Essential Knowledge for Car Rental in Ireland: Crucial Facts to Consider
Embarking on a self-drive journey around the Emerald Isle is an exhilarating way to immerse yourself in Ireland's rugged beauty! But let me share some valuable insights to make your self-drive adventure seamless and enjoyable.
Initially, the idea of exploring Ireland's labyrinthine roads may seem daunting, given its reputation for narrow, winding routes and driving on the opposite side of the road. However, the freedom to chart your own course, discovering quaint villages, ancient castles, and breathtaking landscapes, makes renting a car well worth the effort.
Starting our genealogy trip, we were initially hesitant about driving around Ireland ourselves. But as we delved deeper into the possibilities, we realized car rental would allow us to customize our itinerary, stopping wherever our hearts desired.
Pro Tip: Be warned, some back roads in Ireland can be incredibly narrow, and they might feel like single lanes (but they're not). With practice, you'll conquer these challenging roads with confidence!
Booking the Perfect Ride
From Europecar to Hertz, there's no shortage of car rental companies in Ireland. However, the best place to book your vehicle is Discover Cars[1]. This platform searches both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price.
We rented our car from Dublin Airport, spending a few days in the city before beginning our Southwest route. From there, we traveled to Cork, Killarney National Park, Glengarriff, the Wild Atlantic Way, Dingle, the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, and ultimately back to Dublin.
Navigating the Insurance Maze
Some rumors about driving in Ireland are indeed true, and the roads can be incredibly narrow in certain areas. That's why I strongly recommend investing in full insurance coverage. Typically, rental cars in Ireland come with a basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), but this often only covers up to €1000-3000 Euros worth of damage[2].
While many credit cards offer car rental insurance, the fine print is crucial. Many travelers mistakenly believe their card covers them in Ireland, only to find themselves in a bind if they get into an accident. To avoid any headaches, I recommend pre-booking full coverage online - it's cheaper than purchasing at the counter.
Cost Considerations
Renting a car in Ireland is expected to cost around $25-$40 USD per day. If possible, opt for a car with a trunk instead of a hatchback, as it provides storage for your luggage and reduced chances of a break-in.
Petrol prices in Ireland may seem cheap to Americans, but remember that gas is quoted in Liters instead of Gallons (1 Gallon = 3.78 Liters). Currently, gas costs approximately $5.90 USD per gallon in Ireland. Diesel cars may save you some money on fuel.
Pro Tip: Automatic cars are more expensive to rent than manual cars, but they are more common in Europe. If you've never driven a manual car before, don't start in Ireland - play it safe with an automatic.
Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Start your driving adventure in Swords, North of Dublin Airport[7], to practice and get accustomed to driving on the left side of the road.
- Pay attention to whether your rental car takes regular petrol or diesel fuel.
- Use your smartphone's Google Maps for navigation instead of renting a GPS device. Pair it with a handheld car mount and an international cell phone plan.
- Stay aware of sheep on the roads in small towns, and be extra cautious on narrow back roads with no break-down lanes.
- Keep some cash on hand for road tolls on Ireland's major highways, as these can cost between $1-$3 for a passenger car.
- In the countryside, some roads are truly single lane, with traffic in both directions. Watch for pull-outs so you can safely pass other vehicles.
Don't forget to record video evidence of your rental car's condition before leaving, as it serves as a backup if the company attempts to charge you for existing damage[2]. Hitting the open road in Ireland promises an unforgettable adventure!
Safe travels, friend!
Matthew Karsten - Your Personal Travel Blogger!
Join me on my travel journey as a digital nomad and American expat living in France. Together, we'll uncover invaluable travel tips from our 10 years of exploring the globe!
Essential Travel Resources
- The Ultimate Travel Packing List
- Secrets to Finding Cheap Flights
- Smart Advice for Renting a Car Abroad
- Strategies for Saving on Hotel Accommodations
- Why Travel Insurance is a Must-Have
- My Best Tips for an Unforgettable Vacation
[1] "Discover Cars"[2] "Which? Car Hire Reviews"[3] "Enterprise Rent-A-Car"[4] "Payless Car Rental"[7] "Swords, North of Dublin Airport"
- To customize your itinerary and fully immerse yourself in Ireland's countryside, consider renting a car from Discover Cars for your self-drive adventure.
- When navigating Ireland's narrow back roads, be aware of their potential deceptive width, as they may feel like single lanes but might be wider than anticipated.
- In addition to exploring home-and-garden charms and picturesque landscapes, consider taking time to appreciate Ireland's vibrant sports culture and spectate a local soccer, rugby, or Gaelic football match.
