Hello - I was wondering how many Americans or other people who drive on the right side of the road have hired cars with manual transmissions in Ireland. I have only driven automatic cars in Ireland. In the US I can drive both manual and automatic. When Emily and I were stuck in Sligo this past winter, the nice man at the car rental counter would not let us hire a manual car after we asked what side the clutch was on. He was actually about to let us take it, but smiled and said sorry after that question. It was rather funny!
But since the clutch is on the same side, I can't imagine it would be too hard to get used to the shifting. I'm sure I'll save a few hundred Euro if I hire a manual car. So what do you all think?? Are there any brave folks out there who have hired the Irish manual cars??
I'm actually very comfortable driving in Ireland now and do very well. I used to avoid it and would have my husband do most of the driving, but now I love driving over there. The roads are fun and even the roundabouts add a little excitement
Joyce
PS - I'm going to wait and hire a car after the Ennis Trad Festival since I'll be doing more traveling.
Hopefully, the transition to shifting with the other hand would not be too hard. However....
Try trading hands on your flute. You can probably play the right notes, (maybe slowly) but don't you almost instinctively go for the fingering that you have trained with? Now, what if it were life or death, 50, 60 or 70 mph....?
I love driving in Ireland, and always drive stick. I can't remember it ever being a problem, apart from the occasional grind. When you are worrying about driving in the correct lane and making your turns correctly and looking for traffic the correct way, the whole shifting thing comes pretty easily.
luckily there are few emergency situations where you *need* to change gear...
although when switching to a left-hand drive car, i've never found the switch of gear-change hand to be a problem. in fact overall, it's easier than driving a right-hand-drive car on the wrong (right!) side, so i'd imagine the converse is true too.
Joyce, I've been to Ireland eight times (I think) over the last 15 years, and have rented a manual transmission car every time but one. (That time I was with a large group in Dublin and didn't have a car at all.) One trip, I put 1600 miles on the car in just two weeks. I've driven on country roads, and in towns and cities (including Dublin). I've never had a problem shifting with my left hand, not at all. Of course, here at home I drive stick shifts exclusively, and have done so ever since I bought my first car while in college. So I'm used to shifting, and used to the clutch. But I'm not particularly ambidextrous otherwise - for instance, I can't switch to playing flute left-handed, although I bet I spend as much time playing flute as I do driving. So I say go for it, girl!
I always drive manual when I'm there to save money. What always amazes me is the way the molecules of a lorry and the molecules on the right side of the car I'm driving can pass right through each other when we meet going opposite directions on a narrow bridge.
If anyone is trying to hire a car in Ireland for longer than 15 days, you might be interested to know that the insurance your card covers is only good for 15 days. If you want to have it longer you'll need two seperate cards and two seperate contracts. (assuming that you're there a month, like I'll be)
I've driven stick shifts on both sides of the Atlantic without any difficulty. The saving grace is that the feet don't change. So if you need to slam on the brakes in an emergency, you will automatically use the correct foot. The driving isn't so bad -- as driver, you still sit in the middle of the road, with your passenger along the curb/kerb. It's all mirror images, which somehow makes it easier.
The only time I've had trouble driving on the left was with a Norwegian friend's VW in the Orkney Islands. Being Norwegian, the car was set up to drive on the right (USA style), but since I was in Scotland, I was supposed to keep left. Talkabout conflicting instincts. Fortunately, I only had to take the car from the ferry dock to the lot where it was to await it's owner, but that was the longest 5 miles I've ever driven.
I think the hardest thing about driving in Ireland is after you park the car. You have to remember to look a different direction for oncoming traffic before walking across the street.
Cool! Thanks for the advice everyone! I'm leaning towards the manual car. I currently drive an automatic here in the States, but it's my first automatic car. I miss the stick shift, but when I'm stuck in Boston traffic, I love the automatic. Anyway, looking forward to seeing some of you in the Catskills and then in Ennis.
It might have taken ten minutes to adjust to the left hand stick shift. After that it was smooth sailing (until I hit the first series of Galway traffic circles).
The worst part by far was the process of hiring the car. I got my vehicle from this foul old dude located on the Tulla road in Ennis. He had a bunch of cars for hire but seemed to have no clue how to navigate the computer software used to retain the lessee's information. After a full half-hour of watching him fail to enter my Ontario driver's licence number, I finally asked him to step aside a let me try it myself. Another half-hour later I was in business.
I always love it when Irish folks are visiting the pub and I offer to give them a lift afterwards. They always walk over to the left side of my car and I ask if they're offering to drive.
