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Renting a Car in Ireland: What You Need to Know To Give You the Freedom to Explore Ireland on Your Own!
Renting a car in Ireland can be one of the best decisions you make when visiting this beautiful country. It gives you the freedom to explore the rolling hills, dramatic coastlines, and charming villages at your own pace. However, the process can be a bit overwhelming, especially driving on the other side of the street on the other side of the car! This can be quite precarious, as you navigate narrow roads with lots of hidden corners not to mention the hidden obstacles you'll find as you drive. More on that later! You'll want to make sure you are well-covered with insurance. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about renting a car in Ireland, from understanding all of the insurance options to providing essential tips for driving around the Emerald Isle.
Renting a Car in Ireland: What You Need to Know To Give You the Freedom to Explore Ireland on Your Own!
Why Rent a Car in Ireland
Ireland has public transportation in place in several cities like Dublin or Cork, but if you want to get off the beaten path and visit some of the more remote locations like the Ring of Kerry or the Causeway Coast, a rental car becomes invaluable. Having a car means you can take detours to off-the-beaten-path destinations, linger at scenic spots, and avoid the time constraints of bus schedules, all while dodging the crowds from tour buses. Plus, the ability to change up your plans at a moments notice and the ability to stop whenever you want is a major bonus in such a picturesque country.
Choosing the Right Rental Car
Before you even think about driving, you'll need to choose a rental car that suits all your needs. Here are a few things to consider:
Manual vs Automatic: Most cars in Ireland are manual. Even if you are comfortable with a manual transmission, are you comfortable shifting with your opposite hand? Automatics are often more expensive and are limited in availability, so you'll need to make sure you book early.
Size: Roads in rural Ireland are narrow, there are often little to no shoulder and parking spaces can be tight. You might want to accept an upgrade for a bigger car, but decline because opting for a smaller car can make your driving experience much easier. The smaller the car, the more room you are giving yourself on those narrow roads! Try to limit your luggage so you don't have to choose a bigger car just to fit your stuff.
Fuel Type: Diesel cars are more common in Ireland and are often more fuel-efficient, but you might also find hybrid cars to be common as well. Just make sure you know what type of fuel your rental takes before leaving just to avoid any mix-ups at the pump.
Pro tip: You pay for your gas after you pump. There are a few pay at the pump locations, but for the most part you will pump your gas and then go inside to pay.
Understanding Car Insurance in Ireland
One of the most confusing parts of renting a car in Ireland is understanding the insurance options. Insurance can easily double or triple the cost of your rental. I do not claim to understand all of this, because this confused me as well, but here are some things that are good to know!
*Please do your own research on this. I am not held liable for any information in this post. For educational purposes only.
1. Collision Damage Waiver {CDW}
The CDW is a common term in car rental agreements in Ireland, but it's not exactly insurance. Instead, it reduces your financial liability if the rental car is returned damaged. Without it, you could be responsible for the full cost of repairs. However, the CDW typically comes with a hefty excess {deductible}, which can range from 1,000-5,000 euros, depending on the rental company.
Most rental agencies will offer you the option to reduce the excess by purchasing Excess Insurance, which can drop your liability to zero or a very small amount. This can significantly increase the daily cost of your rental, so it's worth considering alternative options.
2. Credit Card Insurance Coverage
Many credit cards, especially those geared toward travel, offer rental car insurance as a benefit. This can be a great way to save money, but you do need to understand the details.
Check with Your Credit Card Company: Before relaying on your credit card for insurance, do a quick search to confirm that they cover rentals in Ireland. Some credit cards do not provide coverage in certain countries {Ireland is one of them}, so it's important to check in advance. Also, make sure they cover Northern Ireland as well if your travels take you there.
We've rented cars in several countries and this is the first time we've ever used our credit card coverage!
Declining the Rental Company's CDW: For your credit card insurance to kick in, you'll need to decline the rental company's CDW. The rental agency will likely ask for a large deposit or pre-authorization on your card as a hold against any potential damage.
Coverage Limits and Exclusions: Credit card insurance usually covers collision damage but may not cover theft, personal injury, or third party liability. Be sure to read the fine print and understand the limitations for your coverage before you decline any of the rental company's insurance. Find this information in the benefits guide.
Pro tip: Make sure you print off a copy of the credit card coverage letter less than two weeks prior to your trip. We found this online with a little digging. The car rental agency will likely ask to see a copy AND will want to make sure that it specifically says that it includes Ireland.
3. Third-Party Liability Insurance
In Ireland, third-party liability insurance is mandatory. It covers damage or injury to other people or property caused by your driving. This insurance is typically included in your rental fee, so you don't need to worry about purchasing it separately. But it's always a good idea to confirm that you have it with your rental company.
Don't miss the perfect self-driving Ireland Itinerary! You'll circle the whole island and see everything from major highlights to things off the beaten path!
Picking Up Your Rental Car
We flew in and out of Dublin, and knew we didn't want to have the hassle of a car rental in the city. You'll likely be charged extra for parking, and in a city that's very walkable and has good public transportation, consider putting the pick up on hold, even if that means you have to navigate back to the airport again.
We found that Dublin Express was a really easy {and inexpensive} option for getting from the airport into the city and back again. It cost us around 10 euros round trip {vs 40+ euros for a taxi one way} and took around 30 minutes from the airport into the city center and about 23 minutes back to the airport the next day from the Trinity stop.
