🇮🇪 Drive Ireland with Confidence
Drive confidently through Ireland. Master left-hand driving and narrow country roads.
Do You Need an IDP in Ireland?
Recommended — Rental Companies Require It
Non-EU visitors driving in Ireland should carry an IDP. While Irish law is relatively flexible about foreign licenses, car rental companies including Hertz and Budget consistently require an IDP from non-EU customers at the counter.
Key Warning
Irish rural roads (classified as R and L roads) are extremely narrow, often with room for only one vehicle. Passing places (pull-ins) are marked with signposts. Drive slowly, use your horn on blind corners, and yield to oncoming traffic politely.
Driving Rules in Ireland
Drive on the Left
Ireland drives on the left with right-hand-drive vehicles. Roundabouts go clockwise. This is the biggest adjustment for visitors from continental Europe and the Americas.
Narrow Rural Roads
Many Irish country roads are single-track with passing places. Hedgerows block visibility. Use pull-ins to let oncoming traffic pass. Speed limits still apply on narrow roads.
Roundabouts
Roundabouts are extremely common in Ireland. Traffic already in the roundabout has priority. Always signal left when exiting. Multi-lane roundabouts require lane discipline.
Speed Limits
Urban: 50 km/h. National roads: 100 km/h. Motorway: 120 km/h. Note: Ireland uses kilometers, not miles (unlike Northern Ireland which uses mph).
Renting a Car in Ireland
What you need to know before picking up your rental vehicle.
Required Documents
IDP (non-EU), valid license, passport, credit card. Minimum age 21–25. Maximum age limits (70–75) apply at some agencies. Under-25 surcharge common.
Typical Costs
Compact from €40–65/day in summer. CDW insurance adds €15–25/day. Fuel around €1.70–1.85/liter.
Top Rental Companies
Hertz — Dublin and Shannon airports. Budget — Good rates. Dan Dooley — Irish specialist with excellent local knowledge.
“Budget at Dublin Airport was firm about needing an IDP. I showed my RoadSeal digital permit and the agent processed everything in minutes. The Wild Atlantic Way was worth every penny of preparation.”
Get Your IDP for Ireland — From $29
Delivered digitally in as little as 2 hours. Physical copy shipped worldwide. Valid for 1 year.
Apply Now →Ireland IDP FAQ
EU and UK license holders do not need an IDP. Non-EU visitors should carry one as Irish rental companies consistently require it. It also helps during any interaction with Gardai (Irish police).
The main challenges are driving on the left side of the road and navigating narrow rural roads. Roundabouts are very common. Take your time, especially on country roads where hedgerows limit visibility.
Yes, there are several toll roads including the M50 around Dublin (barrier-free electronic tolling) and the M1, M4, M7, and M8 motorways. The M50 eFlow toll must be paid online within 24 hours.