You may think that the main thing you need to keep in mind when driving in Ireland is to stay on the left (a.k.a. "wrong") side of the road. That's important, true, but there are a few other things to remember when you're doing a road trip in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.

Pony up for an automatic. Many overseas rental agencies charge a premium for automatic cars. If you're used to driving an automatic at home, don't try to save a few bucks by renting a standard. You'll have enough on your mind without worrying about stalling the engine on Ireland's hilly roads. Ignore this advice, and you too may end up with a frustrated passenger yelling from the backseat, "Clutch! Use the clutch!" Or you may develop your own version of my Irish driving mantra, invented when the car started wandering toward the shoulder every time I changed gears: "When you shift, you drift."

Park the cell phone. In both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, driving while using a handheld cell phone is illegal, and fines are steep. Smart folks, the Irish.

Remember that every drive takes longer than you'd think. When passing through towns, major highways often morph into traffic-clogged two-lane streets. And farm vehicles are allowed just about anywhere, including most four-lane roads. So the 400-kilometre drive from Belfast to Cork takes close to six hours. On the bright side, most of the scenery you'll be crawling past is awfully pretty.

Rent a monster car at your peril. Roads are narrow (particularly those marked "R" on Republic of Ireland maps), and they're often lined with parked cars or dense hedges. If you enjoy having side mirrors, forgo the SUV.

Learn to handle roundabouts. They are terrifying, but you can't escape them. Just remember that traffic already in the roundabout, and traffic approaching from the right inside the roundabout, has right of way.

Don't stop suddenly to avoid running an amber light. Most locals don't, and they'll be unpleasantly surprised if you do.

Get your pitching arm in shape. There aren't many tollbooths, but most are automated and take cash only, and the baskets where you toss your change are mysteriously small. That's my explanation for my poor aim, and I'm sticking to it.

Budget wisely for gas. You think Canadian gas prices are high? As I write this, gas prices in the Republic are hovering around $1.70 Canadian a litre in the Republic and $2.08 in Northern Ireland. Check the latest prices before you go at aaireland.ie/petrolprices.

Look before you pump. Diesel is more widely available in Ireland than in Canada. Make sure you're pumping the right fuel before popping that nozzle in the tank.

Don't rush! Ireland, like good whiskey, is best savoured slowly. Allow yourself time to get lost, and you're almost certain to discover a special castle, pub or golf course far off the beaten track.