Stay to the Left, Stay to the Left!

Thursday, August 4, 2023 – Dublin to Cobh

Today, we traded Dublin’s city buzz for the Irish countryside, which meant one thing: renting a car. We rented the car near our hotel in the heart of the city, which meant the rental agency was on the top floor of an eight-story parking garage. So my first experience in a right-hand drive, manual transmission vehicle was navigating eight floors of hairpin turns dumping us out onto busy city streets.

My car at home has a manual transmission so shifting is not a problem, and shifting with my left hand felt surprisingly natural. The real challenge was staying on the left side of the road, especially while turning. My strategy? An out-loud verbal reminder: “Stay to the left, stay to the left!” It was my mantra for the day—and it worked.

Once we escaped the city’s labyrinth of streets, we stopped in the charming town of Blessington for a much-needed coffee, a stroll around the little town, and a stop at the reservoir on the River Liffey, Dublin’s water supply. Then it was off to Kilkenny, where we lunched and toured the stunning Kilkenny Castle.

Our next stop was the Rock of Cashel, an ancient fortress perched dramatically on a hilltop. Unfortunately, we arrived after closing time, but the grounds were open for wandering—and the view alone was worth the visit. The Irish countryside unfolded like a postcard all around. The Irish countryside is so lush and green. Everywhere you look, whether a manicured garden or a wild meadow, is a beautiful sight.

By late afternoon, we reached Cobh, checked into our hotel, and explored the town. Dinner was delightful, but the highlight was a pint at a tiny local pub where we were the only tourists. Listening to the regulars’ banter and watching the ebb and flow of the evening was delightful entertainment.

Cobh is steeped in maritime history. It was the Titanic’s final port of call and played a somber role during World War I as the landing place for Lusitania survivors. Even today, it’s a bustling cruise port. By sheer luck, we timed our visit between ships—leaving us to enjoy the quiet charm before the next wave of tourists arrived.

From navigating parking garages to soaking in centuries of history, today was a mix of mild panic, pure wonder, and the occasional “stay to the left.” A perfect start to our Irish countryside adventure.