How To Drive In Ireland for Newbies!

My advice for renting a car and driving in Ireland! Give me a follow and a line if you found this video useful :)
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[@darklight6566]

Tip1: If you cant thank a driver for yielding you because you are driving away from them, or simply going the opposite direction, toggle your hazards on for a few seconds then off. This will let the other driver know you're thanking them from a distance. Tip2: In a roundabout, if cars are waiting to enter the roundabout, but you are going to drive past them instead of taking the exit, sometimes especially on big roundabouts with multiple exits, it is common to turn the blinker facing the roundabout's center as in a way to tell drivers you are not exiting the roundabout yet. Same as you should ALWAYS use your blinkers to signal that you intend to exit the roundabout. Tip3: Because of narrow roads, especially on 2 way roads, truck drivers will sometimes stick to the left so you can see the incoming traffic, and even use a hand gesture telling you that it´s safe to overtake them. Tip4: Some times pedestrians will not cross the road and yield cars with hand gestures, it is completely up to you to let them pass or not. In my opinion and following the traffic law, I always let them pass no matter what, as some times they indicate you can pass but another ped is crossing from the opposite side, and if you don't spot them you may run them over. (Especially kids) Hope this helps, drive safe!

[@jamescc2010]

Great tips. Cheers from California. Not sure we are ready to drive there yet.

[@The_Red_Squirrel]

Driving in Ireland isn't that difficult. We do have motorways and main roads, and they are easy to drive. Yes, there are narrower minor roads and they can be a bit intimidating, so my advice is to take it easy and slow down to a speed you are comfortable with. Driving a smaller car is also good advice. As an Irish person I have also experienced driving on the 'wrong' side of the road, in continental Europe. In general the situation is no worse although the roads in parts of Italy are smaller and more twisty (I'm thinking particularly of the Amalfi Coast). Overall I would not discourage anyone from driving in Ireland or elsewhere in Europe unless you have a particular phobia about driving in unfamiliar situations. In fact with GPS and Google Maps it is now a lot easier in that all you have to do is concentrate on the road ahead.

[@adamruzzo]

I got my money back! The insurance bill for a couple of scratches came to $900 plus, but my insurance through my credit card covered me. Phew :)

[@sunnyrivers]

That’s wonderful news Adam😁👈🏼

[@adamruzzo]

Ya it was stressful there for a bit. Love my credit card!

[@joszer]

Which credit card did you use? if you dont mind sharing.

[@adamruzzo]

It’s a visa Avion card, through royal bank in Canada. The auto rental insurance benefit is AWESOME:)

[@barryshannahan5988]

@@joszerChase Freedom card, too

[@totallypixelated]

One tip from me - if someone flashes their headlights, they're yielding to you and you can proceed. Acknowledge their yield with a small wave. Three fingers raised from the steering wheel is enough. Practicing this convention can get you through places where the road is narrow in town and in the country very easily. Driving in Ireland and the UK is much more about cooperation with, and consideration of, other drivers than it is North America.

[@adamruzzo]

Excellent tip !!! Wish I knew that

[@StarfieldWX-tb42]

I'm really looking forward to sharing the road with cooperative and conscientious drivers, because Dallas... oooh boy, they are not.

[@AFGalopp]

I'll be renting a car in Galway! It's a manual, mid-size SUV, but I'm from Italy, so we've got narrow streets as well. Let's hope that everything is going well🤞🏻

[@adamruzzo]

Ahh sei d’italia? Non c’é una problema :)

[@lizzypelle8004]

Io e mie sorella invece prendiamo un campervan in cui possiamo dormire. Speriamo bene davvero 😂

[@nathandeschner8980]

Another VERY important addition about rental cars is that the colors on your gas pump are reversed in Ireland. Green is unleaded and black is diesel.

[@adamruzzo]

Such a good point

[@michaelmccarthy9411]

And we don't call it gas.

[@Sigur_Sixx]

As I recall, that's all of europe.

[@jamescc2010]

Nice to know to avoid confusion.

[@janhanebeck4203]

Watching this after renting a stick-shift mobile home for Ireland… :D

[@adamruzzo]

Hardcore!!!