In view of impending European Union Directives, next year the Republic of Ireland (but not the North) is expected to change to driving on the right. Initially, for the first six months this will apply only to heavy goods vehicles and public transport.
Trevor
It's a piece of cake. The transition was immediate, instinctive, and seamless for me.
The hardest part for me was the constant reminder to turn into the correct lane at intersections... but you've already been there, so you've already experienced *that* hurdle!
For those who normally use automatic transmission but have to use manual in a hire car my tip is to drive round town in 2nd gear all the time. The car effectively then becomes an automatic.
Actually, that is the way I generally drive. It seems counter-intuitive (i.e. plain crazy) but the justification is if you drive like this the engine is working in a more powerful part of its range, driving is generally smoother (no gear changing over a wider speed range), acceleration and engine braking are better, oil circulation is improved, and fuel consumption is, if anything, also better because the engine is working more efficiently. I use 3rd from about 30-50 or 55, and only use 4th above about 50. If I were to use 5th under the same rules the speed cameras would probably get me!
My Honda-engined car peaks at 7000 rpm. What I'm doing is using the engine in most of the best part of its range, i.e. from 3000 - 5000 rpm.
BTW, this style of driving is a relic of my distant past when I used to ride motorbikes.
Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
Hello - I was wondering how many Americans or other people who drive on the right side of the road have hired cars with manual transmissions in Ireland. I have only driven automatic cars in Ireland. In the US I can drive both manual and automatic. When Emily and I were stuck in Sligo this past winter, the nice man at the car rental counter would not let us hire a manual car after we asked what side the clutch was on. He was actually about to let us take it, but smiled and said sorry after that question. It was rather funny!
But since the clutch is on the same side, I can't imagine it would be too hard to get used to the shifting. I'm sure I'll save a few hundred Euro if I hire a manual car. So what do you all think?? Are there any brave folks out there who have hired the Irish manual cars??
I'm actually very comfortable driving in Ireland now and do very well. I used to avoid it and would have my husband do most of the driving, but now I love driving over there. The roads are fun and even the roundabouts add a little excitement
Joyce
PS - I'm going to wait and hire a car after the Ennis Trad Festival since I'll be doing more traveling.
# Posted on October 20th 2004 by JMH
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
I really want to hire a new Mini Cooper! Hey, you only live once!
# Posted on October 20th 2004 by JMH
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
Hopefully, the transition to shifting with the other hand would not be too hard. However....
Try trading hands on your flute. You can probably play the right notes, (maybe slowly) but don't you almost instinctively go for the fingering that you have trained with? Now, what if it were life or death, 50, 60 or 70 mph....?
# Posted on October 20th 2004 by ceciltguitar
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
I love driving in Ireland, and always drive stick. I can't remember it ever being a problem, apart from the occasional grind. When you are worrying about driving in the correct lane and making your turns correctly and looking for traffic the correct way, the whole shifting thing comes pretty easily.
Wow, what's a Mini go for?
# Posted on October 20th 2004 by Jode
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
luckily there are few emergency situations where you *need* to change gear...
although when switching to a left-hand drive car, i've never found the switch of gear-change hand to be a problem. in fact overall, it's easier than driving a right-hand-drive car on the wrong (right!) side, so i'd imagine the converse is true too.
# Posted on October 20th 2004 by rog
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
Joyce, I've been to Ireland eight times (I think) over the last 15 years, and have rented a manual transmission car every time but one. (That time I was with a large group in Dublin and didn't have a car at all.) One trip, I put 1600 miles on the car in just two weeks. I've driven on country roads, and in towns and cities (including Dublin). I've never had a problem shifting with my left hand, not at all. Of course, here at home I drive stick shifts exclusively, and have done so ever since I bought my first car while in college. So I'm used to shifting, and used to the clutch. But I'm not particularly ambidextrous otherwise - for instance, I can't switch to playing flute left-handed, although I bet I spend as much time playing flute as I do driving. So I say go for it, girl!
# Posted on October 20th 2004 by johnkerr
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
I always drive manual when I'm there to save money. What always amazes me is the way the molecules of a lorry and the molecules on the right side of the car I'm driving can pass right through each other when we meet going opposite directions on a narrow bridge.
If anyone is trying to hire a car in Ireland for longer than 15 days, you might be interested to know that the insurance your card covers is only good for 15 days. If you want to have it longer you'll need two seperate cards and two seperate contracts. (assuming that you're there a month, like I'll be)
# Posted on October 20th 2004 by Phantom Button
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
I've driven stick shifts on both sides of the Atlantic without any difficulty. The saving grace is that the feet don't change. So if you need to slam on the brakes in an emergency, you will automatically use the correct foot. The driving isn't so bad -- as driver, you still sit in the middle of the road, with your passenger along the curb/kerb. It's all mirror images, which somehow makes it easier.
