Ireland-Car-Hire-Agency.com - Information about Ireland.

Ireland is an independent republic that has been part of the European Community since 1973. Extending to about 70,280 km², Ireland is about the same size as Bavaria. The number of inhabitants amounts to 4 million; about one million are living in and around the capital of Dublin.

Ireland is a country  that offers holidays for individualists. The natural landscape, the clean air, the clear waters, the hospitality of the Irish people, the music and the traditional pubs let you forget occasional rain showers. Caused by the gulf stream there is a moderate climate in Ireland all year round. Spring and Fall are pleasantly mild, in the summer the temperature rarely  reaches more than 24° degrees centigrade. During the winter months the average temperature is between 4 and 6° degrees centigrade, snow is almost unknown.

Passport or identity card are sufficient for entry. There is no need of any special papers for your personal car, the national driving license is sufficient. The green insurance card is recommended although it is not mandatory. The traffic in Ireland is on the left, although the rule "first right, then left" applies if there are no traffic signs with different instructions. Traffic rules and regulations are the same as on the continent.

Free parking for the disabled is available at all parking meters with proof of disability papers. At the tourist information center you can request a list with hotels, private lodgings and cottages that specialize in the care of disabled customers.

Voltage is 220 volt, using different plugs, therefore it is necessary to use an adapter.

Currency is the EURO and international credit cards are being accepted.

There is good medical coverage. You can request the form E111 from your local health insurance provider, which will be used for EC citizens requiring medical treatment in Ireland. We recommend travel health insurance for more complete coverage.

Unfortunately, your pets cannot travel along with you, since a quarantine of 6 months is still required. 

The main road networks are well developed. You will travel through the beautiful countryside on mostly narrow and twisting roads. The average speed on these roads is between 40 and 50 km/h. So: Take your time!

When booking a double room, you can either get a room with a double bed or a room with two single beds (twin room). Please state any special requests at time of booking.

As street names in Ireland are rarely indicated , you'll probably have to ask for the location of  B&Bs and guesthouses  that aren't  always situated centrally in the village.  The friendly Irish will be glad to help you.

Everywhere in Ireland English is spoken. There are some Gaelic-speaking areas along the West coast - but you can nevertheless still communicate in English.

Information about the Country

Being favored by the gulf stream, the Southwest of Ireland is characterized by subtropical vegetation. Palm trees alternate with groves of opulent rhododendron and fuchsia hedges. The mountainous landscape, many lakes and sandy beaches that extend for miles are an excellent terrain for hiking, fishing and swimming. Cork, the second largest city, is an economical and cultural focal point  in the Southwest. There are sights like the Ring of Kerry, Killarney and the surrounding areas, the Dingle Peninsula, the Beara Peninsula, Glengarriff with the Italian Garden at Garnish Island, further in the West the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, in the North the rocky landscape of the Burren with it's extraordinary flora.

In the West you'll experience the wild and original Ireland  - especially in Connemara and Donegal. Hills covered with heather, high-bogs, creeks, lonely beaches, infinite stonewalls, cottages and the permanent smell of turf fire. You'll find the opposite in the lovely landscape of the lake areas around Lough Corrib and Lough Mask. A good choice for excursions would be: Killybegs, Doe Castle, a boating tour to the Aran Isles, Delphi Valley and Connemara National Park.

The transition from Donegal in the Northwest to Northern Ireland is nearly seamless. There are fascinating landscapes along the Northern coast, specifically mentioning Giant's Causeway.

The lake area of Lough Erne in Fermanagh is perfect for boating holidays and for fishing. Interesting cities are Belfast and Derry with their historical buildings and the old town wall.

The Eastern coast is the region with the highest population of Ireland. About one million people are living in and around the capital of Dublin - almost one third of the total population. The monastic suburban colony was the spiritual focal point of Ireland in early medieval times. Sandy beaches are extending widely from the costal area to the Southern end of Rosslare. In the North of Dublin are numerous monuments that show evidence of a pre-Christian culture.