[@ernesto-dev]

And… how is it going?

[@janhanebeck4203]

It went well, apart from the fact it was an old ford transit and the brake booster failed 250 miles from the rental station... So I limped it back home, exchanged it for a slightly newer old ford transit and after a 20 minute drive and a 30 minute stay at the coast a check-engine light came on... That's when I said f*ck it and exchanged it for a hyundai and went clockwise around the island in a tent. Much better. Still stick shift :D

[@Ricky_Baldy]

I remember once as a kid when my family went for a drive in the Dublin/Wicklow mountains, we came across a car in front with a handwritten note in the rear window. Of course, to read the note my father, without a second thought closed right up to them to read their note - obviously tailgating without wishing to or even realising. The note read " We are Dutch tourists driving for the first time on Irish roads. Please have mercy" I'm sure the sign was sincere, but it was also an invitation for other drivers to get too close

[@adamruzzo]

🤣🤣 I love this story!! Thanks for sharing.

[@michaeldrabenstott9756]

Don't automatically accept GPS or Google navigation routes. Yes, they will take you the shortest route, sometimes on insanely narrow roads. We found that some of the wider, more comfortable roads added only a minute or two to our route -- and reduced the stress. Look at options and seek out the major roads where possible.

[@adamruzzo]

Good point!! The GPS took me through the highest peaks in the Kerry mountains! I also interrupted a funeral in a quiet community by being lost on sketchy mountain roads. GREAT POINT :)

[@declanocallaghan997]

Love your description of how we drive here in Ireland and some good advice for anyone thinking about driving here atomic car and pull over and let locals pass in particular....seen a comment from a guy from Italy he will have no problem driving here I wouldn't drive in Italy 😂

[@adamruzzo]

Italy is one level up in difficulty for sure haha! The vid seems to be helping people, that was the whole point, thanks!

[@adamruzzo]

Literally Rewatching my own video before I do Ireland AGAIN this year! Yes, I am nervous about driving again, you are not alone ;) I made a video for what to do in Dublin too! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaTGeHZqlL16rKc

[@Yarra_Shejtan]

You give great advice. I am an Australian who only returned a couple of days ago from a 2 week road tour in Ireland and can confirm everything you say is 100% spot on. In hindsight if i was to ever visit Ireland again i would strongly consider using public transport or coach day trips to look around. I found the roads very intimidating and i am used to driving on the left. On most of the roads you must concentrate fully and as a result i didnt get much of a look at the amazing scenery other that what was directly in front. I would add that there are alot of roads in England that are just as difficult as Ireland so the advice is the same for there. One last thing to know is that Ireland is really really expensive compared to England.

[@adamruzzo]

“I found the roads very intimidating, and I am used to driving on the left” ^^

[@macadawson7213]

going to Ireland in a few months and I'm a new driver but I am determined to give Irish roads a try, thanks for the very real advice!

[@adamruzzo]

Good luck!! And good for you. Be. Careful. 😉

[@gerardflynn3899]

Just remember that turning right on a red light is illegal.

[@natigood23]

Such a great video and comments! Thank you! I’m going there in 1 month and renting a car with my husband and three little girls. Now I know to get an automatic and the smallest possible car that can fit the 5 of us 😅. If you have any other tips for me, please send them my way!

[@adamruzzo]

Looks like all you need to know is in the comments too :)

[@gerardflynn7382]

You may be allowed to turn right at a red light in the US. If you do it in Ireland you will get arrested as it is illegal.

[@adamruzzo]

Great tip!!

[@thomassheehan4193]

Hmmm…. I think that would be left on red.

[@richardschneider9098]

I think what's so unsettling about it is that all the 'scary' stuff has moved to your right side, which in our brains is the 'safe' side. We learn to tune out (mostly) that left-side stuff at an early age. Some will have more difficulty than others, but if you make a conscious choice to flip that zone over to the other side, AND remind yourself every time you get behind the wheel ... why, then you'll have the skill to flip it again by the time you get back to Right-Hand Land, and it will take no time at all. Important bit of mindset, IMO. I'm not sure it's for everyone, and there are some very good tours, don't be ashamed if that works better. The narrow-roads thing is similar. We're used to having 11, 12, 13-foot-wide lanes in the U.S., for our beamy vehicles and high speeds. In Ireland, you need to 1) trust the other drivers, they are VERY good at it, been doing it all their lives; and 2) adjust to it, and learn to do your part, such as snugging up to the fog line. There's room. Driving there takes more attention, but you should have enough if you use it for driving.

