When we planned our trip to Ireland, my sister volunteered to handle the rental car. She’s the organized one and, thanks to her corporate benefits, she was confident she could score us a great deal.
She booked what looked like a luxury sedan at a discounted price and put the reservation under my name because I’m the oldest and over 25. Easy enough.
My brother was thrilled. His dream was to drive across Ireland, navigating narrow country roads and—most importantly—driving on the opposite side of the road.
What could possibly go wrong?
As it turns out… quite a lot.
When we arrived at the rental counter in Dublin, the agent couldn’t find our reservation.
Why? I still don’t remember. Maybe a system issue. Maybe something else entirely.
But instead of solving the mystery, the agent quickly created a new reservation for us. Same category of car, he said. Luxury vehicle. No problem.
Then he began adding things.
Extra insurance.
Roadside assistance.
Additional coverage “just in case.”
He spoke quickly and confidently, like someone who had given this speech hundreds of times.
“Remember,” he said, “the car runs on diesel. Don’t put gas in it. And be careful with the speed limits—there are cameras everywhere. Unmarked patrol cars too.”
I was exhausted from the flight. Sleep-deprived. Trying to process everything at once.
Normally I read every contract carefully before signing anything. It’s a habit.
But that day?
I signed.
Just like that.
The keys slid across the counter to a sleek black Audi A8. Diesel.
We walked out to the car and began our Irish road trip.
Looking back, that moment at the counter is the one I wish I could rewind.
Because that signature would end up costing us thousands of dollars.
The First Warning
Later that day we were walking through the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.
My sister connected to the WiFi and suddenly froze.
Her credit card had sent an alert.
The rental car company had charged her thousands of dollars.
I tried to calm her down.
“It’s probably just a hold,” I said. “Rental companies always do that.”
But when the charge finally posted, it wasn’t a hold.
It was four times the amount of the original reservation.
Driving Through Ireland
Despite the shock, the road trip continued.
And honestly? The car itself was incredible.
The Audi A8 was unbelievably comfortable for long drives. The problem was that it was huge—especially for Ireland’s famously narrow roads.
Full disclosure: I may have clipped a few side mirrors driving through Adare.
My sister served as co-pilot while my brother stretched out across the entire back seat like he owned the place.
I navigated winding roads in the rain toward Galway, then sunshine breaking through in Killarney. The windshield had a constant reminder staring back at me:
“Drive on the Left.”
The scenery was surreal—rolling green hills, stone fences, sheep wandering nearby.
We blasted country music while driving through what felt like a movie set. At one point we were listening to “God’s Country” while passing fields that absolutely looked like someone else’s version of heaven.
Our go-to snack? Drive-through açaí bowls.
Ireland throws a lot at a driver who’s used to American roads:
Endless roundabouts
Lanes barely wide enough for one car
Tractors sharing the road
And then there was me—someone who rarely drives long distances at home—suddenly behind the wheel for hours every day.
I watch Formula 1: Drive to Survive, which apparently gave me more confidence than I deserved. I kept wanting to overtake slow cars like I was in a race.
My brother recorded some of these moments while my sister repeatedly yelled my name from the passenger seat.
“Stop!”
Plot Twist: I Became the Driver
Ironically, my brother—the one who was most excited about driving in Ireland—never actually drove.
Not once.
I did.
Every single day.
About six hours a day on average.
Which is funny because back home I mostly just drive around my neighborhood and avoid traffic whenever possible. I’m the kind of person who happily lets someone else drive in Los Angeles.
But something changed on that trip.
After navigating Irish roads for days, American highways suddenly felt easy.
Recently I even rented a BMW X5 and drove eight hours to Arizona and back.
Apparently Ireland turned me into the road trip driver of the family.
The Bill That Never Went Away
When we returned to the United States and the final charge posted to the card, we realized the amount hadn’t been corrected.
We called the rental car company.
Then we called the credit card company.
Then we called again.
And again.
Eventually we were told something surprising:
This happens frequently.
Despite multiple attempts to dispute the charge, the amount was never adjusted.
Why I’m Sharing This
I’m not sharing this story to complain about the trip. Ireland was beautiful and the road trip was unforgettable.
But I am sharing it because I wish someone had warned me.
If you ever rent a car abroad:
Double-check everything before you sign.
Confirm the reservation matches what you booked online
Review every added insurance line
Ask for a printed breakdown of the total cost
Even if you’re tired.
Even if the agent seems friendly.
Even if there’s a line behind you.
Take the extra two minutes.
Because that signature at the counter can follow you all the way home.
Great tips, even better video footage. Time to visit the Barona Speedway!