Driving in Ireland

In Ireland we drive on the left hand side of the road, and all cars are right-hand drive. A manual transmission car is standard but automatics are available. EU driving licences are treated as Irish. If you're from outside the EU its generally a good idea to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP), obtained from your local automobile association for a small amount.

Republic of Ireland

All speed limits are posted in km/h. The general speed limits are as follows:

• 120 km/h motorways
• 100 km/h national roads
• 80 km/h non-national roads (regional and local roads)
• 50 km/h built-up area

Posted speed limits must be obeyed at all times. Note that while speed and distances are measured in the metric system, there may be some older signs with distances in miles. These will lack the "km" suffix.

Northern Ireland

All speeds are measured in miles-per-hour and distances in miles.

Roads between major cities are usually of dual-carriageway or motorway standards. You can expect to get good speeds. Once you venture off these roads, the roads are usually of reasonable quality.

In cities, it is usually best to avoid driving during the morning and evening rush-hours, especially in Dublin.

General Rules of Car Rental in Ireland

Hire a car online here.

You must produce a full valid driving license of your country of residence (which you must have held for at least two years without endorsements) if an EU citizen, and outside you should obtain an International Driver's Licence (see your local Automobile Association or motor tax authority who should be able to help) Owing to certain insurance restrictions usually only persons over the age of twenty three and under seventy are eligible to hire a car. The minimum and maximum hiring ages varies with different companies and should be checked in advance.

Hire rate includes third party/liability insurance, unlimited mileage, value added tax and usually also passenger indemnity insurance. If the hirer does not take out additional insurance (Collision Damage Waiver), he is liable for replacement of the car. In the unfortunate event of an accident always notify the car hire company immediately.