My husband is scared of driving in Ireland because we didn't have a good experience driving in England. A few years later, he drove in New Zealand where they also drive on the left and he did great. So I was wondering if someone out there can tell me how the driving in NZ and Ireland compare?
Thanks,
krisz

I've never been to NZ, but if your husband didn't have a good experience driving in England, I'm sure he won't have a good experience driving in Ireland. The roads in Ireland are more narrow compared to most of the UK roads, but you'll enjoy yourself anyway.

I am afraid that driving in Ireland and England is similar. New Zealand is quite different because the country is much less crowded and much of your driving is out in the country where you might not see another car for many miles. I should also note that the roads are wider.

Hi, I live in New Zealand and yes most of our roads are wider and quieter compared to England except perhaps in and around Auckland. However we were pleasantly surprised how easy driving around Ireland was and found it very similar to home, we also found the drivers much more courteous in both England and Ireland than here in NZ!!!
Hope this helps.

What was it that he found difficult about driving in England? Without knowing specifically what his problem was we can't really advise. Roundabouts? Yep got those in Ireland. Narrow roads? Oh yeah! Anything else?

Driving in and around Dublin is pretty much the same as driving around any large English city. They're all a lot more congested than Auckland. Drivers in urban Britain and Ireland are much less tolerant of other people's mistakes than North Islanders. And they expect far faster reactions from other drivers than Kiwis seem to. My impression was that the driving style I find normal in Dublin practically shocked Aucklanders.

In most of Ireland outside Dublin (and away from the main roads to Belfast and Cork), traffic densities (and tolerance of other people) is about the same as in NZ. But roads are often a great deal narrower.

Driving in NZ needs a lot less sharpness and attentiveness than in Ireland.

Thanks, this was helpful. I think part of the problem in England was getting a manual transmission car, but also judging the space was difficult. I was terrified that we would hit a pedestrian. We got the hang of roundabouts and did alright on motorways. I think we will drive as little as possible in Ireland. Got to do more research on busses and trains.

I wouldn't totally count out driving - if you get an automatic. The downside is that it's twice as expensive, but I think definitely worth it not to struggle with manual.

The best part about having your own transportation is that you can be on your own schedule, and a lot of Ireland isn't accessible by bus/train. We found driving to be easy if you take it a little slow at the beginning, and have your passengers keep reminding to stay left. Then we were cruising right along. Just stay careful along the really narrow roads with stone walls or hedges and you'll be ok.

But it all depends on what type of traveler you are and where you're spending your time. I avoid having to use buses/trains simply because I like to be on my own schedule and explore the unbeaten path. But I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter what!

We've driven in New Zealand and in Ireland, and there are a lot of similarities. But there are three major differences:
In Ireland the roads are much more narrow and in much poorer shape.
In Ireland there is about 10 times as much traffic on the country roads.
In Ireland, you are not likely to have to stop for 15 minutes to let the sheep cross.