Following 3 nights in Dublin, we are renting a car to drive to Dingle for a couple of nights. I'm considering renting with Hertz with a discount through our insurance company. Hertz has locations at Dublin Airport and on South Circular Road. We are staying at Jury's Inn Christ Church, so the city center location is close. However, I'm concerned about trying to leave Dublin having never driven on the "other" side of the road. Should we go to the airport to hopefully have less traffic and chaos? Suggestions?
Posted by
Nottingham, UK
658 posts
The south circular is not a bad place to start from. Just remember the obvious points. Don’t start the car until you are familiar with the position of all the controls, it’s very easy to forget to change gear with your left hand and instead find yourself winding down a window. Drive slowly at first and keep any conversation with passengers to a minimum. Irish drivers don’t mind slow drivers, it’s a pretty laid back sort of place.
It’s actually not at all difficult to drive on the opposite side of the road to that which is normal. The different car layout and driving position is a constant reminder of the change in procedure.
Slow and gentle are the watchwords and observe the other drivers and copy their actions and roadcraft.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
I agree, the south circular isn't too bad. The airport is on a VERY busy road and I don't recommend picking up the car there.
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
And also remember that you pay the airport fee when you take your car at the airport. I would request it at the city center to save money. Ask the auto agency clerk to tell you how to drive out of town and give you a map.
Posted by
lawrenceville, ga, usa
22 posts
Come on. Live, live!! Try it..... I rented a car at the Dublin Airport. After a few days in Dublin. We took off up to the boarder area to visit Monaghan..Than we drove across the Island to Donegal. We ended up driving all over Ireland. The only problem we had was getting into the car. We had to do it twice. The second time was to switch seats .....
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
George, I've rented a car at Dublin Airport, too, but I still would advise that the south circular location would be a better place to pick up a car, particularly since the poster has not driven on the left before.