Americans renting cars/driving in Ireland?

Question

Some friends and I are planning a trip to Ireland next summer, and after running the idea past a few Irish friends, they recommended that we rent a car. How easy is it for Americans to rent a car in Ireland? And how is driving on the left side of the road?

Thanks!

Answer 1

i would say have your wits about you at all times.and under no circumstances let a drop of liqour pass your lips.us in ireland are extremely harsh on that.

and have an untainted licence also

Answer 2

Renting a car is easy, I advise you to rent it through your travel agent, it's cheaper. Most all cars are standard, but auto are available though more expensive. You won't have any trouble driving on the (wrong) side of the road, but read up on roundabouts they are everywhere and you must be in the proper lane before you enter a roundabout, I found them better than lights to control the flo of traffic. Also inquire about a diesel car most cars there are diesel, it's cheaper to run and gets better mileage, last year I paid the equiv. of $1.78 per litre, but 50 miles is a long way in Ireland. Insurance is compulsory, I always took full coverage, but you can get away with basic. If indeed you go to Ireland, a car is a must.

Answer 3

Rent the car from the US (usually cheaper) and get every possible insurance you can get (trust me) and you'll be fine

Driving on the left is surprisingly easy to get used to, just don't get too full of yourself and don't even think of drinking

Answer 4

Just bear in mind that most roads in tourist areas are very narrow and full of dangerous bends.  Don't even think of drinking and driving.  The Gardaí (our police) do random breath testing even in the morning.  What might look like a nice little day trip on a map, or what's down as a short distance can end up being a day's drive, especially in the west of the country.  It's well worth hiring a car though, you won't see half as many places otherwise.

Answer 5

How easy is it for Americans to rent a car in Ireland?

Do you mean what are the licensing requirements or payment requirements or what, not entirely sure what info you are looking for. Add an explanation of what you are looking for, will help you get best advise.

Driving on the opposite side of the road than you are used of should not be too bad if you are a good driver, just take it a bit slower than normal until you are used of it.

Answer 6

You need to be over 25, have a current driving licence and a credit card.  You'll get used to driving on the left fairly quickly.  Be careful on the narrow roads, often the speed limits are much higher than what they should be.  Also, signposts are in km and speed limits in km per hour.

This site has some tips: http://www.carrentalcouncil.ie/driving_i...

Here're some phrases that you might find different to what you would use in the US:

Petrol - Gasoline

Petrol station - Gas station or garage (for buying fuel)

Number plate - License plate

Gallon - About 1.2 US gallons

Fuel consumption - Gas mileage

Lorry - Truck

Saloon - Sedan

Car park - Parking lot or garage (for parking)

Bonnet - Hood

Manual gearbox - Stick shift

Handbrake - Parking brake

Boot - Trunk

Windscreen - Windshield

Tyre - Tire

Kerb - Curb

Pavement - Sidewalk

Dual carriageway - Divided highway

Motorway - Freeway