I have been told by several people that visitors to Ireland from countries that drive on the right hand side of the road and have reached age 70 are not permitted to rent a car. Is this true,partly true or just false?
John; Va. Bch. Va.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33818 posts
I don't know but it sounds like urban myth to me.
I know that in the UK (different country but with many similarities) my Dad was renting cars until he was 82.
In Italy, too. So that's both sides of the road for you.
And I am familiar with older folk on this helpline being happy renting here in their 70s.
I'd ask the consolidators frequently named here or even the hire companies themselves. Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar should all be toll free calls from Virginia Beach.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Shop around. Auto Europe will ask the driver's age right up front, and I expect that other companies also do. What Rick says about it at http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/rental-car-requirements is: If you’re over 69, you may be required to pay extra to rent a car in the Republic of Ireland, where the official age limit is 75 (although some rental companies will rent to those ages 76–79 if they provide extensive proof of good health and safe driving). If you’re considered too young or too old, look into leasing, which has less stringent age restrictions. (If you’re traveling to Ireland, the closest leasing option is in London.)