Ireland is full of charming towns, historic landmarks, and stunning natural beauty. When planning your trip, you might ask yourself, Do I need a car in Ireland?
While renting a car can provide flexibility, it’s not always the best option. Depending on where you are going, you will find that public transportation, guided tours, or just walking will get you by in this beautiful country of Ireland in a much less stressful and cheaper manner.
This guide should help you decide whether you need to rent a car for your visit and how to best make the most out of your visit without one.
Key Takeaways
- Public Transport is Efficient: Cities like Dublin, Galway, Cork, and Belfast are well-connected with buses, trains, and trams, making it easy to explore without a car.
- Guided Tours for Remote Areas: If you want to see rural attractions like the Cliffs of Moher or the Wild Atlantic Way, consider booking a guided tour.
- Cost and Stress-Free: Renting a car in Ireland can be costly and stressful due to narrow roads and left-hand driving. Public transport is a cheaper and easier option.
- Ideal for City Exploration: Dublin and other major cities are walkable and have easy access to all main attractions through public transport.
- Consider a Car for Rural Adventures: If you plan to visit remote areas or explore small villages, a car may be more convenient for flexibility.
Do I Need A Car In Ireland?
You do not necessarily need to rent a car, as you might stay in cities like Dublin, Galway, Cork, or Belfast. All the public transport means, including buses, trams, and trains, are well-developed in all these cities and pretty easy to use.
The most important attractions, like the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin or the English Market in Cork, are accessible on foot.
If you plan to drive in rural parts of Ireland or along parts of the Wild Atlantic Way that you cannot reach easily using public transport, having a car can be quite convenient.
Yet, the pesky issues associated with difficult drives on narrow roads, unfamiliarity with vast areas, and hunting for parking and paying for it make car rentals less appealing.
Benefits of Not Renting a Car in Ireland
- Cost Effectiveness: Hired cars are pretty expensive these days in combination with most of the covers like insurance, gasoline, and other parking fees. Public transport and guided tours are relatively cheaper
- No Pressure Driving: Driving in Ireland is quite stressful for people. For starters, Irish drive on the left side of the road. Moreover, their roads are very narrow and twisty. The climatic conditions fluctuate rapidly as well.
- Easy Access to Major Attractions: Dublin, Cork, and Galway have very good public transportation options that make it easy to visit major attractions without the hassle of driving.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: Actually, traveling via public transport or group tours is a much more sustainable choice than traveling alone and leaving the rest in a car. This will further reduce your carbon footprint.
Exploring Dublin Without a Car: A Walkable City with Good Public Transport
If you are wondering whether you need a car in Dublin, the answer is almost always no. The city of Dublin is quite walkable. Also, buses, trams, Luas, and DART constitute the urban transport system.
The most popular places to visit include Trinity College, Temple Bar area, and Dublin Castle. Day trips should be taken by guided tours or train from Dublin.
Some of these are public transport or organized day trips to destinations such as the Cliffs of Moher, Kilkenny, and Belfast.
Day Tours from Dublin, Ireland Without a Car
Some day trips from Dublin may be visited by train or as part of an organized excursion tour. Some include:
- Wicklow Mountains: This is the “Garden of Ireland,” great for when you feel a need to get out of the city for an escape to the scenic areas. Tours can take you to Glendalough, a marvelous monastic site nestled in the mountains.
- Cliffs of Moher: These cliff formations are easily accessible by bus or guided tour, offering some of Ireland’s most dramatic views along the coast.
- Howth: This is a charming fishing village, not too far, and accessible by train. One can walk along an incredible coastline and be recognized for its fresh seafood and relaxed atmosphere.
Driving the Wild Atlantic Way Without a Car
The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the most scenic drive routes in the world, running along nearly 1,500 miles of Ireland’s wild west coast.
While driving yourself does offer you the ultimate freedom to stop anywhere you please, you can still enjoy this breathtaking route without a car.
Guided tours are available that cover everything from the Cliffs of Moher to the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry. Local buses link most small towns and villages along the route but do require some planning and flexibility on your part with your schedule.
5 days in Ireland, traveling without a car: The Best Itinerary
If you’re going to spend 5 days in Ireland without a car, you can plan out a very varied itinerary for visiting the rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes of the country.
