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Want to Rent a Car in Ireland? Here’s What You Should Know:

There are many ways to travel around Ireland, but the option with a rented car is rightfully considered the most convenient. The fact is that the public transport of this country has many of its own characteristics, which for foreign tourists can turn into difficulties and delays. But renting a car in Ireland is easier than ever, and it will not cost you that much.

Ireland 1

Many people recommend starting your route from the capital countries - Dublin. The city is quite compact. You can see its main attractions in just a day or two. First of all, of course, it is worth visiting Dublin's visiting card - Trinity College, located in the central part of the city. This historic building is remarkable in itself, but its main value lies in the fact that inside there is a repository of ancient manuscripts and folios. Even if you don't have time to see the entire library, it's worth checking out at least The Book of Kells, which is considered a cultural treasure of the country.

Ireland 2

Dublin's second landmark is Guinness Museum, which is a dream visit all beer lovers. But even if you are not, you should still go to the museum, from the seventh floor of which you can enjoy an amazing view of the whole city.

A two-hour drive from Dublin is the Rock of Cashel and the castle of the same name. Many folk tales are associated with their origin, which should be considered only as fiction. On the rock there is a whole complex of buildings of amazing architecture, which attract crowds of tourists here. After taking a few memorable photos, you can go to the second largest city in the country - Cork.

Ireland 3

If your main goal of traveling around Ireland is not to see historical sights, but to see the amazing landscapes of this country, then you should pay attention to the route “Ring Kerry." Its length is only 179 kilometers, but the views are so beautiful that each stop inevitably drags on for several hours. official government website of the country. The Travel & Leisure section provides all the information you need for those who plan to travel around Ireland in a rental car.

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The Best Scenic Drives in Ireland for an Unforgettable Road Trip

Ireland's lush landscapes, rugged coastlines, and charming villages make it an ideal destination for a road trip. Exploring the Emerald Isle by a rented car allows you to discover hidden gems and breathtaking vistas at your own pace. Here are some of the most scenic drives in Ireland that promise an unforgettable journey:

1. The Wild Atlantic Way

Stretching over 2,500 kilometers along Ireland's western coast, the Wild Atlantic Way is one of the world's longest defined coastal routes. This epic journey takes you through nine counties, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque fishing villages.

2. The Ring of Kerry

This 179-kilometer circular route in County Kerry showcases some of Ireland's most spectacular scenery. As you navigate your rental car through winding roads, you'll encounter pristine beaches, ancient ruins, and the majestic MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range.

3. The Causeway Coastal Route

Starting in Belfast and ending in Derry, this 313-kilometer drive along Northern Ireland's coast is packed with natural wonders and historic sites. Don't miss the UNESCO World Heritage site of Giant's Causeway and the daring Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.

4. The Copper Coast

This lesser-known gem in County Waterford offers a more intimate driving experience. The 40-kilometer route between Tramore and Dungarvan features copper mines, pristine coves, and charming seaside villages.

5. The Boyne Valley Drive

History buffs will love this 190-kilometer journey through Ireland's Ancient East. The route takes you through the Boyne Valley, home to prehistoric sites like Newgrange and the Hill of Tara.

To make the most of your Irish road trip adventure, consider these tips:

Plan your route in advance, but allow for spontaneous detours
Take frequent breaks to explore small towns and scenic viewpoints
Be prepared for changing weather conditions
Drive on the left side of the road and familiarize yourself with local traffic rules

With its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Ireland offers endless possibilities for an unforgettable road trip. So buckle up, hit the road, and prepare to be amazed by the Emerald Isle's natural beauty and warm hospitality.

Driving in Ireland

Some tourists will have to adapt to the fact that Ireland drives on the left side of the road. At first it is very unusual, but after a few days you will get used to it. It is worth remembering that in this country there are toll roads and tunnels. If you want to take the risk and drive through them without paying, it can end up with a fine of up to a thousand euros. Therefore, it is better not to take risks. Toll, in particular, is the M1 Gormanston - Monasterboice motorway, or rather its 30 km section. The fare is less than 2 euros.

If you are traveling with children under 12 years old, then a special child seat must be in the car for their transportation. Many rental companies offer their customers additional services when booking a car, including the provision of such a chair.

The permissible level of alcohol in the blood is no more than 0.5 ppm. If the level is higher, you will be issued a large fine, and you can lose your driver's license for up to 3 years.

When choosing a parking place, pay attention to the markings on the pavement. If you see a double yellow line, this means that you cannot park your car in this place. In large cities, you can easily find many inexpensive paid parking lots. The cost per hour of parking starts from 1 euro.

Renting an electric car in Ireland

Electric cars have been growing in Ireland for a long time. In Dublin, for example, you can easily find many electric stations - both high-speed and public. In the capital, rental companies offer to rent Chevrolet Bolt, Nissa Leaf, Tesla (Model 3, X, S) and more.

