All of the major US car rental companies do business in Ireland. The summer season is a busy time for these companies so it is advisable to book ahead of time, both from a cost and availability point of view. Most cars in Ireland are 'stick shift', but you can hire an automatic at a marginally higher rate. Car rental charges usually include unlimited mileage and insurance (Collision Damage Waiver(CDW), passenger indemnity). The rental company or your travel agent must be informed if you intend to cross the border in either direction as sometimes an additional small surcharge must be paid. The best way to save money on car rental charges is by choosing a fly/drive vacation .
Discovering Ireland Vacation offers a range of fly/drive holidays tailored to suit your needs, on our packages page. Note that you must have a full clean license for at least two years and normally be aged between 23 and 70 to be eligible to hire a car in Ireland.
Gasoline is known as petrol in Ireland and is available everywhere in the country. In the Republic, petrol is expensive and does not vary much from place to place. Diesel is less expensive and available in every gas station. Fuel in Northern Ireland is approximately 10% more expensive than in the Republic.