&quot;

You only mention Dublin. If you are only going to Dublin and the immediate area - you <b>definitely</b> do not need nor want a car.

If, on the other hand, you meant you are visiting Ireland and are only landing in Dublin -- then yes, you'll probably want a car.

Agree. Don't need a car for Dublin (or most Euro cities really). Dublin is hectic, and not only are the sides switched, but there are other differences as well, such as frequent roundabouts. Not much parking either.

But I like a car for the Irish countryside and small towns and there I think the switchover is not difficult at all.

The part that is difficult is trying to drive a right-hand drive, left-hand shift car immediately after coming off a long international flight that you may have gotten little to no sleep on. I remember getting in the rental car at Heathrow and just sitting there for a minute reminding myself that I already know how to drive. I got us to our destination, but was much better the following days with decent sleep.

I had an accident in England when I was turning from a two-lane road into a dual carriageway. Driving on the left side of the road isn't usually a problem for me, but I was tired. My accident happened after a long day of driving. If you do rent a car, I'd suggest that you be sure you are well-rested. It's easy to get careless or confused when you're tired.

I certainly agree with those who advise you not to drive if you are just staying in Dublin--or in any other major European or British city.