[@KCHallows]

What is the fog line?

[@richardschneider9098]

@@KCHallows the solid white on the edge of a highway -- easier to see when visibility is poor

[@richardschneider9098]

@@KCHallows It's the solid white line at the right-hand edge of the roadway. Supposedly a driver can orient on that when visibility is poor.

[@ballybunion9]

VERY accurate advice! And I do mean ACCURATE. The only correction I would make is to let everyone know Ireland's newer motorways (that's what highways are called in Ireland) have nice wide lanes and are very well maintained. They are a pleasure to drive on.

[@michaelarthur2652]

Many motorways are toll roads.

[@bitraeger1481]

At the ready, your insight is most valuable 👹 Love

[@jamescc2010]

Very good info. Not sure we will rent a car in Dublin but just in case, nice to know. We are from California. Born in Thailand and they drive on the left there.

[@californiasun162]

When I saw the intersection going a different direction that was confusing I would’ve went to the right oops I need to stay on the left oh forget it. Hi Adam

[@dangibson3192]

I'd love to get the smallest car possible..... but I'm 6'5" and 260 pounds. Hoping for a Mini Cooper as they do have legroom.

[@adamruzzo]

Mini - anything is a good call 👌 you’ll do alright

[@SteveBonnette]

First thing I noticed while driving in Ireland--why are there so many “tyre” shops? Second day I learned the answer. I ruined a tire and almost a wheel on the stones that are so close to the road! Driving is too stressful, next time I would take the train or bus!

[@adamruzzo]

I know the rocks you speak of!!

[@gokudomatic]

After my trip in Ireland (wonderful landscape, by the way!), I can say that it was not that difficult to drive in the countryside. Sure, narrow roads, often I had to pull to the side, in tall grass, just to cross another vehicle, but no issue in 12 days. There was only one time I suddenly heard my car touching something hard, and that was when I was parking and the sidewalk was higher as expected. So I scratched the bottom of my bumper. But that was all I had. I can tell, as a manual/standard driver, no, if you're used to standard cars, don't bother with an automatic. Manual gears are the same in Ireland as in the rest of Europe. Also, yes, take a compact or small car. Narrow roads can have pretty harsh turns. And depending on where you drive, asphalt is sometimes replaced with plain dirt and gravel. But nothing that requires a 4x4. So, just take the cheapest and smallest car of the rental company, even if you have to drive for 3 hours on the highway. I was in Kerry, by the way. And not only on the ring (rarely, in fact). Just be careful of the sheep.

[@katherinemarine838]

I loved your video, pretty much confirmed what I thought. I drove in Jamaica many years ago, sounds similar….

[@BruceDanton-xw6eg]

Here in britain of course we have much the same as in ireland so we drive on the left too although here it is in miles not km by the way too.

[@BruceDanton-xw6eg]

Thank you there You could say too that britain uses the pound Stirling while ireland uses the euros too.

[@javierlara387]

First video I found on this subject. Going to Dublin in a month and I'm nervous about renting a car. This video offered good tips but it also scared me a bit. I have a lot more to watch.

[@adamruzzo]

My second time driving the country was WAY easier. The first time (what you're watching here), I was scared. Yep. It's good to be a bit scared... you do NOT want to go into it too 'sure of yourself', you'll make mistakes I think.

[@123siming]

thanks for the advice.

[@adamruzzo]

Very happy to help!!

[@MT-kx2uc]

Just go to a detailer get it polished out.

[@adamruzzo]

That’s likely am what the rental company ended up doing.

[@gerardflynn7382]

You can hire Automatic transmission cars, but it will cost you more.

[@barryshannahan5988]

….and, don’t be late picking it up. It’ll be gone!