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Since there are several environmental zones in the country where ordinary cars are not allowed to enter, this may be another reason to opt for an electric car when traveling in Ireland.

Good to know

Monthly price chart. Approximate prices for 7 days rental

January

€106

February

€94

March

€124

April

€186

May

€186

June

€202

July

€261

August

€167

September

€82

October

€82

November

€83

December

€187

The most popular cars in Ireland

Fiat 500

€13 / Day

Citroen C1

€14 / Day

Ford Fiesta

€18 / Day

Ford Focus

€23 / Day

Opel Astra Estate

€28 / Day

Audi A4

€32 / Day

BMW X1

€33 / Day

Ford Foxus Estate

€33 / Day

Mercedes C Class

€43 / Day

BMW 5 series

€45 / Day

Ford Tourneo

€55 / Day

BMW 4 Cabrio

€65 / Day

Audi A6

€70 / Day

Audi A5 Cabrio

€75 / Day

Mercedes Vito

€80 / Day

Popular tourist locations in Ireland

Dublin airport

Shannon airport

Cork airport

Kerry airport

Knock airport

Donegal Airport

Galway

Dublin

Ballybrit Galway

Cork

Drumcondra Dublin

Documents required for car rental

Driving license

Credit card

Voucher

Passport

A valid international driver's license is required!

TOP-10 car rental Tips:

Download Google maps for offline access

Before the trip, we recommend that you download the necessary maps to the Google Maps application on your smartphone. This will allow you to build travel routes and use offline navigation on the ground. Thus, you can significantly save on Internet roaming charges, as well as on the "Navigator" service. Downloading the map is easy. You should select the required area, set the desired scale and enter "ok maps" in the search field.

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Book a car 6 weeks in advance

Ireland is a popular tourist destination, so car rental is consistently in demand. The earlier you book a car, the more options there will be and the lower the prices will be. Choose transport online at least 6 weeks before your visit. Better yet, do it as soon as you start planning your vacation. If plans change, you can cancel your booking without penalty up to 48 hours before it starts.

Which car to choose

Choose a car according to the purpose of your trip. You can drive around the city and its surroundings in a compact car Ford Ka or Ford Fiesta. These models are the most popular with our customers in Ireland.

In the mountains, more powerful transport will be required. Pay attention to the volume of the engine - it must be more than 1.6 liters. An all-wheel drive crossover would be ideal. VW Passat Estate will cost €35 per day. By the way, before leaving, do not forget to refuel with a margin. On the rises, the fuel goes one and a half to two times more. Gas stations in mountain villages are rare.

What you need to pay attention to at the time of receiving a car

Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.

The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.

Insurance advice

When you pick up your rental car, you need to take it seriously. This is especially true if you do not intend to purchase additional insurance. You should carefully inspect the received car and fix all scratches, dents, and other defects in the contract. It is also recommended to take a picture of the existing damage to the car, its number, write down the name of the rental company employee.

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What types of insurance are available for car rental?

Third Party Liability (TPL). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Waiver (T.W.). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.

Check out the fuel policy

When renting a car, you should pay attention to the fuel policy of rental companies. Often, when renting, tourists have to pay the cost of a full tank of fuel. This option is suitable for long-term rentals and long trips. But if you're only renting Ireland for a day or two, or if you're only planning short trips, such as to a small island, then you probably won't need a full tank. You can get acquainted with the fuel policy in the "Important information" section of the car you have chosen.

Ireland 8

Mileage without limits

The rental company may set a daily mileage limit. You will have to pay extra for exceeding the limit. Please check this condition before booking. It is possible that a more expensive rental option will turn out to be more profitable in the end: it will not require any additional expenses. To filter cars with unlimited mileage - use the "Mileage" filter in the search results.

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Compare prices and conditions from different car rental companies

When choosing a rental car in Ireland, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.

How to choose a rental company

It is recommended to rent a car in trusted companies, that is, in those whose services you have already used. You can also focus on the rating of our site, which is displayed next to the name of the company in the search results.

Ceteris paribus, preference should be given to larger companies that have a high level of service and a large selection of cars. The best rental companies in Ireland are EUROPCAR with an average rating of 9.9 points and SIXT (rating - 9).

Getting a car at a rental office

Before signing a car rental agreement, it should be carefully checked for damage and defects. Do not be shy to point out the identified problems and problems - then you will not have to answer for them. When returning, pay attention to the fuel in the tank. Its volume must correspond to that prescribed in the agreement.

Also, do not ignore the phone number provided by the technical support representative when concluding the contract. After all, even the most experienced driver is not insured against a breakdown, accident or other force majeure event. In such a case, contact a specialist before the arrival of the police.

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Based on 8255 reviews

Tony

4,8

Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!

Michael

4,7

Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!

Luna

4,5

The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.

Jody

4,9

Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.

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