An American Lady Driving in Ireland

[@cclr3574]

Don't use your phone while driving, please! 😯 It's illegal in Ireland, but even if it's not illegal where you're from it can still be as dangerous as drink driving. Car insurance isn't just rental companies making money off you, it's a legal requirement. The car can be seized if you're not insured to drive it in Ireland.

[@markpokorny818]

I randomly came across this video and thought it was a very good tutorial on Irish urban driving. As a native driver, it is sometimes hard to appreciate some of the things we take for granted, but might be totally strange to visitors arriving from a different driving culture. So thanks for helping others out. I’d like to add a couple of points, if I may, just in case anybody from the US is going to use this (in my opinion, very good) tutorial: 04:30 - the yellow flashing lights are actually attracting your attention to the zebra crossing (the white stripes painted on the road) rather than the school zone. At the zebra crossing, pedestrians have priority over vehicles, and you MUST stop to allow them to cross. Incidentally, school zones do not have quite as much weight here as they do in the US/Canada (there are no additional/special speed restrictions, for example). The signage typically warns that there may be children milling about, or a crossing warden may be operating in the road ahead, etc. 05:37 - note the dude driving down the wrong side of the road. They are probably turning right at the lights ahead and are ‘skipping the queue’ of cars going left/straight-on. Do not do this, as it is illegal, but do watch out for others doing it as it is very common. 08:45 - the information about the motorcycles is known as filtering and is, as mentioned, completely legal. Be very careful if changing lanes/turning, particularly in slow-moving traffic and pay extra attention for motorbikes/cyclists doing this. Double-check your blind spots! 09:11 - very good roundabout advice - the only thing I will add is that those conventions can be overruled by road markings or signs. Unfortunately the roundabout chosen as an example was one of those exceptions (there’s a subtle arrow on the road at 09:51 saying left-only in the left lane). The one immediately afterwards was unmarked, so the advice was sound for that one. Road markings are notoriously bad over here (as the video shows)! 11:13 - just to emphasise the point even more for anyone watching, both the pram and the car at 11:24 stopped much further back than usual, so the uploader would’ve experienced much hairier-feeling situations prior to what is seen in the video. This is the kind of thing that we locals take for granted, but will absolutely scare the daylights out of anyone not expecting it. Good advice here! 11:58 - 100% correct here, and everything you see at this turn is normal and legal. Just to clarify a little bit: it is illegal to block a junction, which is why the Nissan driver opposite (12:40) stopped short of the junction. As the lights were still green when the car in front moved, the camera car could still have proceeded and followed that car legally, BUT anybody doing so must watch out for any cyclists/motorbikes filtering through the oncoming traffic here - they have right of way. Once the lights changed to yellow at 12:43, you were correct in that you must stay exactly were you were behind the traffic lights. Good advice here too! 14:00 - note that ‘right-wheel-to-the-kerb parking’ is legal here, so there is nothing at all (other than the faded lines) to tell you this is a two-way street. Good spot! 14:37 - the double-yellow lines on this street denote parking restrictions rather than the flow of traffic. The only way to tell if a street is one-way is by signage/arrows on the road. Coincidentally, that street was actually two-way until fairly recently, so you could, in theory, drive down streets as narrow as this elsewhere and have cars (or buses!) coming towards you. 15:25 - the advice here to the end is VERY important. It may be tempting to down-size one level from what you’re used to driving in the States, and the allure of driving a manual whilst on holiday may be strong, but in all seriousness, the roads here are TINY in comparison to those back home. There really is no way to convey just how small they are on video. Whatever car you think is going to be a good size, go ahead and knock it down another two sizes before selecting. If you can get away with the smallest car, go for it. It’ll make life so much more pleasant for you! And trying to learn a manual whilst trying to navigate, reading unfamiliar road signs, sitting on the opposite side of the car, resisting the urge to stay right when that’s what you’re used to, and having cars, bicycles and people suddenly appearing right in front of you is probably not wise. If you drive a manual normally, then take advantage of the cheaper rental. If not, save yourself massive headaches and stick with the automatic. You’ll probably get a chance to try out a manual whilst you’re here anyway. Enjoy driving here. It is fun; the place is beautiful, and people are very friendly and patient. I hope you enjoyed your time here with your daughter!

[@pointingbacktogodministrie3739]

Thank you so so so much! I am so grateful that you took the time to comment the way that you did. I totally agree with everything that you have to say and was just trying to give the drivers in the United States an example of what it's like. I really appreciate all of the time and care that you took in commenting. You totally understood what I was trying to do and didn't bash me for local laws. Thank you again so much! I hope that everybody reading your comments is able to put together my video and your comments and get a better picture of what it's like to drive in Ireland!

[@drewdg21]

Amazing comment, thank you for providing the additional insight.

[@Solotraveller39]

Best driving in Ireland video I've seen so far. You're right, other people's videos just show how to drive on a rural road and not in town. Thank you so nuch for posting. It was very helpful.

