Top Tips for Self-Drive Tours in Ireland
Are you thinking of going on a self-drive tour in Ireland? Why not book such a trip with Ireland Walk Hike Bike? Being an Irish company, only offering tours on Irish soil, we sure know our way around the country!
Whether you want to explore the rugged landscapes of the Wild Atlantic Way, kiss the Blarney Stone or enjoy the stunning views from the Cliffs of Moher… All our itineraries are the starting point of an unforgettable road trip on the Emerald Isle.
But before you start your trip to Ireland, take some time to read our top tips for self-drive tours in Ireland. Or check out this video, in which travel blogger and brand ambassador Sherry Ott shares her first-hand advice for travellers considering an Ireland self-drive tour.
Self-Drive Tour
“Such an easy, stress free way to travel. Ireland Walk Hike Bike took the hassle out of planning each day, and the itinerary gave us the flexibility to go with our own flow too.
CASSANDRA
1. Rent a small car
Our first tip is a practical one. As the Irish country roads can be extremely narrow, we recommend you rent a small car. The bigger the car, the harder it is to give way to an oncoming motorist.
Having said that, don’t worry too much about the width of the roads. All motorways and main roads have plenty of space for you and your fellow road users. But if you do encounter a small country lane (and we’re pretty sure you will!), a tiny car is definitely in your favor.
Our trusted car rental partner Hertz will have the perfect small car ready for you on your arrival.
2. Pack light
If you’ve traveled through Europe before, you may already know that small cars are, well, extremely small. The same thing applies to Ireland. And for good reason.
Remember the narrow roads we just talked about? Right.
Therefore, you want to make sure you pack light for this trip. Leave unnecessary and bulky items at home. Instead, accept the challenge of fitting all your belongings in a cabin baggage suitcase (or another, similar-sized bag).
3. Prepare
If you want to make the most of your self-drive tour through Ireland, preparation is key. Make sure you know where to go and how to get there (see tip 4).
Our app is a great starting point for planning your trip. The included route notes will tell you exactly which activities you can plan on your way.
However, it is impossible to include all the mentioned activities in your trip. Therefore, you’ll have to do your homework. After your dinner in a cozy Irish pub, sit down together and discuss the things you want to do the next day.
Are you, for example, going for the historic Rock of Cashel or the more contemporary Limerick City Gallery of Art?
Decisions, decisions… You can’t do without them on this trip!
4. Use our app for navigation
Our app also gives you the benefit of easy navigation. Decide where you want to go and let our route notes guide you!
All points of interest en route have hyperlinks to their exact location in Google Maps. So forget about those nightmares where your navigator folds out the complete map of Ireland without having a clue how to use it.
With our app, getting from A to B to C is as easy as ABC!
5. Keep left!
Our next tip may be the most important one of this list.
Keep left.
Always.
In Ireland, you drive on the left-hand side of the road, whether it’s on the motorway or on a small country lane.
This may sound easy, but you will need time to get used to it. Be aware of this rule, especially when you leave your B&B or the parking of a grocery store.
And when you reach a roundabout. 🙂
Ask one of your travel companions to remind you if you feel uncertain about keeping left.
On the positive side: Ireland is one of the best countries to practise left-hand driving. Apart from Dublin City, the roads are generally fairly quiet.
6. Mind the sheep
On Irish roads, you always have to mind the sheep. Especially when you go off the beaten path. These woolly white animals are usually behind fences, but they can be real escape artists.
Besides, in some areas, sheep can roam around freely. You will, for example, definitely encounter sheep on both sides of the Healy Pass on the Beara Peninsula.
If you see sheep on the road, just give them enough space and lower your speed. And most of all: enjoy the presence of your new fluffy friends.
7. Take your time
We highly recommend taking your time on the small, windy country roads. Not only to avoid collisions with the local livestock, but also to make sure you can absorb the scenery. It would be a shame if you returned to your home country without the memories of the rolling green hills you passed.
Besides, on these narrow roads, you can’t always see oncoming traffic. Another reason to slow down.
If you drive slowly, you will also notice all the little lay-bys you pass. That knowledge comes in handy if an oncoming car wants to pass you.
Local Irish drivers are probably faster than you are. However, they don’t have the habit of pressuring you. They are so used to sharing the roads with tourists, that they usually just overtake you and be friendly about it.
If you want to take pictures, we strongly recommend using the designated parking spots. The most scenic roads, e.g. the N71 that meanders through Killarney National Park, have plenty of lay-bys.
Furthermore, we’d like you to take your time planning-wise, too. Of course, it’s great to be able to cover large distances in your rental car. But going on a holiday is also about exploring the country you visit.
So do check out that ancient castle you see in the distance. Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the picturesque town you pass. It’ll all add to the experience.
8. Stick to the rules
Obviously, we’d like you to stick to the rules during your self-drive trip through Ireland. There are a couple of rules we’d like to highlight here:
- Be aware that the speed limits in the Republic of Ireland are displayed in kilometers per hour. In Northern Ireland, the signs show miles per hour. Stick to these limits. And please don’t try to reach the maximum speed on the small country roads. It would simply be dangerous and on many occasions even impossible.
- Always wear your seatbelt and tell your passengers to do the same.
- Avoid drinking and driving. Of course, we don’t want to stop you from tasting a lovely Guinness. But we’re sure it’ll taste just as good after you’ve reached your destination for the day.
- Only use your phone for hands-free navigation
- Did we mention to keep left? Stay alert at all times!
9. You WILL get used to driving on the left
Last but not least: we can assure you that you will get used to driving on the “wrong” side of the road. After a couple of days, you will feel more confident. You’ll even find the gear lever in one go!
As we’ve mentioned before: Ireland is an ideal country to learn how to drive on the left side of the road. And once you’re used to it, you’ll be so proud of overcoming this little challenge!
Customized itinerary
Are you even more tempted to go for an Ireland self-drive tour now you’ve read our tips? On our website, you can find some interesting standard itineraries that our local experts have carefully put together.
For instance, make your way up to Northern Ireland. There, you can explore famous tourist attractions, such as the Giant’s Causeway and the Game of Thrones Studio Tour.
Or head to the south instead. To drive the world-renowned Ring of Kerry or spend time on the breathtakingly beautiful Dingle Peninsula.
All our standard tours last 8 to 10 days. However, we are more than happy to provide you with a fully customized day-to-day itinerary.
So even if you’re looking for a full tour of Ireland in 14 days, please do not hesitate to contact us!
What you can expect from us
Summarized, this is why you want to book that self-drive tour with Ireland Walk Hike Bike:
- Save time by having us handle the planning and reservation process for your tour.
- Cover more ground in a shorter span of time (compared to ourIreland cycling tours or guided hiking tours).
- Travel at your own pace; enjoy the freedom and flexibility to modify your schedule as needed.
- As independent trips, you can plan yourIreland road trip for any time of year.
- Enjoy staying at our carefully curated collection of accommodations – we’ve done the work for you!
- Have a question or issue? Call our emergency number 24/7 to speak with a member of our team.
- Practice driving on the left – Ireland is a great place to learn.
Now, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with our team and book your self-drive tour to Ireland today!