When we traveled in Ireland with family, we stopped at a Pub for lunch. Our nieces were young at the time, and they wanted to know if it was OK for them to go into a bar…. Don’t think of them as bars.

The term pub is short for “public house”. The locals go there to hang out and socialize. Children are served food and soft drinks. Sometimes there is a special section, and they may be asked to leave earlier at night than the other patrons. The legal drinking age is 19 in Ireland.

Irish Pubs are great places to get a decent inexpensive meal. “Pub Grub” earned a bad reputation years ago, but it’s not what it used to be. There are a few pubs that have microwaved meals and wilted salads, but most are really pretty good today. To find the best pub in the area where you’re staying, just ask the host at your B-and-B. You’ll probably get a great tip for a meal and a fun evening.

In most pubs, you order at the bar… both your drink and your food. If you’re unsure how to order beer… just ask. Most bartenders or publicans will take the time to educate you. If you just ask for a beer… you’re apt to get a pint of Guinness. If you want less, ask for a half-pint.

We don’t drink beer much at home, but we love to try local beers when we travel, so we suggest you try some of the local brews in Irish Pubs. There are long handles with plaques on them at the bar that let you know what is on tap. If you ask, they will probably let you have a small taste of one or two to see if you like them… of course, you must order one in the end.

Besides Guinness Stout, there are other ales, bitters, and beers. If you like lighter beer ask for a lager, something like Harp.

Pubs are open for lunch and straight through to dinner and into the evening…. usually from 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM.

If you’re staying in a town for a couple of nights and visit the same pub, you’ll probably be hailed as a friend by your second visit. You’ll only be a stranger in a pub if you want to be. If you try talking to the locals, you’ll soon be in a conversation.

If you’re really lucky, you’ll run into some traditional music. You may find music advertised or it might just happen spontaneously. Musical instrument can be fiddles, flutes, guitars or accordions… or all of the above. But if you’re really lucky you might hear the Irish version of bagpipes… uilleann.

Whether you get music or great food or just a pint and a snack, you’ll find a friendly place to stop in an Irish Pub.

Let me tell you a story… we were traveling with my brother’s family in Ireland. At the Shannon airport, the fellows went to get the car we’d be sharing. It was a small van since there were six of us… Already a big car for Ireland, right?

Well, brother doesn’t travel much, but he had made the car reservation, and he said, “Don’t worry, I can drive it.” By the time they got from one side of the airport to the other to pick us up, he gave the keys to my hubby and said, “I’ll watch the first day or two.” Eventually he was driving in Ireland just fine, but the point is, it does take some getting used to.

Most cars are stick shift/ manual transmission. “That’s OK”, you’re thinking, “I can drive a stick shift.” But can you do that comfortably on the other side of the car… with the shift on the other side…. driving on the left? Remember my brother.

Ireland is one European country that has a lot of traffic accidents. Because of that, you may find that Collision Damage Waiver insurance (CDW) is mandatory on your rental car. Maybe it’s those narrow roads with the hedgerows that make it difficult to see other traffic, and difficult to avoid the traffic even if you see it… unless you’re going very slowly. Don’t count on your credit card coverage here…. check with your credit card company before you rent. Ireland may be one of those countries they exclude from coverage.

You’ll sometimes be told that you need an international drivers license, but you can usually get by with just your regular driver’s license. Always check before you go.

When you’re making a rental car reservation, we suggest you reserve the smallest car your group will fit in. We keep repeating… remember those narrow roads. Smaller cars will be easier to park. You’ll also get better gas milage with a smaller car.. and gas is expensive.

Car travel isn’t necessarily fast. The speed limit through towns is 30 miles per hour or less (50 km/h)… and you mostly be on small roads that go through lots of towns. That’s why you’re driving in Ireland… to see all those little Irish towns and the great scenery.

Get used to roundabouts. They really make things easier once you get the hang of merging…. Remember that traffic in the roundabout has the right of way. Roundabouts are easier, really, than right hand turns at big intersections where most Americans and Europeans are turning the “wrong way.”

If you get confused about where to park, ask a local. Do you need to pay at a central machine and get a ticket to park at a pay-and-display area? Locals will let you know what is legal… and talking to locals is part of the fun. It’s the same thing if you get lost. Stop and ask someone. You can get directions and a dose of that Irish lilt at the same time… and sometimes a story will come with it.

Anything more about driving in Ireland? Get a guidebook or map that translates Irish place names so you’ll know what you’re looking for… it may not be Greek, but Gaelic can be just as confusing. Wear your seat belts. Obey the speed limits; they are strictly enforced… and you shouldn’t be in a hurry anyway… you’re on holiday!