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Rental Car Insurance Explained: Do You Need It?
Rental car insurance includes third-party liability, which EU law requires for every vehicle. Damage to the car itself is a separate layer with an excess.
Oct 27, 20267 min read
Driving in Ireland
- Currency
- EUR
- Driving side
- Left-hand traffic
- Alcohol limit
- 0.5 ‰
- Motorway tolls
- tolls on some motorways
- Rental locations
- 6
- Rental offices
- 62
- Rental companies
- 11
Rules of the road
The alcohol limit is 0.5 ‰, and 0.2 ‰ in the first years of driving.
Tolls and winter tyres
Some motorways charge at the barrier, others are free.
Compare car rental in Ireland
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Popular searches in Ireland
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Frequently asked questions
Ireland: which side of the road do they drive on?
On the left. If you are used to the right, allow yourself a little time at the start — junctions and roundabouts catch people out, not the straight roads.
Which currency will I be charged in?
Prices are usually set in EUR. The rental company sets both the price and the deposit, and shows them before you book.
Can I drive the car into another country?
Often yes within the EU, but never assume it. Crossing a border has to be allowed by the rental company and usually costs extra, so check the terms before you book.
Are the motorways tolled?
Some motorways charge at the barrier, others are free. Payment is by cash or an electronic tag.
Travel guides to read before you book
Best Road Trip Routes in Europe With a Rental Car
Four road trips by rental car: the North Coast 500 (516 miles), Wild Atlantic Way (2,500 km), Ring Road (1,322 km), Romantic Road (460 km per its association).
Nov 2, 20267 min read
Coastal routesWild Atlantic Way by Rental Car: Route and Itinerary
The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,500 km coastal route from Malin Head to Kinsale. Tourism Ireland's example itinerary takes 10 days for 1,241 km.
Nov 2, 20264 min read
Road rules and tollsCountries That Drive on the Left, and How to Adapt
Four European countries drive on the left: the UK, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus. Here is what changes in a right-hand-drive rental, from roundabouts to passing.
Oct 27, 20268 min read
Who covers the carDoes My Car Insurance Cover Rental Cars?
Does my car insurance cover rental cars? Often at home, if the policy says so. One Visa Infinite benefit lasts 15 days at home and 31 abroad. Read terms.
Oct 27, 20267 min read
Age and documentsHow Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Car?
The standard EU car licence age is 18, but many rental companies set a higher minimum and charge drivers under 25 extra. Here is how the two rules fit.
Oct 27, 20268 min read