Driving in Dublin

I guess I'm not alone in saying that I am scared of driving in a new city or country!  But, I can say I am slowly getting more confident as I get more familiar with my area.  I have driven 3/4 way across the country and done plenty of driving on our trips, but the city can be more daunting.  At first I had to memorize the trip on a map if I was going somewhere and was in trouble if a diversion was in place.  Now I can change my mind on a trip and not get lost (so far!)

Nearly all parking in Dublin is paid parking.  Closer to the city costs more.  One of my greatest fears is getting clamped.  The traffic guys are ruthless and any 'clearways' that are not observed will result in the yellow machine on your wheel, a huge sticker on your car window and the need to phone them, wait and then pay 80 euros to get unclamped.  I observe this outside our apartment every afternoon at 4pm!  Hasn't happened to us yet, but I am worried one day I will misread a parking sign and be a victim!

At first I thought that drivers here were very impatient, with lots of horns 'bipping', but after driving more I have decided there is a lot of tolerance on the road (there HAS to be!)  Taxi drivers are the most considerate, indicating for you to turn, or pull out so the traffic isn't held up.  This attitude is infectious and I find myself letting others in or waiting for them so the traffic isn't held up.  More than I would at home I think.  Of course with the narrow streets here, it's almost necessary to aid good traffic flow.  Some streets are so narrow that with cars parked one side, traffic can only flow one way at a time.

Also being a pedestrian, you get stopped for which is rather nice and unexpected.

A funny story when we did first arrive though, we pulled out of our apartment block and sat for ages trying to turn right, unwise in peak hour traffic, a little while later the phone rings, it is Damien who sold us the car saying 'you have to learn to drive like the Irish guys, you are too polite, just go'!!  He was in the car dealership across the road and recognized the car!!  We had a good laugh (and have learnt to take more risks!)