History of Driving in Ireland

Hiring a car is the easiest way to to get to and from Dublin Airport, but some people. never drove a right hand drive car before. You might think it is uncomfortable or even dangerous. Don’t be afraid. It’s actually easier than you think. Here are a few tips on driving your rental car on the Irish roads.

One of Ireland’s Senator suggested Irish motorist should drive on the right side of the road to facilitate tourists and foreigners when they drive on Irish roads.

I admit that his idea made me thinking. A couple of questions came to my mind, like, "Did European countries always drive on the left ? "
"Did everybody drive on the left and later switched to right-hand traffic?"
"Why and when did it happen?"

Let’s check out the history of right- and left-hand traffic in Europe and overseas.
In the past, almost the whole world traveled on the left side of the road. It was more convenient for a right-handed person to mount a horse from the left side of the horse, especially if he wore a sword.

Later, Napoleon spread the right-hand traffic all over Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Russia and many parts of Spain and Italy. Probably because he was left-handed and he wanted to be different than the English.

Although Britain, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Portugal had resisted. The division between left- and right-hand nations remained until after the First World War. England and France founded many colonies, which had to follow the rules of London or Paris. England had its influence i.e. in Australia, India, Kenya, Indonesia and New Guinea. Congo, Vietnam, Spain, Portugal, South- and Central America and parts of Africa had to follow France’s right-hand traffic.

Fun Times in Ireland!

Religious sites, both Pagan and Christian, can awe in both their simplicity and majesty. Pagan and Celtic stone structures stand testament to the beliefs of early Irishmen, and some even pre-date the infamous Stone Henge. The Catholic and Protestant cathedrals of modern times are large and awe-inspiring, while the abbeys and monasteries from St. Patrick's time show the beauty of early Christianity in Ireland. Jerpoint Abbey is one of the most popular, and is believed by many to be one of the most beautiful.

For those who love food, Irish food is a treat to behold. It's both delectable and simplistic at the same time. Irish Stew, comprised of beef, vegetables, and potatoes, can be found in almost any pub with a pint of Guinness. Butlers, the most infamous chocolates in Ireland, has opened Butlers Chocolate Cafes throughout Dublin and Cork City. These cafes showcase the finest Irish sweets and coffees, a treat for those who enjoy a bit of chocolate to start or cap off their day.

Whether you prefer to spend your time exploring the splendor of nature or the history of man, Ireland offers many treats for your senses. The smell of clover, the sight of the beautiful countryside, the silence of a quiet glen, and the taste of corned beef and cabbage followed by a Butlers chocolate await you on a vacation to Ireland.

Green and Lush Ireland

Known as the Emerald Isle, Ireland is mostly rural in nature and remains seemingly untouched by modern man outside of the city centers. The official language of the Irish Republic is Gaelic, the purest of all the Celtic languages. Gaelige is taught in most schools but is rarely spoken, being eschewed for English in most common life. No matter what your taste in life, there's something for you to do in Ireland.

Ireland is known as a large draw for those that prefer life outdoors. Beyond its infamous green hills and beautiful mountains, Ireland offers a wide variety of outdoor adventures. Over 400 golf courses welcome everyone from the greenest amateur to the fiercest competitor. Equestrian trails dot the landscape, allowing people to experience the joy of being on a horse in addition to the magnificent beauty of the landscape. The Esker Riada route is one of the most infamous in all of cycling, and the mountains offer trails for those who yearn to do some vertical mountain biking. And angling throughout Ireland is superb, both freshwater and saltwater.

The history of Ireland is vast, and many historical sites remain today. Irish Castles dot the landscape, beautiful testaments to early building with wood and earthen materials. Blarney Castle, the original home to the infamous Blarney Stone, stands witness to the beauty of its time. Large homes of the aristocracy, like Castletown in County Kildaire, show the art of the architects of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.