Northern Ireland Car Hire

A valid driving licence, a passport or national ID card, and a physical credit card in the main driver's name. If your licence isn't in English, grab an International Driving Permit before you fly. Electronic licences or photocopies won't cut it, I'm afraid.

Yes, and you'll barely notice the crossing, there are no border checkpoints. The only clues are the speed signs switching between miles and kilometres and the road markings changing colour. You do need the supplier's permission to take the car across, so select or declare cross-border travel when you book; some suppliers add a small cross-border fee, shown in the rental conditions before you pay.

The left, same as the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. All rental cars are right-hand drive. If you normally drive on the right, roundabouts and country junctions are where you'll need to concentrate. You'll get used to it by the time you reach the Causeway Coast, promise.

Nope, not a single one. Northern Ireland is toll-free. In the Republic of Ireland there are several toll roads including the M50 around Dublin (electronic, barrier-free, register or pay online) and traditional toll plazas on other motorways. The rental conditions for your car spell out what applies.

Most rates include third-party liability and a collision damage waiver with theft protection, though a damage excess still applies. You can add DiscoverCars Full Coverage to have that excess refunded if anything happens. Taxes are shown in the price; a refundable security deposit and any optional extras are handled by the supplier at the desk, and everything is itemised before you book.

You book online and choose your pickup time and location, then collect from your chosen rental supplier. Your booking voucher lists exactly where to go, whether that's a desk inside the terminal or a short supplier shuttle, along with what to bring. Have your voucher, licence and credit card ready and you'll be on the road quickly.

Most bookings come with free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, which refunds your prepayment in full. Cancel inside 48 hours and only any coverage add-ons are refundable. The exact terms for your car are shown clearly before you book.

Usually yes. The supplier holds a security deposit on a physical credit card in the main driver's name to cover any new damage, fines or missing fuel. Return the car in the same condition and it's released, typically within about 30 days. Some cars are offered with no or a low deposit, and that's flagged when you search.

Pounds sterling (GBP). Northern Ireland uses sterling. If you pick up or drop off in the Republic of Ireland, local pricing may be in euros. The border is invisible but the currency isn't, worth having both if you're crossing.

It depends on the rate you choose. Some suppliers take full payment online, some take a partial prepayment with the balance due at the desk, and some let you pay the lot on collection. Whatever applies is shown clearly before you confirm.

Some vehicles are available without a credit card, these are clearly marked when you search. Worth checking if you don't carry one.

Age and experience requirements vary by vehicle. The details are shown clearly when you search for available cars, no surprises at the desk.