[@vallovesnature8449]

I would need a chauffeur😂! I’m constantly getting tailgated. And forget those roundabouts🙈. Very informative video Adam. Definitely will help people. Stay awesome dear one!

[@adamruzzo]

A chauffeur… great idea!

[@schex9]

Don't worry about tailgaters. Being behind you is THEIR problem.

[@vallovesnature8449]

@@schex9 It is indeed ☺️

[@lelandbacon2731]

Clearly you've never been to Tennessee

[@brunsonpowner8925]

If difference between a local road to national and motorway

[@colinearnshaw7725]

I am laughing my head off! He is talking about driving anywhere in the British Isles (which does include Ireland).

[@adamruzzo]

It is truly a death trap lol. England I found to be far worse!!

[@seanbradley5614]

Skip ahead to 1:45 to avoid the blather.

[@corinnmurphy1910]

Great advice! I am planning a trip and was on the fence about renting a car. I think I will pass, I know my limitations! I can drive a manual, I just think the narrow roads will freak me out!

[@adamruzzo]

Cool! Just remember the manual will have to be done with you OTHER hand 👍 be safe and enjoy! :)

[@heidishropshire2416]

Yes. Pass. It’s horrible

[@schex9]

Look at that -- a Circle K in Ireland!

[@adamruzzo]

🤣 franchises have gotten around!

[@LeonerPerez90807]

Thanks for the tips! I drove in Ireland 20+ years ago and I am not looking forward to doing it again. However, your advice has me willing to do it again.

[@adamruzzo]

Awesome! I am here right now, renting a car in two days, and quite nervous myself! Just do what the other cars do ;)

[@RoseEastyy1]

Oops, has happened to me a few times 😀I used to work in connemara and the amount of tourists l ran into because they were on the wrong side 😂

[@adamruzzo]

Oh I can only imagine

[@cathycoats8607]

Thanks for this honest video! I will be driving for the first time on the left in a few weeks in Ireland.

[@adamruzzo]

Good luck! I’ll be there again, maybe we will fly by eachother on the road haha

[@alasterdiel1059]

I've been driving around dublin for a few days I drive heavy wreckers in alaska and it's been a wild experience

[@adamruzzo]

That speaks volumes!

[@stevowhitty3984]

As a Irish man from a small town, I am loving all these comments 🤣🤣

[@adamruzzo]

Some should be on plaques along the roadways 😅

[@stevowhitty3984]

Definitely not the best roads in the world, very few motorways in Ireland. But I love the small country roads.

[@sunnyrivers]

Omg YES to the automatic‼️😅👏🏼 Great advice Adam💜

[@adamruzzo]

The ONLY way to go!

[@barryshannahan5988]

Your passenger is going to be the one riding right next to those stone walls. My advice: keep a sleep mask handy!😂😂😂

[@rich7447]

Standard is not a type of transmission. It is what the vehicle comes with by default. Almost every vehicle in Canada and the US come with an automatic as the standard transmission and a few models offer a manual as an option. Very few vehicles still come with a manual as standard equipment.

[@GREGPDOHERTY]

A manual is referred to as a standard transmission because it used to be standard on cars in N. America. To get the automatic it was a paid upgrade. You are being contrarian.

[@rich7447]

@@GREGPDOHERTY I am not. Nothing else on a that was once standard considered standard equipment on some, but not all, vehicles is referred to as standard. If you have manual windows (like the base Wrangler) they are not called standard windows, although they are standard equipment for that model. The standard transmission for my truck (per the order guide - big S in the box where the transmission type row and my model/trim level meet) is a 10 speed automatic. Automatics have been around since the 40s and standard equipment on some models for over 60 years.

[@heidishropshire2416]

I wish I saw your video before I crashed my rental last week. It’s a nightmare. I’m still sick from Irish driving. Thank goodness no one was hurt except for my mental health.

[@adamruzzo]

Oh noooo I’m genuinely very sorry to hear that. Irish roads are no joke! I really hope everything works out in your situation my friend.

