Can I drive in Ireland even if I am 19? would it be safe?

Question

My friend and I are going to Ireland. I am 19 and she is 22 and we wanted to know would be both be able to drive while we were there. And would it be more money because we are young. And would it be hard to learn how to drive on the roads?

Would it be better and easier just to take buses every where?

Answer 1

Yeah, you have to be 17 to drive here, I think. Whereabouts are you going? If it's Dublin, I wouldn't recommend driving at all. Most city areas, I wouldn't recommend it because they can be terrible to drive in, plus in Dublin there's the Luas (tram) and regular bus services and all. And there's a train service too. If you're out in the country, I'd suggest driving as buses can be VERY infrequent and most of the time, there aren't any buses at all!  

Answer 2

hey

yeah you will be able to drive as you only have to be 17 (or 16 for a scooter) depends on where your going really if your staying in cities i would avoid driving but if your venturing into the countryside you should definatly hire a care. its not that expensive. driving on the other side of the road many people find quit hard but you get used to it very quickly

enjoy your trip!

Answer 3

You can rent a car there if you'd had your license for two years, but be wary.  The roads there are really really really really bad in some places, there are roundabouts, and the car is of course on the other side of the road.  Gas is really expensive too - about $7/gallon.  It would certainly be cheaper to get the bus (you can get a 10-journey pass relatively cheaply if you're a student).  Check buseireann.ie for the bus timetables.  Buses are pretty scarce so you have to plan carefully if you want to go to smaller towns and villages, but you can still get around well enough if you're not in any hurry.  They also have trains, but they wouldn't service places on the west coast nor very much in the centre.  

Good luck and have fun!