[@bratachban]

Thanks for the drive to Bray my hometown 👍

[@michaeljohndennis2231]

I just came across and subbed to your channel, as although I’ve been living 21 years in Manchester U.K., I’m proudly Irish, have always held and renewed an Irish passport in the entire time I’ve been here and I’m originally from Dunshaughlin Co. Meath where I still have extended family - I come over as often as I can on SailRail via Holyhead to Dublin - I was raised Catholic, so most of my family friends are Catholic priests, friars & nuns across many religious orders - like Dublin, Dunshaughlin Village has changed so much in the years that I’ve been coming home, both summer and winter, daytime and overnight trips - when I was growing up there in the 1970’s & 1980’s, we had 3 working farms in the Main Street, now it’s practically a town and in the commuter belt, being barely 20 miles from Dublin - as long as I’ve lived here in Manchester and the U.K., Ireland will always be my real home due to my strong family and cultural connections to my homeland 🇮🇪☘️🇮🇪❤️

[@Petermeidlinger]

Super helpful for visualizing the roads of Ireland.

[@Shinsen774]

Useful video as we are traveling to Ireland tomorrow. I own a 1979 Right Hand Drive Mini with manual gearbox so I am good with that part. Many years ago I drove on the left on a scooter in Bermuda so I am good with that part. Now I just have to put the two together!

[@ballybunion9]

13:30: Note the Irish way of parking: two tyres in the street and two on the sidewalk.

[@ready4sea301]

Very nicely done! We are flying to Ireland tonight-picking up a car upon arrival. Very timely to have found your video!

[@pointingbacktogodministrie3739]

Have a great trip!

[@barnes307]

Very informative. Thanks you! Planning s trip to Ireland this spring!

[@PoliticalSIs]

Me too! The end of March. I'm so excited because I'll be going solo.

[@shanekennethgomes]

I came across your video and I truly enjoyed every bit of the tutorial on driving in Ireland, even though I've had the experience of driving across the United Kingdom. Rules are similar. Parking on the streets are of the same pattern. However, what was interesting in the video is your distinct narration and vocals are amazing.

[@pointingbacktogodministrie3739]

Thank you! I appreciate your feedback!

[@michaeljohndennis2231]

@@pointingbacktogodministrie3739I used to drive motorcycles in Ireland from 1993 - 1998 and that was scary, especially in Dublin - when I come home from the U.K. now, being totally reliant on public transport, it’s almost comical to see the driving antics on Irish roads when watching it from the bus or coach

[@mcarpenter2917]

One thing not mentioned is to make sure you get comprehensive insurance not third party insurance! It's not much more expensive but gives you much better coverage for any damage.

[@cathimackenzie1920]

Omg. Your video is so helpful !! Thank you so much. I can’t wait to see the others.

[@mbp1646]

Stumbled across this by accident a year later and recognised Bray and I think Greystones. Lovely video.

[@pointingbacktogodministrie3739]

Thank you! Glad you recognized the area

[@WLK1965]

Thank you for posting.

[@Makbabe72]

This was the most helpful video I watched so far!

[@Andthen_londonjames]

SO helpful; thank you!!! I'm going for the first time in Aug and I've been so anxious- I feel a lot less nervous after watching your video.

[@pointingbacktogodministrie3739]

That's exactly why I posted it! I had a hard time finding something like this.

[@John-px4uk]

The minute she said renault I turned it off

[@conorbrown792]

I mean you don't speak French either. You probably pronouncing volkswagen, Porsche 'wrong'

[@michaelmccarthy9411]

Don't blame you,she's a terrible driver.

[@bestdrivingtour]

It's not bad drive in Ireland. Nice narrow roads with 80km/h speed limits ;) Good drive!

[@robcenrc]

use the indicators on the roundabout, even if a lot of Irish drivers don't use them.

[@pointingbacktogodministrie3739]

I agree with that! Sometimes it's hard cuz they fly around the roundabouts so it's hard to merge if you're in the inside lane but that's a great point!

[@damienoconnor8898]

@@pointingbacktogodministrie3739 You don't merge on the inside lane, that's for taking the left exit which does not merge. It difficult because you are doing wrong.

[@syrahshark]

Super helpful!

[@Jessycakeboy]

Dont hold your phone when your driving you can get into a crash

[@125ordie2]

Thanks for the video. Typical Renault wouldn't move start button over for UK/Irish market. You could easily hire a hybrid or EV if uncomfortable with stick. Hold on credit card is refundable if no damage.

[@pointingbacktogodministrie3739]

Thank you for your input!

[@mannerspleasecaninetrainin1007]

I noticed you mentioned the insurance you purchased on Travelocity was useless. Can you please share more about that? We are going in Nov 22 and we are renting through Hertz and already purchased the insurance. Now I'm worried. Thanks for the video!