[@heidishropshire2416]

yes all has stabilized now. I'm enjoying my new accommodation near the Irish rail :) gorgeous country but if your driving you can't see it! I highly recommend the train. thanks so much for your video now my family can hear it from another source :) Blessings @@adamruzzo

[@drivingclassie]

Enjoyable video, Adam! Thanks for sharing.

[@adamruzzo]

Cool:) thanks for the comment. Hope you found it useful!

[@aliciachao7490]

just moved to belfast and looking into driving/getting a car. so thank you for the honesty!

[@adamruzzo]

Belfast… I’m jealous. That’s amazing. Good luck on the road!!!

[@aliciachao7490]

Thanks bud!

[@parthi2929]

Felt like he was describing indian situation

[@adamruzzo]

From what I hear haha… if you can drive in India you’d probably do fine in Ireland!

[@barryshannahan5988]

One tip: just like in the states, the driver side of the car is closest to the middle.

[@calengr1]

2:30 challenge goes beyond LHS drive

[@aliejam4077]

I think the car looks more rugged with that scar!

[@adamruzzo]

Agreed 🤣🤣 just the rental company didn’t think so

[@aliejam4077]

@@adamruzzo 😂 I can imagine!

[@Fortunateenough1995]

Went to Ireland in 2022 and it's strange seeing lots of American names and things like Fords, Jeep and lots of 4x4s and Pickup trucks in the rural parts, I still went for a compact car as I can't get over my anxiety seeing them small back-roads.

[@adamruzzo]

Yes driving in Ireland = anxiety for sure. But I’m pretty glad I did it, and relieved. Ya, relieved is the right word, relieved to have made it back safe and sound lol

[@norawallace6430]

You are way braver than I am .

[@adamruzzo]

Haha I wasn’t very brave during some of the drives!

[@Marcusegan664]

U dont really have the acent lad😂

[@adamruzzo]

Not even close

[@Marcusegan664]

@@adamruzzo cant judge ya i dont either😂

[@brianohare9607]

Thanks for posting

[@adamruzzo]

Happy to help 👍

[@perledesbois]

I would not like to bike there ! 😮

[@adamruzzo]

So many people on bikes, I don’t know why… it’s SO sketchy

[@RedKnight-fn6jr]

Bikes do not belong in rural Ireland.

[@NhấtPhạm-r6c]

I want to learn car repair

[@neilrush659]

Jesus Christ....seriously!!!

[@adamruzzo]

Kind of intense wouldn’t you say? Glad I survived to tell the tale

[@heidishropshire2416]

Seriously

[@haliletwin6315]

I can’t even watch your driving footage, it’s tripping me out 😂 I’ve never been but I remember my dad telling me the same thing about how shoulders do not exist AT ALL and he didn’t realize how weird it would be to drive without having a place to pull over.

[@adamruzzo]

😭😭 I’m just glad to be alive

[@haliletwin6315]

@@adamruzzo I’m glad you’re alive too!! 🥰

[@KernowWarrior]

4:50 No, No, No! If someone is tailgating you, you slow down so THEY have enough stopping distance room, if YOU need to stop. They will know exactly what your doing and they will soon pull back and wait for an appropriate place to pass. Don't be bullied into going faster or into pulling over.

[@totallypixelated]

Ah, sometimes it's good manners if you're going 25 and someone local can crack on at 60 to let them past. Keeping left and a couple of little flashes of your left indicator if there's room and it's clear ahead can help someone out.

[@ahlads]

Disagree, if you're a tourist it's much easier just to pull in somewhere and let them pass. In fact as a local I regularly do it at weekends when I'm out for a scenic drive.

[@OkieTLB]

@@totallypixelatedThank you for this tip!

[@RedKnight-fn6jr]

That's exactly why Ireland needs to ditch woke green ideology and get on with its road investment program - impressive new motorways (equivalent to freeways), but in between most roads are very poor. The M20 Cork to Limerick is needed ASAP! Keep the nice small scenic roads, but connect the major towns with decent highways!

[@nigefal]

As an Irish person this amused me. He left out was the bushes covering road signs. By the way. The stones are not fences they are stone limestone walls built with big stones. Good advice though!

[@adamruzzo]

Thanks! Yes I think this video is becoming a comedy for Irish people based on some comments 🤣