The only time I've had trouble driving on the left was with a Norwegian friend's VW in the Orkney Islands. Being Norwegian, the car was set up to drive on the right (USA style), but since I was in Scotland, I was supposed to keep left. Talkabout conflicting instincts. Fortunately, I only had to take the car from the ferry dock to the lot where it was to await it's owner, but that was the longest 5 miles I've ever driven.
# Posted on October 20th 2004 by KateG
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
I think the hardest thing about driving in Ireland is after you park the car. You have to remember to look a different direction for oncoming traffic before walking across the street.
# Posted on October 20th 2004 by Jiml
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
Cool! Thanks for the advice everyone! I'm leaning towards the manual car. I currently drive an automatic here in the States, but it's my first automatic car. I miss the stick shift, but when I'm stuck in Boston traffic, I love the automatic. Anyway, looking forward to seeing some of you in the Catskills and then in Ennis.
Joyce
# Posted on October 20th 2004 by JMH
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
It might have taken ten minutes to adjust to the left hand stick shift. After that it was smooth sailing (until I hit the first series of Galway traffic circles).
The worst part by far was the process of hiring the car. I got my vehicle from this foul old dude located on the Tulla road in Ennis. He had a bunch of cars for hire but seemed to have no clue how to navigate the computer software used to retain the lessee's information. After a full half-hour of watching him fail to enter my Ontario driver's licence number, I finally asked him to step aside a let me try it myself. Another half-hour later I was in business.
# Posted on October 20th 2004 by Pawl
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
Best to follow the Third Policeman's advice: plan your route carefully so you only make left turns.
That'll keep you out of trouble.
# Posted on October 20th 2004 by grego
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
I always love it when Irish folks are visiting the pub and I offer to give them a lift afterwards. They always walk over to the left side of my car and I ask if they're offering to drive.
# Posted on October 20th 2004 by Phantom Button
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
I learned that the hard way, Jimmy.
# Posted on October 20th 2004 by Phantom Button
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
If you can't get your hand on the gear stick, you won't be going anywhere anyway, so I'd say it's a pretty swift learning curve!
# Posted on October 20th 2004 by Bren
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
...don't forget the cup of coffee between the legs, jim. It burns in dangerous places when it spills as you swoosh round that roundabout...
# Posted on October 21st 2004 by Rudall the time
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
In view of impending European Union Directives, next year the Republic of Ireland (but not the North) is expected to change to driving on the right. Initially, for the first six months this will apply only to heavy goods vehicles and public transport.
Trevor
# Posted on October 21st 2004 by Trevor Jennings
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
hahahahahaha
# Posted on October 21st 2004 by Phantom Button
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
Constant Billy, Tossing The Hare...
and bumper cars in Ennis.
# Posted on October 21st 2004 by Ottery
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
Joyce,
It's a piece of cake. The transition was immediate, instinctive, and seamless for me.
The hardest part for me was the constant reminder to turn into the correct lane at intersections... but you've already been there, so you've already experienced *that* hurdle!
Have fun in the Mini!!!
Brian
# Posted on October 21st 2004 by browndog
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
Isn't Ennis near Bampton?
Are we there yet?
# Posted on October 21st 2004 by Ottery
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
For those who normally use automatic transmission but have to use manual in a hire car my tip is to drive round town in 2nd gear all the time. The car effectively then becomes an automatic.
Actually, that is the way I generally drive. It seems counter-intuitive (i.e. plain crazy) but the justification is if you drive like this the engine is working in a more powerful part of its range, driving is generally smoother (no gear changing over a wider speed range), acceleration and engine braking are better, oil circulation is improved, and fuel consumption is, if anything, also better because the engine is working more efficiently. I use 3rd from about 30-50 or 55, and only use 4th above about 50. If I were to use 5th under the same rules the speed cameras would probably get me!
My Honda-engined car peaks at 7000 rpm. What I'm doing is using the engine in most of the best part of its range, i.e. from 3000 - 5000 rpm.
BTW, this style of driving is a relic of my distant past when I used to ride motorbikes.
Trevor
# Posted on October 22nd 2004 by Trevor Jennings
Re: Manual Transmission Cars in Ireland
with stick left I´m lost on my fiddle... but in a car never. more trouble with passenger seat left ...
# Posted on October 22nd 2004 by crannog