Rick Steves' Game-Changing Car Tip Helps Take The Pressure Off While Driving In Ireland

One transportation mistake tourists make in Ireland is passing up the opportunity to rent a car. Ireland's gorgeous green landscape (it is called The Emerald Isle, after all), beautiful coastal towns, and cozy villages are just begging to be explored via road trip. But navigating Ireland's winding roads and bustling roundabouts can be intimidating for visitors, especially if you aren't used to driving on the left side of the road. Travel guru Rick Steves has a tip to help things go a little more smoothly. "If you want to get a little slack on the roads in Ireland, drop by a gas station or auto shop and buy a red 'L' (new driver with license) sign to put in your car window," he writes in his article "Go Left, Young Man: Driving in Great Britain and Ireland."

That "L" sign will signal to other drivers that you're still getting the hang of things. Hopefully, this will earn you a little extra patience and understanding on the road. However, Steves adds that you should "wait till you're outside of Dublin, as Irish 'Learners' aren't allowed to drive on the motorways that cluster around the city." ​

Of course it's also important to do a little research before getting behind the wheel in any foreign country. Check online ahead of your trip for the basic rules of the road, as well as laws and regulations you should be aware of. But Steves also advises that, when in doubt, "follow the locals' lead and drive defensively." It also won't hurt to purchase car and trip insurance just in case you hit any figurative or literal bumps in the road.

If you're used to driving on the right side of the road, you may think driving on the left, as they do in Ireland and the U.K., will be the biggest challenge. However, Rick Steves says the hardest part is actually reorienting yourself. "Your instinct is to put yourself on the left side of your lane, which means you may spend your first day or two constantly drifting off the road to the left," Steves writes. To prepare yourself for driving on the other side of the road, Steves suggests remembering that "the driver always stays close to the center line."

Roundabouts are another common feature on Irish roads that can challenge unfamiliar drivers. "These work well if you follow the golden rule: Traffic in roundabouts always has the right-of-way, while entering vehicles yield," Steves says. Also, the benefit of a roundabout is that you can go around more than once if you aren't sure where to get off. There will be signs ahead of the roundabout that point out which lane is used for which exit, and where those exits are.

Also, keep in mind Steves' tips for choosing the right rental car — are you driving cross-country from Dublin to Galway, or are you staying in one place? What you'll be using the car for (and how often) can give you insight on the best vehicle for the job. However, Steves suggests you avoid driving in cities when you can — not only can they be more stressful to drive in, with a ton more traffic, but there are usually plenty of alternatives for getting around, such as public transportation, rideshares, and taxis.