Doing a Roadtrip is a great way to explore Ireland, especially since many of its tourist sights and best natural landscapes are challenging to reach using rail or bus networks. You can explore Ireland at your own pace, not on someone else’s schedule. You can stay longer in an area you are drawn to, change your itinerary at will, or just take the long, meandering road to your next destination.

So you are well prepared for your trip through Ireland, I put a list of tips together you should know before renting a car. Of course, renting a car in Ireland can be confusing and even daunting. Here are my experiences with Ireland car rentals and some helpful tips to assist you in your adventure.

If you’re up for a challenge and looking for an unforgettable adventure, check out this hiking itinerary that’s designed to take you through some of Ireland’s most stunning landscapes. With a moderate to high level of fitness and hiking experience, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences along the way.

And if you’re planning a trip to Ireland, be sure to check out this guide to the top 10 things to visit in the country. From ancient castles and breathtaking natural scenery to vibrant cities and charming villages, Ireland has something for everyone.

How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Car In Ireland?

Renting a car in Ireland will cost you around $25-$40 a day, depending on your car type.

Renting a car isn’t cheap, but it significantly impacts the kind of holiday you’re going to have. To determine the price of renting a car, I can recommend Rentalcars.com. Definitely make the booking before your trip to Ireland.

Automatic vs. Manual

We chose to rent an automatic transmission car. You can choose either manual or automatic, and there might be more options with manual car rentals since it is more common in Europe.

We didn’t have a problem reserving an automatic, and I find it easier not having to change the gear with the left hand and focus on the street.

Gas Or Diesel?

Diesel is slightly cheaper per liter than gas, and if you are planning to drive a long route, like the Wild Atlantic Way, you will definitely notice the money you save by using Diesel.

Either way, ensure you know whether your vehicle uses gas or Diesel. The two are not interchangeable. All gas sold in Ireland is unleaded, so if it uses gas, it will use unleaded gas.

Irish Driving Laws Tourists Should Know

As you drive around Ireland, keep some basic driving rules in mind, and know that Ireland uses kilometers per hour.

• Drive on the left-hand side. This means the driver’s seat is on the right-hand side of the car, which can be quite the adjustment.

• Watch out for variable motorway speeds. Speed limits are usually well signposted on each new stretch of road or change in speed. If in doubt about the speed of a particular street, you can use the following basic rules: the speed limit on local and regional roads is around 80 km/h, and on national motorways (the Irish version of North American highways, usually denoted by an M) it increases up to 100 km/h. The maximum speed in more urban, built-up areas is typically 50 km/h.

• Unless otherwise indicated, right before left applies (despite left-hand traffic!).

• Give way at the signs STOP, GIVE AWAY, YIELD, and the Gaelic GÉILL SLÍ

• Vehicles in the traffic circle have the right of way

• A continuous double yellow left at the roadside means strictly no stopping

• A solid yellow line means no parking

• A dashed line means no parking at certain times

• “Park and Display” = buy a parking ticket

• “Park Disc” = use parking disc

• Sign with P = parking allowed

• Sign with crossed out P = parking prohibited

Accident & Breakdown Information

Contact the police by calling 999 to report emergencies or by calling 101 for non-emergencies.

Renting a Car in Ireland: Insurance Explained

Many foreign visitors to Ireland get stuck paying for a rental car damage waiver in some shape or form because many credit card companies explicitly exclude coverage in Ireland due to the high claims rate. Before your trip, double-check your credit card’s policy on renting a car in Ireland.

Theft Insurance

The theft insurance usually comes along with the CDW. So you can not exclude this insurance, but it does not hurt anyone.

Third-Party Cover

This insurance protects you from damage to third parties. So even if you run over a farmer’s sheep. Also, the Third Party Cover comes along with CDW-TI and is not excludable.

Personal Liability Insurance

Personal insurance in the event of the death of one of the car’s occupants. You probably already have this included from home in your car insurance or perhaps in some other insurance. Often such death insurance can also be found in travel insurance policies.

However, you don’t need Personal Liability Insurance in most cases.

Do I Need an International Driver’s License to drive in Ireland?

Coming from Europe, you definitely don’t need an international driver’s license. Coming from Canada and the USA, you also don’t need any kind of international driver’s license. Depending on what other countries you’re from, you may need to get an international driver’s license.

Which Size of Car to Choose

Ireland is not only notorious for its narrow streets, often bordered by walls, but also for the hedges that hide the walls in a rather mean way.

It is not only the driver who sweats on the narrow roads. As a passenger, you can also suffer when you are mercilessly pushed into the hedge by the driver.

Therefore, I recommend getting a small to the mid-size car to get through those narrow roads. However, choose a vehicle that will fit everything and everyone in your party, including your luggage.

Find the smallest car that would just about fit the number of people and luggage, and then book one size larger.

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