Day 1: Dublin
- Guided tour of Trinity College and The Book of Kells.
- Guinness Storehouse is a taste of Ireland’s most famous brew.
- Walk around the Temple Bar district and the Dublin Castle.
Day 2: Day Trip to Wicklow Mountains or Howth
- Day trip to the Wicklow Mountains and explore its historical Glendalough attractions.
- Or take an excursion to the seaside village of Howth for a pleasant coastal walk and fresh fish.
Day 3: Cork
- Travel to Cork. Get to know the English Market, as well as its Shandon Bells, which have witnessed history.
- Visit the neighboring town of Cobh and see its Titanic history.
Day 4: Galway and the Cliffs of Moher
- Take a day trip from Galway by bus or guided tour to visit the Cliffs of Moher.
Day 5: Belfast
- Take a train or bus ride to Belfast and spend some time in the Titanic Belfast Museum, absorbing the depth of history in this city.
Can You Live in Ireland Without a Car?
You can be in Ireland quite peacefully without a car, especially in the city. For transportation, public transport is well-designed in the cities of Dublin, Cork, Galway, and even Belfast.
Most of the daily needs like grocery shopping, medical services, and entertainment are within walking distance or easily accessible on the bus or train. A more rural setting may be a bit much without a car because of fewer options in public transport.
Travel Tips for Visiting Ireland Without a Car
- Plan Your Route: If you rely on public transport, it is best that you start planning your routes and schedules. In rural settings, the services are usually limited, especially during weekends.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours can save you much time and hassle by ensuring you visit all attractions without going out of the way to drive.
- How to Use Apps to Help Me with Transport: Download Irish Rail, Dublin Bus, and Google Maps for help in navigating Ireland’s public transport system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to have a car in Ireland?
No, you do not need a car to travel around in Ireland. Dublin, Cork, and Galway are really good cities that are quite well serviced with public transportation. Also, guided tours pass through so many interesting places around the country. However, if you want to explore the villages, then you will need a car.
What is the Best Way of Traveling Around Ireland?
The best way to get around Ireland is by a combination of trains, buses, and guided tours. Of course, public transport connects most cities and towns, but an excursion gives you the taste and impact of scenic routes, such as the Wild Atlantic Way.
Is it Easy to Get Around Dublin Without a Car?
Yes, it is very easy to get around Dublin without a car. The city has a well-organized public transport system using buses, trams (Luas), and trains (DART). Moreover, you are also able to visit most of the attractions on foot.
How easy is it to drive around Ireland?
It is not easy for first-time visitors to navigate Ireland on a tour by road. Roads are narrow in most cases, and one has to drive on the left-hand side. However, if one finds no discomfort in driving under such conditions, it can make you cover most of the countryside.
Is a Week in Ireland Enough?
And 7 days should be enough to take in the highlights of Ireland: seeing such great cities as Dublin and Galway, visiting the Cliffs of Moher, and driving at least a full day along the Ring of Kerry.
Is It Worth Getting a Car in Ireland?
It depends on your travel plans. If you’re staying in cities, you don’t need a car. But you need one if you need to visit remote areas or if flexibility is required.
Do You Need a Car in Dublin as a Tourist?
No, you don’t need a car in Dublin as a tourist. The public transport that is in the city and the walkable layout of Dublin makes it pretty easy to explore without the use of a car.
Am I able to drive in Ireland without an International License?
If you have a current, valid driving license from your home country, then you will be permitted to drive in Ireland. However, if your license isn’t in English, you will likely need an IDP.
Can I tour Ireland on my own?
Yes, you can travel through Ireland by yourself. You make use of public transport and visit attractions in major cities if you don’t want to be guided. You can rent a car if you prefer to feel more independent.
Conclusion: Do I Need A Car In Ireland?
Do I Need A Car In Ireland? Your style of travel and itinerary will determine your answer. If you stay in major cities and mainstream tourist destinations, getting around this country is quite easy without a car.
Public transportation is stress-free and can efficiently take you across this beautiful land, or even better, a guided tour can expose you to places that public transport may not be able to reach.
However, if you want to venture into a far-flung place or you may have a relatively flexible itinerary, a car rental would best suit you.
No matter how you get around Ireland, the scenery and heritage will stand out in your memory forever. Happy travels and safe trips!
