“If you believe you can-YOU WILL!”

 Upon returning safely from a 3 week trip to Ireland, I thought I would share a few driving tips. 

Being a Canadian girl, traveling alone in Ireland…  

Driving on the ‘left side’ of the road- was my biggest fear. 

Do one thing a day that scares you! Check!

However, I am a stubborn Virgo and my desire to see the countryside on my own timeline…outweighed my fear.   I was praying to find a cute Irish driver to drive me around, but apparently that was not in my divine plan.

It was just me, my rental car, GPS and a few trusty road maps.  

With a quick lesson on a deserted beach under my belt- I headed out. 

Driving lesson on the Beach

Reminding myself that people drive in Ireland everyday.  I am proud to report… I survived the challenge and conquered my fear. 

I have to say I was never more PRESENT in my LIFE!

Happily, I returned my rental car without a scratch, covered many miles, saw beautiful vista’s, almost on one tank of Diesel.

My Rental Car- Safely returned

If you’re planning a road trip to Ireland…Read on.

Tips before you leave-

• ·      GET a GPS- it will be your best friend
• ·      Bring a CDW Insurance travel letter-if you have coverage on your credit card
• ·      Bring music or buy a good Irish music CD-Irish radio talk is endless and not very soothing for the nervous soul.  

Most of the rental cars in Ireland are manual- Shift on the Left.  Pedals and Clutch are the same as in North America.  Automatic Transmissions are available, but harder to find and more expensive.  I rented my car before I left through Costco online and brought a travel letter from my visa company to wave the insurance.  If you’re not covered… I highly recommend getting the insurance.  The roads are rather narrow and the tour buses are very large.  Don’t be scared.   If I survived, so can you!  

Here are my Tips… 

• ·      Put the correct spelling in GPS- A 1 letter slip up sent me the opposite direction.
• ·      Make sure Rental car has insurance, floor mats and a good old fashion road map- it rains a lot in Ireland and a missing floor mat makes for a very slippery clutch.  Learned this the hard way.
• ·      Gas- for you and the car.  Road snacks and proper hydration
• ·      Stay LEFT- LOOK RIGHT, TURN LEFT… repeat, repeat.
• ·      Always keep body to middle of road or white line to middle of road
• ·      Learn Roundabouts- Trick: you can ride them around and around if you miss your exit.  I also heard the locals do stop and wait, if you happen to go the wrong direction.
• ·      For the most part Trust your GPS- It will reroute you, however when in doubt or in the middle of nowhere.  STOP and ASK a local for directions.  Remember all roads eventually lead somewhere…unless the road is closed…reroute via a local.  The Irish are very kind, patient and more than willing to help.
• ·      Use side mirrors to gauge the edge of the road. 
• ·      Back into parking stalls whenever possible.
• ·      Travel early to avoid Tour buses.
• ·      Have money for toll roads on the M50.
•        Give yourself ample time.  Time pressures create stress and not a clear mind.
• ·      Practice YOGA.  Breath Deeply, Fully Exhale.  Relax shoulders and fingers.  Stretch occasionally.  Pull over and cry when necessary.  Set intention for safety and good weather.  Expect a few roadblocks. 
  

  Bonus: The sheep do not move.

My Mantra’s

• ·      If you believe you can, you will!
• ·      I am a good driver… I will get to my destination safely.
• ·      All roads lead to somewhere. 

Benefits of driving on the opposite side:

• Increased Alertness & Awareness= Present Moment Living
• Challenge your fears.  Success= Empowerment
• ·           Senses are heightened.

Go dté sibh slán…May you go safely

Enjoy the beauty!

Michelle

Bonus tip:  Bring a 3 prong adapter.

Adapter for your electronics.

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