We rented our car through Sixt at the airport, but there are other options for renting cars. Just know that pick up and drop off at the same location will almost always be your cheaper option.
Decline any Upgrades: Remember, the smaller the car, the better!
Inspect the Car: Do a thorough inspection of the car, noting any existing damage. We always record a bumper to bumper video the day we rent the car {and the day we return it} to note any damage. Ensure that any damage is documented by the rental company before you leave the lot.
Understand the Fuel Policy: Most rental car companies operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you pick up the car with a full tank of gas and return it with a full tank. However, this isn't always the case. I picked up a car in France that was on fumes! Make a note of the fuel level and return with the same amount you picked it up with.
GPS or Phone Navigation: Consider if you want to rent a GPS from the rental company or relay on your phones navigation. Our car rental had Apple Play, so with a quick pairing, the offline maps we had downloaded were easy to use.
Pro tip: Download maps on your phone before you go. You can access them without offline. Simply go to the destination in Google Maps, in the top right corner tap "download offline map".
I tend to have major anxiety as a passenger in a car. I am not kidding when I tell you that I was so glad I had my thinking putty in my travel bag because I used it as a passenger daily to help relieve some of the anxiety of driving in Ireland.
Tips for Driving in Ireland
So you've got your rental car, now it's time to hit the road! Driving in Ireland can be a bit of an adjustment, especially for travelers from the US or Canada. Here are some tips to help you navigate the roads safely!
1. Drive on the Left
One of the biggest adjustments for most visitors is driving on the left side of the road. It will take a little bit of time to get used to it, especially since you are driving from the right side of the car! We'd often chant "we are going on the left" because that verbal reminder was helpful, especially if you were turning on a road out of a parking lot.
2. The Roads are Narrow
You think you know that the roads are narrow in Ireland and then you get onto a road and you are wondering how there could ever be room for two cars to pass. Drive slowly and be prepared to pull over to let oncoming traffic pass. Watch for the occasional sheep or cow, especially in those remote areas!
3. Watch for Speed Limits
Speed limits in Ireland are posted in kilometers per hour {except in Northern Ireland and then they are mph}. Speed limits are also just that, a speed limit, and are monitored by speed cameras that can sneak up on you! In the states, it's common to drive above the speed limit on a highway, or when you are passing, but even a mile over the speed limit will trigger the speed cameras and you'll come home to a lovely souvenir you weren't expecting! {ask me how I know...see also renting a car in France}
Speed limits vary depending on the type of road:Motorways {M roads}: 120 km/hNational roads {N roads}: 100 km/hRegional and local roads: 80 km/hUrban roads: 50 km/h or lower
Even if the road is posted with a speed limit, you should always drive at a speed that is safe for the road conditions! For instance, 80 km/h on some of those regional roads feels far too fast! Especially because those roads are often very narrow and have lots of blind corners.
4. Be a Courteous Driver
It's ok to feel a little cautious when driving. If you notice drivers piling up behind you, pull over when you can to let them pass. Even when the road doesn't have a shoulder, you'll often find a pull out or driveway that will allow you to let a faster driver pass.
5. Be Aware of Roundabouts!
Ireland has a lot of roundabouts, a lot. Especially in cities and towns. Remember to yield to traffic already in your roundabout {coming at you from the right} and take your time entering and exiting. Especially if you have a few lanes you need to cross. If you miss your exit, just keep going around and try it again!
6. Parking
We found plenty of parking. Especially free parking. There were some lots that only took euros, so if you want to park in a lot, make sure you have cash on hand. But honestly, we found lots of free parking in most areas. You just might have to walk a little.
7. Watch for Hidden Obstacles!
Ireland's countryside is stunning but it comes with its own challenges. Roads can be winding and narrow, and there is usually a stone wall built in that's been covered by some overgrown hedge. Avoid pulling over too far when you let a car pass because you can scratch up the paint on the car or worse, hit a hidden stone wall that will do more damage!
8. Honking
It's funny what we notice, but in Ireland, people don't honk. Well, people do honk, they just generally honk when they see someone they know. So if someone is honking, don't take it personally. It's probably just someone getting the attention of a friend or neighbor.
9. Get Familiar with Street Signs
There's no written test for driving, but it is probably best practice to spend some time getting familiar with the street signs in Ireland so that it makes driving easier.
10. You Don't Need a Special License
On previous international trips, I've gotten a special drivers license from AAA. This isn't necessary in Ireland. Providing proof of your drivers license from the States is all you need.
Returning Your Rental Car
When your trip comes to an end, plan ahead to ensure a smooth return process:- Refuel Before Returning: Make sure you return the rental with the same amount of fuel you picked it up with.
- Inspect the Car Again: Do another inspection of the car, noting any new damage. I always take a video of the car again from bumper to bumper to have on hand until the account is closed and the hold is off of my credit card.
- Allow Extra Time for the Airport Return: Our return location was different from our pick up location and required a shuttle bus back. Ireland's airports can get busy, so many sure you aren't rushed before your flight.
PIN THIS FOR LATER:
Renting a car in Ireland gives you the freedom to explore some of the country's most beautiful spots at your own pace. Once you understand the insurance options and take time to get familiar with some of the nuances of driving in Ireland, you are going to have a smooth, stress-free trip. Get ready to head off on a trip of a lifetime!
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