When you visit the country of Ireland, one of the best ways to get to different destinations and enjoy the local scenery is to rent a vehicle. Doing so makes it easier for travelers to explore independently without worrying about public transportation. So if you’re planning to visit the country for the first time and rent a vehicle, you don’t need to worry if you feel that Ireland is an unfamiliar place to drive. This article has tips on being more comfortable while driving around the roads of the Emerald Isle.
- Renting A Car
There are a few things for tourists to keep in mind when searching for driving information in Ireland. For instance, you don’t need an international permit to move around in this country. Just present your regular driver’s license, and you automatically pass the driving requirements.
It is also advisable that tourists rent a small compact car due to the narrow roads you’ll drive on. Larger vehicles will be harder to manipulate in some areas. There are also smaller parking lots in the city, which only call for smaller vehicles.
You can look up car rental companies around the area you’re visiting. You can choose to make reservations beforehand, but you will likely have a higher price. If you look into it further, you’ll see the quote per day, but the agent will also recommend add-ons you might be interested in. If you want to book automatic vehicles, do so at least a few months in advance since travelers favor them.
It’s also best to purchase insurance and collision damage waiver in case of a traffic accident. It will save you thousands of dollars if you get into an accident.
- Drive On The Left Lane
Another thing to remember is that you must get accustomed to driving in the left lane. Most people get used to it, but traffic circles and roundabouts make it risky. But you can do a few things to make it work for you.
You can use the mnemonic saying ‘right is wide, left is tight.’ You can also keep in mind that the driver is positioned towards the center of the road. Remember to be alert because some people tend to drive close to the edge of the left side even when they are not used to it.
You can also use a virtual map to check different types of roads, such as motorways and rural roads. Look into traffic patterns and road signs to better help you prepare for driving left.
- License Rules And Other Restrictions
If you’re renting a car in Ireland, you can legally do so. There are rental car companies that will only rent to individuals eight to twelve years beyond the legal driving age in your country of residence. However, it doesn’t mean that you have to have a driver’s license that long.
For example, a traveler hails from the US or Canada, where sixteen years old is the legal driving age and the required minimum years of driving is nine. They can only rent a car in Ireland if they’re at least 25 years old.
If you’re over 70 years old, there are restrictions when renting a vehicle. Regulations will vary from one rental company to another, and some might refuse to rent to you. Other companies will require you to have more insurance coverage or a note from a physician stating that you’re fit to drive.
Before traveling, do your research and look up the rules of the various car rental companies in your destination area. It would help if you also learned car rental safety from guides to protect your health at all times, including while driving.
- Rent Outside Of Dublin
Since Dublin is the capital of Ireland, most travelers would begin their journey in Dublin. After enjoying the Irish capital through exploration, renting away from the capital will serve you better, primarily if you’re not used to driving on the left. You won’t have to deal with one-way streets, traffic, navigating the city while learning not to go into oncoming traffic.
The capital also has premium parking spaces and slower traffic than New York City. The well-known sights are also within walking distance of each other. There will be no need for you to rent a car in Dublin.
Another driving trick that you can use is by stopping at a gas station or at any shop that sells large ‘Learner’ stickers. It will automatically let people know to go easy on you and stay a distance away from your rental car.
Conclusion
Ireland is a beautiful country with many to offer travelers, and you can enjoy it by driving around. But like any other location, you should learn things before renting a vehicle, such as traffic laws, how to go, and restrictions. You can thoroughly enjoy your trip when you know that you are on the right side of the law and have covered other bases when traveling to another country.
