Essential Info for Car Rental in Ireland: What You Need to Be Aware Of
Renting a car in Ireland is an excellent way to explore the country's picturesque landscapes, quaint villages, and historical sites at your own pace. Here's a guide to help you navigate the process, from choosing the right car to understanding the rules of the road.
Firstly, it's essential to know that if you've never driven a manual car before, it's safer to opt for an automatic one when renting in Ireland. The speed limits in Ireland vary, with local roads generally around 80 km/h and national highways up to 100 km/h.
Driving on the left side of the road might be confusing for tourists, as the driver's seat is on the right side of the car. Narrow back roads in Ireland don't have standard breakdown lanes, and sometimes your side-view mirror will be inches away from stone walls or hedges while passing other cars.
When it comes to age restrictions, while the minimum age for driving in Ireland is 18 years old, most car rental companies enforce their own age limit of 21 years old. They also charge an additional fee if you're under 24 years old.
It's recommended to pick up a rental car about 60 minutes after arrival at Dublin Airport and about 30 minutes after arrival at Shannon Airport. When departing, it's recommended to be at the airport at least 3 1/2 hours before a flight from Dublin Airport and at least 2 1/2 hours before a flight from Shannon Airport.
Be aware of local hazards such as sheep in smaller towns, as local shepherds may move them on the roads. It's wise to practice driving in a small town before heading onto the highways if you've never been to a country that drives on the left.
In terms of cost, renting a car in Ireland costs around $25-$40 USD per day, depending on the type of car. Gas prices in Ireland are cheaper than in the United States, with gas costing about $5.90 per gallon (€1.40 per liter).
There are several popular car rental companies in Ireland, including Europecar, Enterprise, Sixt, Hertz, and Dooley. However, the best site to book a car is Discover Cars. If you're considering a one-way rental, be aware that there's an additional fee that varies by company.
To find the best car rental companies in Ireland for travel in 2025, start by comparing user ratings, reviews, and prices on aggregator websites like KAYAK and Skyscanner. For example, top-rated companies in Dublin include Enterprise Rent-A-Car (rating 9.0) and Sixt (rating 6.9), though some companies, such as keddy by Europcar, operate multiple convenient locations around Dublin.
When it comes to insurance, it's highly recommended to get full coverage when renting a car in Ireland due to the narrow roads and potential accidents. Companies in Ireland charge an "admin fee" of about €30 EURO when you use your own credit card insurance.
In conclusion, by following this guide, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable car rental experience in Ireland, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the country's rich culture and stunning scenery.
Traveling around Ireland's picturesque landscapes, quaint villages, and historical sites might be more enjoyable with a rental car, facilitating a personalized exploration at your own pace. To that end, opt for an automatic car if you're unfamiliar with manual driving, and remember to drive on the left side of the road, despite the driver's seat being on the right-hand side of the car.
