Hello Ireland Forum! I am renting a car from AVIS at the Dublin Airport and driving immediately to Annagry. Will then be driving counter clockwise over the next 3 weeks with stays along the coast and returning to the Dublin Airport to return the car and fly home. AVIS customer service was completely unhelpful re: my ?'s about toll payments. I did some internet research and it appears that there are 11 toll roads in Ireland, all payable at a toll plaza with the exception of the M50 (only if you pass through section 6/7). The M50 is only done electronically, no option to pay at a toll booth as the others permit. However the M50, from my research, appears that you are able to pay online without penalty as long as done before 8 pm the following day. I think I would prefer to pay the tolls myself (I'm used to this from toll roads in the US) versus paying AVIS an additional $3.95-5.95 daily fee for toll tag. It also appears that when I cross into Northern Ireland, there are no border controls requiring you to stop and show your passport. Any thoughts on my plan and/or if my research is incorrect? As always, appreciate the information from anyone willing to share.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33819 posts
no border checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland. You'll see the speed limit signs change to miles per hour from kilometres.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10599 posts
I’m in Ireland now. When I picked up the car from Sixt on Wednesday morning I was told the electronic toll would be automatically charged to my credit card after they received the information. I was asked if I planned to drive to Northern Ireland, I’m not, and looking at the paperwork it seems I would not be allowed to. The other tolls have been paid at booths, and were €2 each. My credit card worked both times and I was able to tap to pay. Good luck and have fun!
Posted by
Chattanooga, TN USA
589 posts
Andrea raises a good point. Be sure your rental contract includes travel into Northern Ireland. When i was researching rentals in 2019 sometimes it was not included and sometimes there was an additional charge (up to $150). So ask in advance so there are no surprises. We drove all over the island for 30 days and only encountered one toll road going around Dublin from the airport to Kilkenny.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7146 posts
When you pick up the rental car ask the person where you can pay the toll for the M50. When we were there years ago that toll could be paid at a number of convenience type stores. When we exited the M50 on the way to return the rental we just walked into the store and paid it. Ensure you get a receipt to show Avis that it was paid. Keep the receipt until you’re sure you’re in the clear.