Just returned from two weeks in Ireland. Had a fantastic time, fell in love with the country, etc. Based on a number of posts in this forum, I initially opted to stay in the cities and take trains, rather than renting a car, given the potential risks, challenges, etc. to driving.

After a day in Dublin (staying at the fabulously elegant Number 31), I completely changed plans, rented a car, headed up to County Mayo/Conommora, drove down through Dingle and Baera Peninsulas, and then to Cork, to begin a cycling trip in the southwest.

The point is that my trip would not have been remotely as wonderful if I did not drive and see the beautiful countryside, and the lesson is to try to take the useful/interesting analysis in these forums, and ignore the messages that are overly negative or unecessarily worrisome.

Thats great! We rented a car and drove north through Northern Ireland to the Giant's Causeway etc, then to the west coast, Ring of Kerry and made our way back to Dublin. Was the most beautiful trip. With a car you can stop in a village and walk around. We drove to Cong and walked around the town. So much fun with a car. Good for you.

Thanks for reinforcing our decision to drive----leaving in a few weeks.

I second (third?) the advice... DRIVE!

The wife and I have done self-drive itineraries in Ireland, Scotland, England, France, South Africa, New Zealand, Alaska, and Nova Scotia.

For many of those locations, we've had a chance to compare our experiences to those who either only visited major cities or were on packaged bus tours. All I can say is that our experiences were very different (and much richer) than those on tours. You definitely get a much better feel for the country and their people. Plus you tend to stay in smaller places, go to more intimate (or at least more 'local' restaurants) and get the joy of discovering things that no bus tour will ever visit.

We drove for 8 days and put 800 miles on the rental. Being from the US I had to learn how to drive all over again! We did not have a GPS and did get lost many times in or close to the cities. As frustrating as it was at times, we laughed it off and said we would not have seen as much of the country if we hadn't gotten lost. Besides, we met so many nice people asking for directions and a few times a local would get in their car and guide us out. The signs were the hardest to get used to. We drove from Dublin south to west to Kenmare, to Galway etc. and back to Dublin. Can't wait to return!

Glad to hear another positive for driving! Though I must admit, I enjoy staying just outside of a city and leaving the driving for a day every once in a while as I take a train or bus into the city for sightseeing. But driving is always a grand adventure that takes you into interesting nooks and crannies!

Yep, on the driving trips we park and take public transport into the cities.

I'll drive as long as Dan Dooley will rent to someone of my advancing age.

I liked having a sat-nav to help find our way back to the B&&B in the dark.

I ignore the overly positive messages as well.

B&&B? Good grief.

I absolutely agree. My only caveat I advise my US friends to do is to rent an automatic even though it costs more. Trying to learn to shift with my left hand defeated me. I was nearly killed in a major roundabout in England as a result.

CJK

Good for you! When people tell me they are planning to train it or take a motorcoach tour, I encourage them to drive instead. The roads can be challenging at times, but there is nothing like traveling leisurely, stopping when you want or where you want.

Spend the extra and get the automatic. I am quite adept at a stickshift, but the tight corners, hills, and unexpected arrival of sheep made me happy I chose the automatic.

jaja, I personally like the B&&Bs better than the B&Bs.

"<i>try to take the useful/interesting analysis in these forums"</i>

That is the way you should take ANY advice. You must listen/read and then decide what is relevent for yourself. By looking at other postings/trip reports made by respondants, you can get a pretty good idea of how they like to travel and therefore, decide how their particular bit of advice fits with your personality. It is always good to ask "why" a certain activity was troubling. While driving in Ireland (or anywhere) might be a nightmare for some, it is pure pleasure for others -- as you have proven.

Great how did the bike part go, I've always fancied following the Lify or the canal out of Dublin did you go near it?