Renting a car in Ireland seemed like a great opportunity- so many castles and ruins and abbeys to explore- but also intimidating. What’s it like renting a car abroad? How was I going to drive manual on THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD? It seemed like Roadtrip: challenge mode.

Because we rented a car, we were able to duck into tiny villages, take photos of misty graveyards, and explore the ruins of infinite churches. There’s just no substitute for the freedom of a car trip in new countryside.

It was certainly was challenging, but not in the ways I expected. Here are the main things I wish I knew in advance.

1. Get a Refresher on Manual. If you’re not used to a manual transmission (I know they’re uncommon here in the states) ask around and see if you can bribe a friend into giving you a lesson or refresher on their manual vehicle. Many manual drivers would love to share their niche skillset with you. You definitely don’t want the first time to be trying to get out of the rental car parking lot- that would be embarrassing and potentially a disaster. Although you can get an automatic transmission in Europe, they will be more expensive and harder to find.
2. Book with a credit card. Many cards will cover insurance themselves so don’t get pressured into unnecessary costs. On the other hand, assume you may get a scratch or two, especially if it’s your first time on that side of the road. Read up on your own policies- you may be pleasantly surprised. On the other hand, a little extra per day for peace of mind is valuable if you can afford it…
3. Book online. We looked online before we went in person to the rental place. They tried to charge us around 200 euro instead of the advertised 40 euro online. Then they gave us a line about “special online promotions” that “would take a day at least to work”. We walked to the other side of the room, booked on our phone, and the car was ready immediately. Nice try, boys.

   

4. Choose a navigator. There’s a lot going on driving in a foreign country so it’s good to give the map-following to a partner. The co-pilot’s job was to give directions and say “LEFT LEFT” at any and all major intersections so the driver could focus. Silly, but it helped a lot.
5. Beware the hedges. The roads are not really two lanes in many places. When another car appears ahead, you may need to pull onto the side to let them pass. Be very careful pulling off because the hedges and small stone walls are vicious. Watch those mirrors!
6. Find your Airbnb in daylight. If you’re renting a place, be sure to find it in daylight. The roads are not well-lit and many places don’t have proper street addresses. The address they give may just drop you off in the center of town.  If you get lost, ask directions just like the old days. There will always be someone in the local pub!
7. Go easy on your speed, especially at night. The roads are unlit, there are many switchbacks, hills, valleys, potentially drunken drivers, and livestock that may cross the road. Better to take it a little slower.

Ireland is a great country to drive around, exploring little towns and stopping at anything that looks interesting by the side of the road. Have fun and remember the most nerve-wracking part of your journey will probably be driving out of the rental parking lot: you’ll be nervous and it’s likely to be a busy traffic area. Once you get out of town, the roads are less busy and stressful! Enjoy!