Title: Driving in Ireland: What You Need to Know
Headings: Driving in Ireland
Driving in Ireland
Driving Requirements
Checklist for Driving in Ireland:
Rules of the Road
Automatic vs. Stick Shift Driving
Should You Rent a Car in Ireland?

Content: Follow this guide to prepare for everything you need to know about driving in Ireland — from driving on the left side of the street to navigating country roads. Learn about what documents you need to bring and what to do in case of emergency, plus the differences between driving in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Driving Requirements
If you are a resident of the US, Canada or the European Union and you have a valid driver's license, then you will be able to drive in Ireland. Drivers from other countries will need to obtain an International Driver's License, but American licenses are automatically valid on the Emerald Isle. ( Just check with the rental car company to see if they have any other restrictions, like a minimum age). In addition to a valid driver's license, you must also have third-party insurance (and credit card issued insurance does not count, unfortunately). Be sure that you know where your vehicle registration is, and carry a copy of your rental contract or a letter from the car's owner if the vehicle you will be driving in Ireland is not registered in your own name. Checklist for Driving in Ireland: Valid US, Canadian, or EU driver's license (required)
Passport (required, if your driver's license does not have a photo)
International driver's license (optional for US, Canadian and EU drivers, required for others)
Vehicle registration document (V5) (required)
A contract from the rental car company or a letter from the registered owner giving you permission to drive, if the car is not registered in your name (required)
Proof of third-party insurance (required)
First aid kit and visibility vest (recommended)
Rules of the Road
The most important rule of the road in Ireland is: keep left.