Driving - Manual or Automatic? In Ireland...

I rented the manual and had no problems driving on the "other" side of the road. However, if you have doubts don't compromise your safety. Saving $'s isn't worth it. Have a wonderful 6 days. Lovely country. Drive slowly, enjoy the secenry but watch out for sheep.

Driving on the left was not a problem, but shifting with the lrft hand was. I have driven manual transmission my whole life, but shifting with the left hand complicated things, in ways that were not good for safety.

If you can afford it, go auto as it is much easier since you will be multi tasking by reading signs, watching traffic etc. Try Europcar too for prices. After you book, keep checking the prices weekly as I have had them drop by a bunch and got the lower rate.

The foot pedals are the same, but the shifter is in the middle of the car - meaning you need to shift with your left hand instead of right. I didn't think it was that hard. I do think manuals work better with the smaller European engines. I usually go for a diesel, if possible, too because they get terrific mileage.

I have rented both and even though I drive a manual transmission here at home- go with the automatic. Your safety and added peace of mind is easily worth the additional cost.

Thank you all for your help - I think the safety and peace of mind won over... :)

If you have driven manual a lot, then go with manual, but if you have primarily driven automatic than pay the extra bucks. I have mostly driven manual and so I find that driving it in the UK is not a big deal. But I that's because I don't have to think about it. Shifting with the left hand becomes standard rather quickly and the feet are the same. But if you only drive manual once a year, then you need to go automatic. Pam

Ruby, I agree with the others, in that an auto transmission will be better, especially if this is your first time driving on the "correct side of the road". You'll have enough to think about, and shifting with your left hand may feel a bit "awkward". Be sure to review the protocols for roundabouts and other aspects of driving in the U.K. Happy travels!

I've done both with no problem, but I would recommend the auto, too. Book something, then keep watching. I once found a special two weeks before a trip that made the automatic only $20 extra.

Thanks! Is it better to rent the car now? Or when it is closer to the time of my trip? I go in July - knowing that July is tourist height season.... Thanks again for all those who replied!
:)

Another vote for automatic. Though Ed from Pensacola says muscle memory works the same on both sides, and I usually find Ed to be wise and perceptive, I went for automatic last year to simplify the task. I had enough trouble with left-side and the narrow roads and stone walls for shoulders. In France I prefer manual for economy reasons rental rate and fuel. I'd say reserve the car rental now, July isn't that far off. Auto Europe has worked well for us. They actually connect you to a rental company like Hertz. We got a free GPS from them through a promotion, it's worth checking their website.