Hi Everyone...Well, our day is finally here and my husband and I leave on Monday for our very first trip to Ireland....We are so excited and know we will have a fabulous vacation. We will be driving ourselves around for 9 days and hopefully will not encounter any bad drivers. There have been so many threads about the bad roads and bad drivers in Ireland, but we still wanted to rent a car and do everything ourselves. I will report back with details about our trip and all our accommodations. We will be staying in quite a few castles as well as hotels. Talk to you all soon...Phyllis :=)

rented a car and drove around for a week in ireland in april. didn't find the roads that bad or the drivers. was a very enjoyable trip.enjoy yourselves.

Hi: We were in Ireland 3years ago, around the end of April. We drove from Dublin to the West Coast, and then down to Kenmare, and eventually back to Dublin. We found the driving excellent. You don't make the fast time you would make on most American roads, but you will see more and enjoy every bend in the road. We had no difficulty with drivers or finding B&B's along the way(we phoned ahead in the am)Enjoy every minute!

Phyllis: <BR>Let me know how you liked Glenlo Abbey!

Yeah, you'll encounter some crazies, but it's survivable. One thing I noticed that seems to be the custom there is to move to the left to let traffic pass, even if you're driving on the shoulder.

Phyllis- One good thing about driving in Ireland is that it really makes you appreciate the skill and courtesy of American drivers. Seriously.

Bon Voyage or is it May the road ...?? <BR>Whatever, drove all over Ireland (N&S) and had no real problems. Just remember that you go LEFT at the circles!!! Try to get up to the northwest corner of the island.... KILLYBEGS ..... nice fishing village. <BR>

Just remember to yield to the person in the round about and know that you'll be your most dangerous on the 3rd or 4th day when you think you've gotten the hang of it.Have a marvellous trip.

Phyllis-have a wonderful time! You will love Ireland! I hear the weather has been glorious lately. Eat lots of brown bread slathered with lots of butter! And, somehow the tea just tastes better over there... I will be going to Ireland as well in less than 4 weeks with 8 friends! You are seeing Ireland the best way-imvho-you can stop when you want to and see what you want. <BR>(we have met lovely people just stopping the car and talking to the people in front of their houses, etc.). <BR>Please, do let us know ALL about your trip. And enjoy the singing pubs! <BR>Patti Suttle