Driving in Ireland Questions

Posted by martmac on 08/19/15 02:52 PM

We've read the "Renting a Car" section in Rick Steves' Ireland 2015 book and have some questions for the Travel Forum.

Is diesel fuel as readily available as non-leaded fuel in Ireland? Regardless, I've noticed that the rental companies charge more for a diesel car, even though the fuel is supposed to be cheaper.

Is a regular driver's license from the US all that is needed to drive in Ireland? The Aer Lingus rental car website said that an "international (driver's) license" was required but that term was not defined anywhere nor could I get hold of an actual human to ask.

After reading the challenges of people driving in Ireland, I think we're going to pay extra for an automatic transmission in our rental car to reduce one stressor of having to shift in unfamiliar circumstances.

Posted by Nancy

Bloomington, IL, USA

08/19/15 03:19 PM

9363 posts

Diesel fuel is more available there than here. But you most likely won't need to fill up much. Their cars get tremendous mileage, and diesel is better yet. One little tip I learned on my first trip was to fill the tank before you return it. Then you won't have to pay the fuel charge.

Regarding the international drivers permit (and it is a permit, not a license), I have never taken one to Ireland. My own valid license was fine. There is no point for an IDP in Ireland, since they speak English and can read your regular license without a problem.

I would not rent from a company I couldn't call with questions. I use Irish Car Rental, which has a toll-free US number. I have driven both automatic and stick there, and I agree with you - I will pay extra for automatic. Once you book a car, keep checking prices until you leave. Generally there is no cancellation charge for a rental car, and you might find a last minute deal. On one trip, the extra cost for my automatic ended up being only $20 more because I found a deal, booked it, and cancelled the first one.

Posted by Robert

Colorado Springs

08/19/15 04:26 PM

2827 posts

Concur with Nancy's comments and would only add that we booked an automatic on our first trip due to concerns about driving on the left, and then on subsequent visits we went with manual.

Never bothered with the IDP either.
One thing I always try to make use of is Google Street maps to visualize the route, study traffic patters, signage, etc., and generally try to preview the general sight picture before I get behind the wheel. Was a big stress reliever for me - might work for you.

Posted by martmac OP

08/19/15 04:34 PM

3 posts

Thank-you, Nancy and Robert, for your input. Very helpful.

Posted by MC-Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland

08/19/15 08:00 PM

1645 posts

For the hire cars, really the hire car companies use supply and demand. Because diesels use much less fuel, a diesel may average 60 mpg where as an equivalent petrol may be in the 40s, more people want diesels and also diesels have better sell on values.

I have been driving a diesel for a few years now, and cannot imagine there would be a single filling station in Ireland or the UK that did not sell both diesel and petrol. Remember though the diesel handle and hose is usually black, green is for petrol only.

One other thing re the fuel, due to taxation, the Republic is generally cheaper than Northern Ireland although the fact NI uses the pound and the Republic the euro this may be masked in the figures. If you are crossing the border you may wish to fill up in the Republic.