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Ireland is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world, with its stunning landscapes, natural wonders, and rich culture. Whether you want to visit the castles, the cliffs, the lakes, or the cities, hiring a car in Ireland is the best way to explore the country at your own pace and convenience. But before you start your journey, there are some things you need to know about driving in Ireland, such as the rules and regulations, the required documents, the best car rental deals, and the most popular destinations. Below you will find everything you need to know to make your car hire in Ireland a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Driving in Ireland: Rules and Regulations Driving in Ireland is different from driving in many other countries, so it is important to familiarise yourself with the local laws and customs before you hit the road. Here are some of the main points to remember: In Ireland, you drive on the left-hand side of the road and overtake on the right. You must give way to traffic from the right, buses, and emergency vehicles. Documents You Need You need a valid, full driving licence covering you for the vehicle you are driving or riding. Driving licences issued in the UK, the EU and EEA countries are accepted. International driving permits are recognised, but not required. You need a valid, full driving licence covering you for the vehicle you are driving or riding. Driving licences issued in the UK, the EU and EEA countries are accepted. International driving permits are recognised, but not required. You also need to have your car rental agreement, your motor insurance certificate, and your passport with you at all times. You also need to display a UK sticker on your car, no matter what is on your number plate. Speed Limits The general speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, 100 km/h on national roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. Speed cameras and speed traps are common in Ireland, and speeding offences can be punished with a fine or a loss of demerit points. Seat Belts Seat belts are compulsory for all occupants in both front and rear seats, and children under 12 years old or 150 cm tall must use an appropriate child restraint system. Children under 4 years old must not travel in the front seat, unless using a rear-facing child seat Mobile Phones The use of a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, unless you have a hands-free system. Alcohol Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is indeed illegal, and the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, which is lower than the UK limit of 0.08%. However, for drivers who have held their licence for less than three years, the limit is 0.00%, not 0.02%. Headlights/Tyres You must use dipped headlights in built-up or residential areas at night or in the daytime if visibility is seriously reduced. You must also use dipped headlights at the beginning and end of lighting-up hours - that is, just after sunset and just before sunrise - and during daylight hours if your car isn’t fitted with daytime running lights. There is no law in Ireland making winter tyres compulsory, unlike some European countries. However, winter tyres or snow chains are mandatory in some areas and during some periods of the year, as indicated by signs. You should check the local weather and road conditions before your trip and equip your car accordingly. Off-Road Driving Off-road driving is only allowed on private land with the permission of the landowner. You must not drive on public roads, footpaths, cycle lanes, or any other areas that are not designated for motor vehicles. Off-road driving can be hazardous, especially in wet or muddy conditions, or on steep or rocky terrain. You must drive with caution and respect for the land, the wildlife, and the other users. You must also be prepared for any emergencies, such as breakdowns, accidents, or injuries. Car Hire in Ireland: How to Compare and Book the Best Deals There are many car rental companies in Ireland, both international and local, that offer a wide range of vehicles, prices, and services. To find the best deal for your car hire in Ireland, you should shop around and compare the offers from different providers. You can do this easily by using our website by entering in your details to the search box above which searches hundreds of car hire sites at once and lets you filter the results by price, location, car type, rating, and more. Some of the factors that can affect the price of your car hire in Iceland are the season, the duration, the location, the car type, the fuel policy, the insurance coverage, and the extras. Generally, you can get cheaper rates if you book in advance, avoid the peak seasons of summer and school holidays, pick up and drop off at the same location, choose a smaller or more economical car, opt for a full-to-full fuel policy, and bring your own GPS or child seat. You should also check what is included in your car rental agreement, such as the mileage limit, the excess amount, the deposit, the cancellation policy, and the roadside assistance. You should also inspect the car before you drive away and report any damage or defects to the car rental company. You should also return the car on time, in good condition, and with the right amount of fuel to avoid any extra charges. **One of the best ways to save money and hassle on your car hire in Ireland is to book with Getcarhire.com, a leading online car rental comparison site that works with the most reputable car rental companies in Iceland and worldwide. Getcarhire.com offers you the lowest prices, the best customer service, and the most flexibility on your car hire in Iceland. You can choose from a variety of car types, from economy to luxury, and from manual to automatic. You can also cancel or modify your booking for free up to 48 hours before your pick up. And you can enjoy unlimited mileage, no hidden fees, and 24/7 customer support.** Ireland: Where to Go and What to See Ireland is a large and diverse country, with many attractions and experiences to offer. You can drive around the country in a few weeks, but you will need more time to explore its diverse attractions and hidden gems. Here are some of the best places to visit with your rental car in Ireland: 1. Dublin: This is the capital and the largest city in Ireland, and a cultural and historic centre. You can visit the Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse, the Kilmainham Gaol, and the Phoenix Park. You can also enjoy the shopping, dining and nightlife options in the city. 2. The Ring of Kerry: This is the most popular tourist route in Ireland, and a must-see for any visitor. It covers 179 km of scenic roads that loop around the Iveragh Peninsula in Southwest Ireland. You can see the Killarney National Park, the Gap of Dunloe, the Skellig Islands and the Dingle Bay. 3. The Wild Atlantic Way: This is the longest coastal route in the world, and a spectacular sight to behold. It covers 2,500 km of rugged roads that stretch along the west coast of Ireland, from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south. You can see the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, the Connemara National Park and the Slieve League Cliffs. 4. The Causeway Coast: This is one of the most scenic drives in Northern Ireland, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers 195 km of stunning roads that run along the north coast of the island, from Belfast to Derry. You can see the Giant's Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, the Dunluce Castle and the Dark Hedges. 5. The Burren Loop This is a unique and fascinating drive in County Clare, and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It covers 160 km of roads that circle around the Burren, a limestone landscape that is home to rare flora and fauna. You can see the Poulnabrone Dolmen, the Aillwee Cave, the Burren Perfumery and the Doolin Cave. These are just some of the highlights of Ireland, but there are many more places to discover with your car hire in Ireland. You can also drive to Galway, the cultural and artistic hub of Ireland, where you can see the Eyre Square, the Spanish Arch and the Galway Cathedral. You can also visit Cork, the second-largest and the most southern city in Ireland, where you can see the Blarney Castle, the English Market and the Fota Wildlife Park. You can also explore Kilkenny, the medieval and the craft capital of Ireland, where you can see the Kilkenny Castle, the St. Canice's Cathedral and the Smithwick's Experience. Why Book with Get Car Hire Ireland is a wonderful destination for a road trip, with its stunning landscapes, natural wonders, and rich culture. Hiring a car in Ireland is the best way to enjoy the country at your own pace and convenience and to access the places that are not well served by public transport. Here, you should have all the information you need to plan your car hire in Ireland, from the rules and regulations, to the best deals, to the most popular destinations. We hope you have a great time driving in Ireland and don't forget to share your experiences with us! **Are you ready to start your adventure in Ireland, the Emerald Isle of Europe? Then book your car hire in Ireland with Getcarhire.com, the best online car rental comparison site that works with the most reliable car rental companies in Ireland and worldwide. Book now and let your journey begin!

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