Is driving in Ireland difficult?
Ireland is one of the world’s most romantic destinations and the Emerald Isle is a favourite location for fishing, golfing, hiking and cycling. Attracting tourists from all corners of the world, many choose to hire cars to see as much of Ireland as possible. Roads in Ireland are generally in excellent condition and the motorway network to and from the capital is well managed. Much like driving in any major urban city, forward planning is wise and either hiring a sat nav or using Google maps is a good idea to avoid congestion or getting lost.
Once our of the city, country roads are a joy and should be enjoyed, whilst narror in places, those flanking the famous west coast offer unrivalled scenery and views. There is little to be concerned about when driving in Ireland, embrace the excellent choice of hire cars and low prices and make the most of your visit.
Most popular location to collect car hire in Ireland:
What documents do I need to hire a car in Ireland?
When hiring a car in Ireland you'll need to present the following documents;
- Passport
- Full driving license (International Driving Permit may be required for some nationalities)
- Credit / debit card in the name of the main driver
- Car rental voucher (printed copy of e-voucher / app)
- A sense of adventure is not mandatory, but will add enjoyment
Minimum Age Requirements for Car Hire in Ireland
Most car hire companies in Ireland require you to be 25 or older to rent a car. However it is possible to rent a car with some car hire companies from the age of 21. If you are a young driver between the ages of 21-25 it is common for a surcharge to be added to the price of your rental car. The price of this additional charge can vary between rental car agencies and can also vary depending on the type of car you require. Please see the table below for further information:
Car hire supplier
Sixt
Hertz
Europcar
Avis
Enterprise
Payless
Budget
Minimum age
21
23
25
25
25
25
25
Young driver supplement/day
(under 25)
€30.00
€26.00
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Mini Guide to Ireland
Ireland can be found in the North West of the continent of Europe, it is one of the largest islands in the world and third-largest island in the whole of Europe. To the east is the Irish Sea and Great Britain; whilst in the West is the Atlantic Ocean. Ireland comprises of two separate states, the largest part, which covers around three quarters of the land mass is the Republic of Ireland, a sovereign state in its own right, whilst Northern Ireland is considered a part of the United Kingdom.
Nicknamed the 'Emerald Isle' thanks to its green fields and large expanses of undeveloped rolling countryside, nearly 10% of Ireland is covered by dense forestation. In recent years steps have been taken to save these areas, especially with regard to overgrazing of cattle, and in some cases such as in Killarney National Park, large tracts of land have been completely fenced off.
Due to the fact the Ireland is a relatively small nation; it makes an extremely good choice of destination for those people who enjoy touring in their own vehicle. Regardless of where you stay in Ireland, almost all of the sights and points of interest will lay within an easy days drive. Possibly the best way to explore Ireland in this fashion is to stay in one of its larger cities, and take day excursions or trips to places that interest you the most.
Dublin is the capital city of the Republic of Ireland in the South, a truly cosmopolitan town with a long and varied history, a great place to use as a base of operations from which to explore the surrounding countryside. Dublin was originally a Viking settlement, and sits upon the banks of the River Liffey. Check here for Dublin. Dublin is noted for its vibrant nightlife especially in the Temple Bar area and its youthful population. It has also being voted one of the friendliest cities in Europe. Music forms a large part of Dublin culture and the town has been responsible for producing several world famous bands including Thin Lizzy, the Hothouse Flowers and the Boomtown Rats. There are a whole myriad of interesting places to visit within a short drive from Dublin, some of which we will explore below.
Just North of Dublin can be found Howth Head, this is a small Peninsula which can be climbed, and once at the summit the visitor is rewarded with breathtaking views across Dublin city. It should be noted that this climb should only be attempted in fine weather, not due to any danger or risk involved but simply because if there is heavy cloud or mist, visibility becomes extremely poor in this area.
For something a little more energetic, a trip to Kilternan may be just the ticket, a range of artificial ski and snowboarding slopes have been constructed, and are available for public use for a small fee. Don't worry if you have no experience, instructors are on hand to help out people of all experience levels from beginners to experts. Equipment is also rented on site, meaning you will not have to bring your own.
Upon the north side of Dublin within the Kylemore industrial estate can be found one of Dublin's new attractions. A large indoor karting track has been constructed in one of the old warehouses, and visitors can try their hand at this exciting form of indoor motorsport. The track features race commentaries and a computerised timing system. Visitors can either book a short session or hire the entire venue for larger groups.
Facts about Ireland
- Ireland is divided up into the Republic of Ireland which is about five sixths of the island and Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom.
- There was a famine (often referred to as the 'Great Hunger') between 1845-1849 causing around 1 million deaths
- There are five international airports in Ireland and the busiest is Dublin Airport.
- Horse racing is very popular in the country and it is known worldwide for its breeding of fine race horses.
- Guinness is the most famous drink in Ireland and originated in Dublin.