My wife and four of her friends are planning to tour Ireland in November. None of them have ever been there or the UK before. None have ever driven on the "wrong side" before. They are smart, resourceful women in their 40's who think that a bus or guided tour is for old people. They want to drive. They want to see as much of the island, including cities, as possible. Three of them drive cars with manual transmissions. What say you?

It strikes me (being of the more or less the same description as your wife and her friends) that their biggest problem will be a vehicle large enough to accomodate them and their luggage!!!! If they're used to manual transmission (which I think is half the battle) I think they'll be fine. I would STRONGLY recommend that there be a designated navigator who is the only one who can tell the driver what to do. I'm talking about advising the way to go at intersections etc---no one needs four people saying which way to go. Driving on the "wrong" side takes some concentration but I think your wife and her friends will be fine----and their own vehicle will give them freedom they won't get on a guided tour. Now, if only they can find a vehicle to accomodate five women and their luggage(no matter how light they pack!!!!) Hope they have a great time.

I'll never forget the time my friend and I went to rent a car in Grenada (Carribean islands) they drive on the 'wrong side'- I have driven a manual all my life but it was impossible to re-adjust my gear shifting habits. We took the car back and got an auto. I don't know how it is in Ireland, but get a automatic transmission unless you are *truly* amidextrous! <BR>maggie

John, <BR> I love to drive in Europe. it does take a while to get used to the left hand side of the road and the roundabouts, but it doesn't take long at all to adjust your thinking. I always rent a car. I'm going to Ireland for the first time in May and I understand the roads are something of an experience. I have driven in Wales and Cornwall and I can't imagine that Ireland can be too much different. Just take your time and enjoy the scenery, but drive defensively.

One word of advice; get an automatic transmission car. It will be more costly, but it will be so much easier on the driver. I think your attitudes are great to want to embark on independent travel. You'll have a blast!! <BR> <BR>

<BR>Sounds wonderful but I will add one caveat. The day they arrive they will presumably be very tired from the overnight plane trip. Speaking from experience, that is not the best time to start learning to drive on the left and also navigating unfamiliar areas. <BR>If they can postpone any lengthy driving until the second day they will be much better off.

4 women (2 of us in our late 40's; the other 2 in their late 20's) did a 10 day driving tour of Northern Ireland a couple of years ago. We had a car about the size of an Altima, which was fine for four (minimal luggage). Getting used to driving on the left took a little while, but we stuck to country roads mostly, so speed limit wasn't much of an issue. The navigator is a MUST...Irish road signs are more like hints...if you get to the roundabout (rotary) use the clock positions to tell the driver ("our exit is at 3:00") where to head off; if you miss, don't worry, just drive around again. We even drove in Belfast and Dublin, and the drivers did fine. My sister pointed out that driving on the other side of the road made her really think about her driving, just like when she first got her license! Your wife and friends should have a wonderful time [just remember: everything is on Irish time. Nothing moves at a frenetic pace (oh now there's an oxymoron...frenetic Irish) but everything gets done...]

I don't mean to sound patronising, but for those of us who drive on the left, everywher we go,(more or less) we have to drive on the "wrong side". It is simply not a problem. Admittedly I am used to manual transmission but swapping from one side to the other. takes literally a few minutes to adjust to. <BR> <BR>On one occasion I flew into San Diego, at 11 o'clock at night, having left Aberdeen at 7 in the morning (plus the time difference remember) and drove to our motel. No hassle. Coming east, you have the added problem that the jetlag is worse in that direction. <BR> <BR>the roads are not so full of traffic and since there are fewer motorways, you have to think and act all the time which means you are not likely to forget. The only stress point is junctions, when you have to actively remember not to go onto the wrong side. In my experience, it's only an issue after a stop. <BR> <BR>Go for it. And have a great time!

You all are giants! Thank you so much for the ideas, not to mention great grammar. It sounds like the consensus is to drive, get an automatic transmission, and designate a navigator. I will pass along your comments to these fine women, suggesting that they pack lightly.(My wife says, "yeah, right.") <BR>Thanks again!

Sheila is 100% correct. I think I make a similar point in another 'driving' type posting. It's not THAT difficult, it's not THAT awkward. <BR> <BR>Not that it bothers me in the slightest (which really means it does) but I prefer to use the words 'other side' as opposed to 'wrong side'.

I'm afraid Fodors is back to its worst again ... i posted a reply to this and well, where did it go ?? Anyway ... <BR> <BR>I agree 100% with Sheila. Driving on the other side (please don't say 'wrong') isn't THAT hard. It's not THAT difficult. I do sympathise with Maira, though, that perhaps automatic transmission may be of benefit to you if that is what you are used to.

I drove in Ireland last summer. Before every intersection, I raised my left hand and said, "keep to the left". The most scarry part was driving on tiny roads with a truck or bus coming at you at a high speed. I would stop and let them pass, trying not to fall off the left side into the ditch.

tony: <BR> <BR>as an irishman told me no to forget to drive on the "right side of the road when in ireland"

Thanks again to all. I apologize to those who took umbrage at the phrase"wrong side." I thought that by putting it in quotes, the irony would be apparent. I guess not. BTW, the women are going to drive, get a large car, and one with automatic transmission. They also will take their time and enjoy what should be one heck of a time. Thanks again for your comments.

I spent three weeks in Ireland in April with my husband, two teenagers, and for one week, my mother. Here's my driving experience and advice: <BR> <BR>1) AutoEurope had the best rates by far. <BR>Murray's Europcar (AutoEurope reps) people were super. <BR>2) The Ford Mondeo, our first car, did not have a large enough trunk ("boot") to fit four medium size suitcases. We switched to a Toyota Avensis which is in the same size category but its trunk is laid out differently and just fit the four bags. <BR>3) Even though I drive a manual transmission at home, I strongly recommend paying the additional money for an automatic. I didn't have too much trouble with the manual because I am left-handed, but it was very hard for my husband. He kept trying to reach over for the gearshift with his right hand - not a good idea! The main thing is, you'll have enough to think about with very narrow roads and staying on the left, without having to deal with shifting with your other hand, too. <BR>4) Driving on the left becomes fairly easy after a while but you definitely need a navigator and "watch out" person. The most difficult times seem to be when backing out of somewhere. Also, in many small towns the Irish park any which way. You can be driving on the left and see cars parallel parked on the left side but facing you. You really need to keep concentrating. <BR>5) The biggest problem we had was the speed of Irish cars and trucks on those narrow, narrow roads. Frequently when we didn't feel comfortable going over 40 mph cars would pass us doing 50 or 60. They are used to the roads; you are not. Our solution was to pull over whenever we needed to so that the cars queued up behind us could pass. They appreciated it and we could breathe easier. <BR>6)A tip I read on this forum worked well: Point the passenger's side mirror straight down. This will enable you to see where the left edge of the road is. <BR>7) Don't even think about drinking and driving. Not even one!