Our Ireland Experts are here to help you plan the Ireland vacation that is right for you. If you can't find exactly what you're looking for on our website, just let us know and we'll get to work designing a trip to Ireland that's specifically tailored to your interests, schedule, and budget.
Are your Accommodations graded and inspected?
Yes all accommodation and other vacation products we sell are inspected and graded by the staff at Discovering Ireland Vacation. So we can absolutely stand over the quality of everything we sell.
How do I contact Discovering Ireland Vacation?
For all our contact details please view ourenquiry form.
What Is the currency in Ireland?
The currency in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro and in Northern Ireland it is the UK Pound.
Do you need an international Drivers Licence to drive in Ireland?
No. Your full US, Canadian or EU driving licence allows you to drive in Ireland both North and South. There are some age and other restrictions on renting cars in Ireland, for more details on this please click here.
Do you drive on the right side of the road?
No. We drive on the left. For more information on driving in Ireland click here.
What is the weather like in Ireland?
Ireland's weather is dominated by the Atlantic Ocean, as such we have far smaller temperature variations across the seasons than other countries this far north of the equator. Temperatures vary from an average of 8C/46F in the winter to 19C/66F in the summer. For more details on Irelands weather click here.
How can I trace my ancestors in Ireland?
There are up to 22 steps you can take to help trace your roots in Ireland, they are described in detail here.
How far is it from one major town or city in Ireland to another?
To check the distance from airports, towns and cities in Ireland click here.
How much does it cost to drive in Ireland?
Like in every other country, fuel prices fluctuate with the international Oil price and fuel consumption is dependent on the type of car you drive. However, as a general benchmark a basic manual economy car will travel about 11.5 miles per Litre. At present (January 2009) a Litre of Petrol costs on average €0.93, therefore the manual economy car will cost approximately €0.08 per mile to drive.
FAQs
As a visitor to Ireland you can drive on a driving licence from any state outside the EU/EEA for up to one year provided the driving licence is current and valid. However, on taking up 'normal residence' in Ireland you must either exchange your driving licence or apply for a driving licence in Ireland.
What do Americans need to drive in Ireland? ›
You'll need either a valid, full national driving licence or an international driving permit to drive in Ireland. In the Republic of Ireland, you must carry your driver's licence at all times. You must also have car insurance either in your own name or as a named driver on another's policy.
Do you need an international driver's permit in Ireland? ›
Do you need an international Drivers Licence to drive in Ireland? No. Your full US, Canadian or EU driving licence allows you to drive in Ireland both North and South. There are some age and other restrictions on renting cars in Ireland, for more details on this please click here.
What is required to drive in Ireland? ›
Visitors must be aged 17 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive in Ireland. Riders of mopeds or motorcycles up to 125cc must be aged 16 or over. Driving licences issued in the UK, EU and EEA countries are accepted. International driving permits are recognised, but not required.
Is driving in Ireland difficult for US citizens? ›
Once you are aware of things coming from your right, get comfortable driving a manual or stick shift car, know the most important rules of the road (listed below), and take extra care on country roads, narrow roads and while crossing roundabouts, driving in Ireland is not difficult.
Can you turn left on red in Ireland? ›
In Ireland, which drives on the left, it is prohibited to turn left on a red traffic light. Very rarely you may see a flashing yellow arrow pointing left, which means you can turn left but only if it is safe to do so and the road is clear and there is no traffic coming from the right.
What side of the car is the steering wheel on in Ireland? ›
What side of the road does Ireland drive on? The Irish drive on the left, just like in the UK. Any rental car will have a right-hand steering wheel. If you bring your own car over, it won't feel any different.
What does a US citizen need to visit Ireland? ›
You must have a valid passport to enter Ireland. U.S. citizens can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days.
Can Americans drive rental cars in Ireland? ›
You must be at least 21 years of age to rent a car in Ireland, though be advised that most agencies will not rent a car to anyone under 23. Can an American drive in Ireland? Yes, all U.S. citizens are allowed to drive in Ireland with their own valid driving license.
How long does it take to drive around Ireland? ›
It takes thirteen hours to drive around Ireland non-stop. However, if you want to fully enjoy the sights along the way, you will need at least a week. There are many places to enjoy and activities to do in every single one.
Cars on the island of Ireland drive on the left-hand side of the road. Signposts in Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) areas are written in Irish (Gaelic). You need a valid national driving licence or an international driving permit.
Can I rent a car in Europe with a US driver's license? ›
If you're American or Canadian, your passport and driver's license are all you need in most European countries. However, some countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is an official translation of your US license (making it easier for a local police officer to write out a ticket).
What does L mean on a car in Ireland? ›
L Plates are square plates or stickers with a white background which displays the letter L in red for a learner. It must be applied to both the front and rear of your vehicle. The L plates tell other drivers that you are learning to drive and haven't passed your test.
Can you turn right on a red light in Ireland? ›
Traffic Laws in Ireland
In Ireland, you give way to vehicles already on the roundabout, traffic coming from the right, and follow the roundabout in a clockwise direction. Red Light Rules: A red light means stop in Ireland. However, unlike some US states, you cannot turn on a red light in Ireland.
Does my car insurance cover me to drive in Ireland? ›
Do I need extra insurance to drive in Ireland? The straightforward answer is no; you don't necessarily need extra insurance to drive in Ireland. However, it's always advised to carry your Certificate of Motor Insurance with you.
Can I rent a car in Ireland with a US driver license? ›
You must be at least 21 years of age to rent a car in Ireland, though be advised that most agencies will not rent a car to anyone under 23. Can an American drive in Ireland? Yes, all U.S. citizens are allowed to drive in Ireland with their own valid driving license.
What countries accept US driver's license? ›
What countries require an IDP? U.S. driver's licenses are valid in both Canada and Mexico, but many other countries do not recognize U.S. driver's licenses. Check with the embassy of the country you plan to visit or live in to find specific driver's license requirements.
Is my driving licence valid in Ireland? ›
If you have a driving licence issued by an EU or EEA member state, you can drive in Ireland as long as your existing licence is valid. If you want to exchange your driving licence for an equivalent Irish driving licence when it expires, you must do so within 10 years of your driving licence expiring.
Can I buy a car in Ireland with a US license? ›
Question 3: Do I need to have an Irish driver's license to buy a car in Ireland? Nope! You will be allowed to buy one with a foreign license. However, you must have proof of insurance before you are allowed behind the wheel.
