[alfa] Yanks in Ireland

["Maurice Marvi" <maurice@xxxxxxxxx>]

I've driven many times in ireland. The first time was harrowing, but I used a trick I saw used by english embassy workers in the US. They had post it notes with "Look Left, Drive Right" stuck to the windshield.

Most rentals in ireland will have a sticker with backwards writing on the dash (Works like a heads up display on the windshield) saying the same thing.

I've never rented an alfa, but did get a fiat punto once. The wife would have blown a fuse if I spent extra time trying to get a specific car.

If you are an accomplshed standard driver, the mechanics are pretty easy. At least they don't reverse the clutch and accelerator. Right hand turns can be a bit of a white knuckle affair.

Where are you driving? If you're in Dublin, forget it. Park the car and take a taxi, bus or DART. With some of the construction in town, and the new bus only corridors, the traffic is terrible, and first time parking in those undrground lots can be an interesting excerise.

If you are anywhere else, go for it. The roads may be a bit narrow in places, but the Motorway system has improved greatly in the last 10 years. Get a good map.

One last thing. If you are expecting to get CDW from your credit card, triple check with the card issuer, and the rental company. Currently, the only card I know that insures you is a gold or platinum Master Card. Amex and Visa will not. There are also some rental car comapnies that will not accept any credit card CDW program. This can be unreasonably expensive, costing up to the original cost of the rental.

If you have any other questions, contact me off list. 
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