How to rent a car in Ireland

When renting a car in Ireland, choose the smallest car that can accommodate you and your luggage.  You’ll be glad you did when you find yourself driving along one of the narrow country roads lined with dry-stone walls.  Take note of the the duct-taped mirror in the picture of me in our Dooley Car Rental.  Fortunately the damage was done by someone previous to us, but it is an example of what you might be in for! 

car from Dooley Car Rental in Ireland

Apparently Ireland is one of two countries in Western Europe that have the most traffic accidents (the other is Portugal).  Because most credit cards no longer offer complimentary collision insurance in the Republic of Ireland, you will most likely need to buy Collision Damage Waiver insurance (CDW)--which limits your financial responsibility in case of an accident.  It is expensive.  While you can opt out of the CDW in some countries, it is a mandatory coverage in Ireland (actually, you can waive CDW, however you will be liable for the full value of the car in the event of damage/theft, and you will be required to leave a deposit of €3,000). 

After checking with several car rental agencies, Dooley Car Rentals  felt like a good choice to me because it is an Irish company and has a fully inclusive rate.  Be aware that some car rental agencies won’t rent to, or charge additional for, drivers under age 21 or over 69 and for taking a car into Northern Ireland.  Dooley’s is the only company that will provide cars to clients between the ages of 21 and 24, and it doesn’t charge extra for traveling to Northern Ireland.  A piece of advice once you have your car (this was our mantra in Ireland)--look right, drive left.  Another item to consider--though it costs more for an automatic transmission, I did think it was well worth the expense. 

My favorite road sign was for “traffic calming” areas before roundabouts, which are prevalent, efficient, and easy to get used to.


More things to do in Ireland.

More information about Ireland.

More ideas for exploring Europe.

image c2013 Gene Meyers