With a car in Ireland, you can explore breathtaking landscapes and uncover hidden treasures beyond the reach of public transportation, such as the Giant’s Causeway or the Wild Atlantic Way. In this guide, you can find everything you need to know about renting a car in Ireland, including when and where to rent it and essential driving tips for a safe and unforgettable experience.
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Why You Should Rent a Car in Ireland
Renting a car in Ireland allows you to explore destinations inaccessible by bus or train, allowing you to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
With your own car, you can take advantage of the opportunity to uncover the picturesque routes and attractions, such as the awe-inspiring Causeway Coast, a 130-mile drive along the north coast of County Antrim, featuring the Giant’s Causeway, the famous Ring of Kerry, a 111-mile loop around the Iveragh Peninsula in the southwest, or the Wild Atlantic Way, a 1553-mile route along the west coast from Donegal to Cork.
The wild nature in Ireland is incredibly inspiring, and reaching remote areas is almost impossible without a car.
When Renting a Car in Ireland is Not a Good Idea
There’s no need to hire a car if you only plan to visit popular tourist cities such as Dublin, Belfast, or Derry. Public transport makes it easy to move around, even between major cities.
Additionally, if you’re uncomfortable driving on the left side of the road, it’s best to avoid renting a car. While I personally find it not difficult, many people who are used to driving on the right side may not feel confident driving on the left.
Driving in Ireland: What You Need to Know Before Renting a Car
Before renting a car, you should remember some tips to ensure a safe journey when driving in Ireland. Firstly, always drive on the left side of the road. This can be especially challenging on narrow country roads, so practising in a parking lot before hitting the road is a good idea.
Be cautious when driving on small country roads, as they can be very narrow and winding. Passing slower vehicles on these roads can be risky, so only attempt it when you have a clear view ahead and can safely use the opposite lane.
Additionally, be mindful of the roundabout system in Ireland. Remember to always yield to traffic already on the roundabout and navigate it in the opposite direction compared to roundabouts in mainland Europe or the US.
Lastly, never drink and drive, even if you’re on holiday. Authorities in Ireland take this seriously and frequently conduct checkpoints, especially during festive periods. So, always commit to driving responsibly and safely.
Cost Comparison: Dublin vs. Belfast
When travelling to Ireland, depending on your arrival airport, renting a car can be more convenient in Dublin or Belfast. Dublin is located on the east coast of Ireland, while Belfast is in the northeast of the island and is part of Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK.
Ireland, in fact, is divided into two separate jurisdictions. The southern part of the island is the Republic of Ireland, which is independent from the UK. Northern Ireland was established in 1922 after the Irish War of Independence, which led to the island’s split into two regions.
This means that you will cross a national border and leave or enter the European Union by driving across the island from north to south or vice versa. The differences are visible – for example, in the Republic of Ireland you will find signs in both English and Gaelic, while in the UK you will see signs only in English. Additionally, the currency changes: in the Republic of Ireland you will pay in Euro, while in Northern Ireland in Pound Sterling.
Dublin Airport: (Usually) the Cheapest Place Where to Rent a Car in Ireland
Usually, renting a car at Dublin Airport is cheaper than renting one at Belfast Airport, as different national rules and taxes apply. However, keep in mind that the right-hand driving system is used throughout Ireland, and you drive on the left side of the road.
If you’re flying into Belfast, it might be best to rent a car there. But since most affordable flights arrive in Dublin, you can save money by flying there and renting a car. To verify if this also applies to your travel dates, I recommend using a car rental comparison website like DiscoverCars.com, which I personally use for car rentals.
How to Rent a Car in Ireland
In the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, there are several reputable car rental companies, including Budget, Sixt, Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Enterprise. Additionally, there are lesser-known companies such as Flizzr, Dollar, and National.
Finding the right rental company and exploring their offerings can be daunting and time-consuming. To simplify the process, you can visit websites like DiscoverCars.com to compare prices and find the best deals. I usually do this because it allows me to always secure the best price for my car rental needs.
Additional Charges and Extra Costs When to Book Your Car Rental in Ireland
I highly recommend adding full insurance coverage. It provides protection if your car gets scratched in a parking lot, saving you from paying for the damage out of pocket.
If you are unable to purchase full insurance coverage during the booking process, you can usually add it at the counter when you pick up your rental car. Keep in mind that different companies may refer to full insurance coverage by different names, such as Super Cover or Total Cover, so if you’re unsure, just ask for clarification.
Documents Needed For Renting a Car and Driving Legally in Ireland and UK
Ireland consists of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK. Therefore, to drive legally in both countries, you must meet the legal requirements for renting a car. You must have a valid, full national driving licence or an international driving permit, and you should always carry your driver’s licence with you.
If you have a UK or EU driving licence, you can drive in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. US citizens can drive in Ireland for up to 12 months as tourists, as American licenses are automatically valid in Ireland. If you don’t have an EU, UK, or US driving licence, you may need an International Driving Permit.
Travelling With Children: Car Seat Laws in Ireland and Northern Ireland
When traveling with children in Ireland, European laws apply in the Republic of Ireland and UK laws apply in Northern Ireland. This means that you may need a car seat for your children until they are either 12 years old or 135cm in height (150cm in the Republic of Ireland), whichever comes first.
You don’t have to bring your own car seat, as you can add a car seat to your rental car. However, it’s your responsibility to check that child car seats are correctly fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions, including adjusting the seat tightly and attaching it to an anchorage point designed for a child car seat.
In general, children aged 15 months and older but under 36kg must use an appropriate child car seat. Infants and young children under 15 months old must be placed in rear-facing car seats. Additionally, new backless booster seats can only be used by children who weigh 22kg or more.
Tips for Avoiding Extra Charges from Car Rentals in Ireland
When returning a rental car, ensure the vehicle is clean and free of any crumbs or food residues on the seats. Also, ensure the car has a full petrol tank because the rental company will charge you a fee for the missing petrol.
To avoid paying for any damage, I highly recommend full insurance coverage. This way, you won’t have any extra charges if the car gets scratched in a parking lot. This scenario is more common than you might realize!
Renting a Car in Ireland: Final Thoughts
Renting a car in Ireland offers the freedom and convenience to discover the country’s natural beauty at your own speed. It can be a great option to explore beyond the major cities and experience the true essence of the Irish countryside. Feel free to leave a comment and share your experience with other fellow travellers.