The Best Way to See Ireland is by Car

Ireland is best explored by car, as renting a vehicle will give you the chance to venture down narrow country roads, through tiny villages and past scenic mountain ranges and coastal vistas. It will give you the freedom to make your own itinerary and explore at your leisure.

Greystones – County Wicklow, Ireland by William Murphy

If you have never rented a car in Ireland before, there are a few things that you should know. Here are some tips for renting a car in Ireland that will help make your experience go smoothly:

• Make sure you call your car rental agency before you book and ask any questions that you might have. If the details of your booking are not clear to you this can save you a great deal of frustration before and after your trip.

• If you are driving on the M50 you will need to pay for the use of the road. Look around for Payzone retailers such as a local shop or roadside petrol station which will accept your payment. There are cameras on the road and if you do not pay by 8pm the following day your registration number will be fined.

• Many car rental companies will quote higher fees for drivers in young age groups. If there are several people traveling together, use the eldest person as the main driver whenever possible.

• Always fill up the fuel tank before you bring back the rental vehicle. There are many cheap places to fuel up by the Dublin airport.

• Make sure that you have GPS on your phone or you use a Sat-Nav device. The winding roads in Ireland can be confusing and it is easy to get lost in the countryside, so this technology will help you find your way back.

• You cannot rent a car in Ireland without purchasing insurance, so make sure that you have room in your budget for this expense.

• Before you first drive away in your rental car, do a walk around inspection and check for any visible damage. If you can spot anything before you drive away, you won’t be charged for it when you return the vehicle. You can also take time-stamped photos which show the car’s condition in case you are accused of causing damage when you return it.

• If you are not used to driving in roundabouts, don’t let them make you nervous! Remember that the traffic in the roundabout has the right-of-way, so look to your right for an opportunity to merge. As the driver, you should always be towards the centre of the road.

Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland by John Hamilton

• Here’s a trick that will get other drivers to give you a bit more slack while you figure out Irish roads, drop by a petrol station and pick up a red “L” new driver sign to put in your window. Everyone will give you the benefit of the doubt when they know you are still learning.

• Seatbelts are required by law in Ireland and the speed limits are 50 km per hour and 80 km per hour on most rural roads. Speed limits on national roads and motorways can be up to 100-120 km per hour. There are road surveillance cameras which strictly enforce the speed limits.

• If you plan on crossing the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, such as driving from Dublin to Belfast, you should let the rental company know this beforehand.

These are just a few tips to keep in mind when renting a car in Ireland so you will have the best experience possible. Have fun and enjoy your road trip!

Here are some helpful road trip tips to keep in mind if you opt for car hire Belfast on your Ireland holiday.

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Category: Travel Tips