Car hire

Generally you need to be between 23 and 74 years of age to hire a car in Ireland and have a minimum of one years driving experience (speak to your hire company for specific details).

Cars are available at the ports and airports if you have not booked in advance, but you will need to produce your driving licence or relevant permit (this applies to each driver if two or more drivers will be using the car).

The norm is for people to drive manual (stick shift) cars, so be sure to specify automatic transmission when booking if that is what you require. Automatic cars might not be available unless pre-booked.

Normal advice for hiring applies - take ten minutes to familiarise yourself with the controls and then take a couple of short, ten minute, drives on quiet roads before heading into town. Take longer if you have never driven on the left before.