[@pointingbacktogodministrie3739]

The trip protection insurance is fine. It's the liability insurance that's useless. You are required by Irish law to purchase their insurance when you get there. I spent $140 on Travelocity liability insurance when I booked it. When I got to the Hertz counter, they tried to call Travelocity for me to cancel the insurance but Travelocity wouldn't do it. I suggest trying to contact them prior to your trip if you've purchased the liability insurance and see if they will give you a refund. I had to pay around $900 total I believe when I got to the counter. They do have another option. They will put a hold on your credit card for the total amount of the replacement price of the car. So if you have enough room on your credit card and are confident you won't need the insurance, you can go that route. This wasn't an option for me. Either way, you're going to have an amazing trip! Have fun and be safe!

[@mannerspleasecaninetrainin1007]

@@pointingbacktogodministrie3739 Thanks for the response! Yes I bought all of this insurance with the rental through AutoEurope website. I will go back and cancel and then get insurance through them directly. Thank you so much! It seems so sketchy and there is so much fine print that you can get hung up on if you don't pay close attention. It included Collison waiver, liability, glass and tire and theft. Seems like all the same terms they use on the Irish rental car sites and the total was about $700. I will dig a bit deeper on it. Thank so much for your help!

[@pointingbacktogodministrie3739]

@@mannerspleasecaninetrainin1007 definitely make sure it's not the right insurance before you cancel it. You can call the rental cal company in Ireland directly and double check. They are more than happy to assist you.

[@mannerspleasecaninetrainin1007]

@@pointingbacktogodministrie3739 will do!

[@michaelmccarthy9411]

Its not an ocean, it's called the Irish sea

[@blah979]

Great vid.4

[@bredaslevin7685]

You shouldn't be driving and holding a phone, phone holders are cheap enough, turning off now as don't want to be party to an accident. Godbless.

[@carlybailey7827]

If guards had of seen you,would of been penalty points and fine also

[@damienoconnor8898]

For any Father Ted fans she picked up the car near where the famous "Down with this sort of thing" Catholic priest protest scene was shot. I would guess there would be a little irony there by the channel title. Any Christian reading should watch that episode, there are subtle lessons there. But for American visitors, please pay the extra for an automatic. It just makes life easier for everybody. ETA she is using the old road from Greystones to Bray, other routes are more modern. ETA again, this is just so funny as I watch. "In the Gaelic language which the Irish people call Irish"... Well then FFS call it Irish as that is what we Irish call it!!! Oh and don't get annoyed because I used an abbreviation with the F word. You may as well complain that it rains here. ETA: again! In the wrong lane for the roundabout at 9.57m despite the big ass arrow painted on the ground advising which lane to be in. MINI ETA from later comments she is still doing it and wondering why it is hard to merge!!! LAST ETA. Pretty sensible conclusion but left out the fact that you shouldn't bother driving if you don't need to. I don't and I've lived in the area for 15 years and work in Dublin. REALLY please don't drive if you are as clueless as this person.

[@bdeithrick]

Failed on the right turn. Should have been in junction ready

[@mrd6869]

That looks like Bray. My fiance lives walking distance to beach area.I'll be moving out there in the spring,from the states. I could drive but it would have to be automatic.Manual is out lmao...that's not happening

[@pointingbacktogodministrie3739]

Yes, it's Bray. Congrats on your move!

[@leetaaffe6781]

“An M road is the only time your going to see a speed limit sign”… drives past a speed limit sign 🤦‍♂️

[@drewdg21]

That's not what she said at all. She said when you initially merge on the motorway, that will be the only time the "M road" has a speed sign so pay attention when you get on the motorway. She said normal roads in cities like where she is driving will have some.

[@grahambamford9073]

Greystones

[@bdeithrick]

Amazing you caught the Tshocks father Bartley Harris drink driving and illegally using wrong side of road at Redford. He crash in Blacklion before into the county engineer O Hanlon

[@francisconnellan350]

year of the car is no the number plate

[@riverrhodes7394]

What part of Ireland is this?

[@pointingbacktogodministrie3739]

The drive was Greystones to Bray, south of Dublin on the east side.

[@BeckyPoleninja]

Heads up, filming whilst driving is a £3000 fine

[@MCMA-up5nc]

Well, she is a blonde

[@COM70]

Well done, sorry about our terrible sineage and road markings. Watch out for the sneaky cynical traffic vans, 11:34 Pedestrians and people in control of animals have the right of way on all Irish roads. Cyclists do not have the right of way and should navigate like normal traffic apart from two abreast.

[@michaelshanley1463]

Will you not use your phone when you are driving??? Putting you and other road users at risk

[@United-Nations]

if u rent a car in ireland avoid cars like renaults and citreons and most european brands that sound unfamiliar get a toyota if you can

[@mattmcc6060]

yanks are mad they treat us like an alien species hahaha

[@dobrien757]

Nice Video, one thing I will say is the Renault is a stupid french design, most cars have well positioned start buttons/key slots/ignitions and cruise control controls, btw the pronunciation is Ren-oh, more stupid french things and what was that area? Was it Wicklow?

[@damienoconnor8898]

Call it an IQ test. If you can't find the ON button you should not be driving the car.