Car Hire

Most of the major car hire companies have desks at airports, ferry terminals and cities across Ireland. 

Car hire companies, in general, don’t rent to those  under 21 or over 75 years. All intending drivers need to hold valid licences. For terms and conditions, always check with the car hire company before you travel. 

Car hire tends to be more financially favourable if you make your bookings prior to arriving in Ireland. Make sure to book in advance if you’re travelling during the high season. The majority of rental cars are standard shift, ie: not automatic. If ordered in time, automatic cars are available for an additional charge. 

A child's seat should also be ordered in advance to ensure availability. Advise the car hire company if you’re planning to travel between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. 

Licence and Insurance 

Visitors to Ireland should be in possession of either a full valid national driving licence or an international driving permit issued abroad. These are readily available from motoring organisations in the country of origin.

Driving laws 

• Driving in Ireland is on the left and seat belts must be worn at all times in the front and the back of the vehicle; likewise, motorcyclists and their passengers must wear helmets. 
• There are very strict laws on drinking and driving and those found to be contravening these laws will be heavily penalised. 
• In both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, speed limits are 30mph/50kph in built-up urban areas, 60 mph/100kph on the open road and 10mph/110kph on the motorway.  
• Motorcyclists and their passengers must wear helmets.       

Signposts 

In the Republic, signposts denoting distance are now in kilometres per hour. All signposts and place names are displayed bilingually in both Irish (Gaelic) and English (except in Gaeltacht areas where only Gaelic is used). In Northern Ireland, all signposts and speeds are in miles per hour and place names are displayed in English.

Fuel 

There is a good network of petrol stations throughout Ireland. Prices may vary, but for more information regarding prices in both the North and the Republic visit AA Road Watch.