Essential Tips for Navigating Ireland by Road

Should you rent a car in Ireland? If you are venturing beyond Dublin, the easy answer is yes. Renting a car allows you to immerse yourself in areas less traveled and at your own pace. You can stop in that cute village the tour bus passes by and explore the sights you want to see on your own schedule.

Another crucial aspect my family enjoyed was easily calling different areas of Ireland home. We stayed in one region for 3 or 4 days, set our own schedule to explore, and then moved on to the next.

If you are planning your own road trip, here are a few practical tips from our experience:

1. License & Insurance Essentials

•  No Special Permit Needed: Drivers from the U.S. only need a valid standard state driver's license (an international driver's permit isn't required).

• Check Insurance Early: Rental car insurance is required in Ireland. Before you leave, check with your credit cards and personal auto policy to see if they extend coverage there. Once you find the one that offers coverage, use that card to pay for the rental.  Be sure to print out the letter of coverage.  I was asked to show this letter.  They did not accept my word that I had coverage as they typically do in the States.

2. Navigating the Left Side & Roundabouts

I won't pretend there wasn't a learning curve driving on the left side as there absolutely was! You do get used to it quickly. The main thing is to take your time.

• At intersections: Remind yourself to LOOK RIGHT.

• At roundabouts: Yield to the right and remember to go clockwise.

• On country roads: Roads off the main highway can be narrow without shoulders. Take your time, pull over into passing spots when needed, and enjoy the scenery.

3. Book Automatics Early & Consider a Private Driver

• Transmissions: If you aren't comfortable driving a manual, automatics are available for an extra fee, but they book up fast. Reserve early!

• Hire a Driver for Iconic Drives: To explore the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula, we actually hired a driver. This allowed the usual driver (me!) to sit back and take everything in without worrying about keeping my eyes glued to narrow roads. Options range from private drivers to 16-passenger minibuses or larger tour buses depending on your budget.

Happy trails! Do you have any questions or additional tips? Comment below!