Car Rental and Car Hire in Ireland
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Driving In Ireland


General
In Ireland all traffic drives on the LEFT side of the Road. The same applies to Northern Ireland as well. Most visitors to Ireland arrive in either Shannon or Dublin Airport. Neither airport is located in a City Centre and when you collect your rental vehicle you will have ample time to "acclimatize" to Driving conditions here before reaching some of the more built up areas.
In Ireland most cars are equipped with a Manual Transmission (Stick Shift). Automatic cars are available but are generally more expensive to rent. (You can specify which transmission you would prefer when making a quotation).

If you are visiting us from the UK then many of our road signs, speed limits, road markings and roundabouts will be familiar to you. If you are visiting us from continental Europe or the USA then it may take you a little while to get used to our road layouts and driving on the "other" side of the road. Irish Car Rentals supply an excellent Road Map with each of their rental cars which will help you navigate your way around our many wonderful towns, villages and visitor attractions.

On these pages we have detailed a quick guide for you to help you get acquainted before you arrive, please use the quick links above or scroll down the page for more information.

Driving License Information
To drive a car in Ireland, you will need a current, valid EU or American drivers license in addition to your Passport for Identification. To Hire a Car you must be in possession of a full-unendorsed driver's license. (Certain minor endorsements may be acceptable, please call us prior to booking). All drivers must have held a full driver's license for at least 12 months prior to hiring a car.

Holders of UK, US, Canadian, Australian and All EU member states are NOT required to supply an International Driving License (IDL). International driver's licenses where required MUST BE accompanied by the original domestic license of the driver. (This is clearly stated on the international license). If in Doubt please contact us.

The minimum age to rent a vehicle is 23 years (maximum 75) and drivers must have held a full driver's license for at least 12 months prior to hiring a car. Drivers under 25, i.e. between 23 and 25, (or over 70) are subject to an insurance surcharge of 25 Euro per day and you are liable for the first 1200 Euro of damage to the car (excess). The surcharge is paid when collecting of the car and is not included in the quoted price. The minimum age to be a named driver in a minivan, minibus or luxury car rental is 25 years.

If you are planning to bring your own car by ferry, it must have a current, valid EU registration. The insurance regulations and costs for private cars in Ireland are extreme. If you are visiting friends or relatives, do not expect to borrow a car.

Car Insurance in Ireland
Car Insurance in Ireland is Compulsory and all drivers need to have a minimum of Third Party Liability Insurance to drive a vehicle here. If you are visiting Ireland and bringing your car please check with your Insurance company that you are covered to drive here.

Irish Car Rentals provide you with the COMPULSORY Insurance's included in your car rental quotation. You will be covered for:

Third Party Liability Insurance (Damage to other vehicles and Persons)

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) - This option limits your financial liability for damage to the Irish Car Rentals vehicle, its parts and accessories, except theft, attempted theft or vandalism, provided the vehicle is used in accordance with the terms and conditions of the rental agreement. The cover is subject to an insurance excess. If you choose a rate inclusive of CDW insurance, a CDW Excess will apply at all times. All rentals are subject to a liability excess, ranging from EURO 600 to EURO 1000 (depending on the vehicle group rented) for which you are responsible in the event of damage to the vehicle during the rental.

Theft Loss Insurance
This insurance option limits your financial liability for loss or theft of the vehicle, its parts and accessories, provided the vehicle is used in accordance with the terms and conditions of the rental agreement. By accepting Theft Loss Insurance you are subject to a liability excess ranging from EURO 600 to EURO 1000 (depending on the vehicle group rented) for which you are responsible in the event of damage to the Irish Car Rentals vehicle during the rental.

MasterCard CDW Waiver
This Insurance may allow you to avoid the additional cost of the theft and collision damage waiver (CDW) for rental cars in some countries. This coverage is ONLY available with Gold or Platinum MasterCard's issued by US banks. If you pay for the full rental with your eligible MasterCard card you may be covered for up to $50,000 without excess. This is an insurance program, certain restrictions and exclusions apply. In order to establish if your MasterCard includes Auto Rental Insurance in the Republic of Ireland, please call your credit card issuer and/or MasterCard in the U.S.A. before arriving on Toll Free 1 800 6227747. This coverage is a service provided by MasterCard to the cardholder and therefore it is the card holders responsibility to ensure that they are adequately covered for the entire duration of the rental period. We reserve the right to refuse third party insurance.

Additional Insurance Cover
As said before Irish Car Rentals provide you with the MINIMUM Car Insurance required to Drive in Ireland included in the rental quotation. You can purchase additional cover for Personal Accident Insurance and Super Damage Waiver Insurance (SDW) when you collect your vehicle from the rental desks.

Emergencies and Accidents
Take Care, especially at Junctions. If you are unfortunate enough to have an accident you must report this to the GARDAI, (POLICE), and should do this before leaving the scene. You can contact the GARDAI from any telephone by dialing 999. All emergency services can be contacted at any time by dialing 999 including the Fire Service, Ambulance and Coastal Rescue.
If you are DRIVING A HIRED CAR you must also inform the HIRE COMPANY. You will find their contact details on the Hire Documents you received at the time of hire.

Enjoy yourself and stay SAFE. . .
Ireland is a wonderful place to tour around, and the best way to see most of it is by Car. So take care, drive carefully and enjoy
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