For your own, genuine Irish adventure, it’s best to get out into the countryside and explore. A rental car gives you the freedom to see Ireland on your schedule—if from the “wrong” side of the road. Irish roads are in good condition and the recent boom saw big improvements in infrastructure. Drivers are courteous. Follow these tips to make your experience as seamless as possible.

1. Relax. Take a deep breath. The basic rules of the road are the same in Ireland, where they drive on the left, as they are back home. Don’t overthink it: You know how to drive. Just pay attention to what the driver in front of you is doing and you’ll be all right.

2. Just as in the States, renting a car across the pond requires a credit card, a passport, and a driver’s license. Depending on size, cars cost about $18 to $35 per day.

3. Watch the left side of the car. I clipped a number of curves during my trip and came very close to losing my left mirror. It takes time to get used to the new spatial dimensions.

4. Make sure you know if the car takes petrol (gas) or diesel. The rental agent will let you know which fuel to use. Using the wrong fuel destroys the engine.

5. Get insurance. Normally, it’s better to be safe than sorry. And it only costs around $15 more a day.

6. Rent an automatic. If you’re comfortable driving a manual transmission back home, you’ll be fi ne in Ireland. But just to make the transition easier, you can stick to an automatic for safety and convenience.

7. You’ll find roundabouts across Ireland. These can be confusing. Just make sure to look to your right and stay on the left when you advance.