We are driving from Galway to Westport to Sligo Town to Donegal Town to Derry and then south. We will take day trips (absolutely no night-time driving) from these place to explore the surrounding areas and some locations seem very remote and perhaps have sketchy roads and long terrifying drops to the ocean below... Fortunately, we will drive an automatic, smallish but not tiny car --equivalent to a VW Golf. I looked at some videos online that showed snippets of driving in Ireland but it is hard to tell what challenges lie ahead. We drove around between Dublin, southern Ireland and up to Galway last trip and it was not entirely without dangers. We took bus tours of the Connemara and Cliffs of Moher because the roads looked dicey and were glad we did. I bought the extra auto insurance plus we have travel insurance with medical coverage, just in case, but I would rather not have to make any claims.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
The roads are generally good but can be narrow once you get into the rural areas and off the main highways. Think "cart path converted to a road" and you pretty much have it. Many are less than two lanes in width which means that you and an approaching driver must work out who bails into one of the designated pullouts provided for the purpose. Can get your heart racing to see an approaching truck on a one lane road, but we found the Irish drivers to be some of the most understanding, considerate, and friendly anywhere and usually were already pulling off to clear the way while I was still trying to figure out what to do.
We used Google street maps to preview our daily routes with great success - even some of the smallest country lanes are included in their coverage. Was a great stress reliever for me to be able to "drive" the daily route in advance, and being able to anticipate signage, traffic flow, and the general condition of the road before having to do it for real.
FWIW, we found the general driving experience in Ireland to be delightful after the initial jitters wore off. Just slow down, think ahead, and go with the flow.
Posted by
OP
edmonds, wa, usa
22 posts
Thanks for the advice. I will check out the maps online. Great tool.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
Just noticed from another posting that you're already familiar with driving in Ireland in general, so would only add that we drove all over Connemarra, Donegal, and Derry last summer and had no problem negotiating the roads. Gorgeous scenery, light traffic, altogether pleasant.
Posted by
19 posts
We travel in a complete circle for three weeks in 2013, from Dublin to Dublin. We did not find much difference in the roads anywhere in the county. Obviously the "M roads" are very nice, then the "N roads" are okay, the "R roads" are narrow, but go to some of the best scenery, while finally the "L roads" are sometime just a one car path. So just plan your routes to follow the road that you are most comfortable on driving.
Posted by
OP
edmonds, wa, usa
22 posts
Thanks for all of the posted advice and comments. I am feeling less anxious, maybe even uncharacteristically optimistic, about driving in the remote hinterlands.
Posted by
19 posts
the most important thing to remember, you are there to enjoy yourself, not to get from one place to another as fast as you can drive. Relax and enjoy the scenery. When I drive there I am stopping it seems every 2 mins to take another picture of another beautiful meadow, ocean view, village, etc.
Posted by
Canada
36 posts
We have driven all over Ireland, including Donegal to Derry, and the roads are fabulous! Compared to Canadian roads after a hard winter they were definitely a dream... Of course the roads can be quite narrow in the country but we had no problem. I noticed the locals slow down at a blind turn and beep the horn to let anyone around the bend they are coming. Beautiful driving in Ireland!