Driving in Ireland:
Before you pick up your car hire in Ireland, it is worth noting some of the rules and regulations about driving in Ireland.
Driving license requirements in Ireland:
The Irish authorities do not recognise drivers licenses in languages that do not use Roman letters and numbers. Holders of these licenses must also show an International driving permit in English (available through motoring organisations such as AAA, AA, RAC etc)
All other driving licenses are acceptable. The Irish authorities require that you carry your drivers license with you at all times.
Age requirements for driving in Ireland:
Car hire companies in Ireland employ age restrictions, which can vary across companies. Please check your quotation for exact restrictions, as there may be an extra fee for drivers below the minimum age or over the maximum age.
Speed Limits on Irish roads:
| Motorways |
120 km/h |
| National Roads |
100 km/h |
| Regional and local roads |
80km/h |
| Urban Areas |
50 km/h |
Tips for driving your hire car in Ireland:
- Drive on the left hand side of the road.
- Overtake on the right
- Check with car rental staff for local driving regulations.
- Seatbelts must be worn at all times (front and back seats)
- Children under 12 must not sit in front seats - except for infants or young children in baby or booster seats
- Do not drink and drive. If caught with a Blood / Alcohol level exceeding 80mg, you may face a fine and/or imprisonment.
- Do not speed. Many Irish country roads are dangerously narrow and speed cameras are in operation.
- Keep your driving license with you at all times.
- Keep any paperwork relating to the vehicle you are driving with you at all times.
- Use of warning triangles is recommended
Fuel types available in Ireland:
- Unleaded Super 95/98 Petroleum (gasoline)
- Diesel
- LPG
- Check carefully before filling whether your rental car uses petrol or diesel. If you make a mistake do not start the vehicle as severe damage may result and you will be liable for repair costs. Inform service station staff who will assist in arranging for the tank to be drained and refilled with the correct fuel
- Service stations are generally open 07.30 - 20.00hrs. Times vary particularly in rural areas. There are 24/7 service stations in most major cities. Service stations are generally self-service
- Most credit cards are accepted for fuel payment. Switch / debit cards may not be accepted - check before filling car
Parking in Ireland:
- Parking restrictions are shown on roadside signs
- Do not park where there are yellow lines on roadside
- Parking metres and disc systems are in use. Maximum time is usually 2 hours
- Clamping and on-the-spot fines are common in major cities
- Severe penalties may be incurred for dangerous parking
We work with leading car suppliers to provide you with cheap car hire
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
I will certainly use you again if I need a hire car while in England or Ireland! The car was a dream to drive! The staff at pick up / drop off were also polite
Carole Grulke, Jan-2012
We had a great experience renting a car from NovaCarHire at Shannon Airport in April 2011. The car was immaculate, it was diesel fuel (which was very cost effective), and the gentleman that picked us up at the airport, to transport us at the airport to and from the rental office was very helpful and friendly. When booking the car online, the web folks got back to me immediately when I had a few questions prior to arrival. Your company came highly recommended by a friend and I can see why. Thank you for your service.
Pam Chubet, Apr-2011
The car rental experience with Nova was the best I’ve ever had with a car rental company! It was a good deal and a brand new car……couldn’t have asked for more. Returning the car at the airport was super easy…..thank you! I remember the days when renting a car in Ireland was an absolute nightmare-it was a much better experience this time around.
Gerri , Apr-2011
Popular car hire destinations in Ireland
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