This guide covers answers to these questions and offers practical advice for your Irish road trip. At the end, you'll find key details summarized in a handy table for quick reference.
Yes, Malaysian travelers can legally drive in Ireland with the proper documentation. Age restrictions and additional document requirements may apply.
Form of ID:
A valid passport.
Driving licence:
Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
or
• EU/EEA Driving License
Accepted cards:
Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver. Accepted cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, Discover, and AMEX.
Age requirements:
Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80 years old. Additional fees may apply for young drivers, depending on the rental company.
Requirements may vary between rental companies. Always confirm details when booking.
Explore a range of car rental options in Ireland, including global chains and local providers, to find the perfect fit for your travel needs.
Global Chain Companies
Local Brands

Hertz
Locations:
52Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Europcar
Locations:
129Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Leisure travelers and corporate rentals
SIXT
Locations:
54Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking quality and flexibility
Hertz
Locations:
28Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Enterprise
Locations:
162Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Leisure travelers and business trips
Hertz
Locations:
79Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Keddy by Europcar
Locations:
79Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
PAYLESS
Locations:
21Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
FLIZZR
Locations:
14Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and those seeking flexibility
Easirent
Locations:
7Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and familiesChoosing the right rental car can make your journey more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Think about your travel group, the destinations on your route, and the type of driving you'll be doing. With QEEQ, you can compare multiple car types and policies to find the one that best suits your journey.
Consider your travel group size and luggage needs
Economy cars (2-4 people, 1-2 suitcases)
Perfect for city driving and short trips
Compact cars (4-5 people, 2-3 suitcases)
Good balance of space and fuel efficiency
Mid-size cars (5 people, 3-4 suitcases)
Comfortable for longer distances
Full-size/SUV (5-7 people, 4+ suitcases)
Ideal for families and group travel
Choose between automatic and manual transmission
Automatic transmission
Easier for city driving and traffic, more common in Ireland
Manual transmission
Often cheaper, better fuel economy, more control
Consider your comfort level with left-hand driving on Irish roads
Check what insurance coverage comes with your rental
Basic liability
Covers damage to other vehicles and property, usually included
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Covers damage to your rental car, often optional
Theft protection
Protects against car theft, may be included or additional
Personal insurance
Check if your Malaysian insurance or travel insurance covers rentals
Understand booking flexibility and fees
Free cancellation
Usually available up to 24-48 hours before pickup
Prepaid vs. Pay-at-counter
Prepaid often cheaper but less flexible
Change fees
Cost to modify dates, locations, or car type
Travel insurance
Consider coverage for trip cancellations or delays
Check distance restrictions and additional charges
Unlimited mileage
Best for long road trips and exploring the Irish countryside
Limited mileage
Cheaper daily rate but extra charges for excess miles
Consider your planned route distance and potential detours
Factor in mileage costs when comparing total rental prices
Understand fuel requirements and costs
Full-to-Full
Return with the same fuel level, most economical option
Full-to-Empty
Pay upfront for a full tank, convenient but often more expensive
Same-to-Same
Return with the same level as pickup, fair pricing
Pre-purchase fuel options
Compare costs with local gas station prices
Quick Decision Guide
Compact/Economy car with manual transmission, full-to-full fuel policy
Dublin, Cork, GalwayMid-size/Full-size car with unlimited mileage, flexible cancellation
Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic WaySUV with comprehensive insurance, prepaid fuel option
Cliffs of Moher, Giant's CausewayCompare with Confidence on QEEQ
Ireland offers stunning landscapes and vibrant cities perfect for exploration. Travelers from Malaysia can enjoy scenic routes, cultural landmarks, and charming towns across the country.
You'll need at least basic insurance to legally drive in Ireland, but additional coverage is recommended for peace of mind during your travels. Insurance regulations in Ireland may differ from those in Malaysia, and what’s included in your rental price might be limited. Choosing the right protection can save you from high out-of-pocket costs in case of an incident.
Covers damage to the rental car in case of collision or theft.
Provides coverage for theft of the rental vehicle.
Covers injury or property damage to third parties caused by the rental vehicle.
Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers in the event of an accident.
Perfect for travelers who want comprehensive protection without the complexity. One price covers everything, and AXA's trusted network ensures reliable claims processing throughout Ireland. Get comprehensive coverage online for about 50% less than counter rates.
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Smart planning and strategic choices can help Malaysian travelers save significantly when renting cars in Ireland. Consider these practical tips tailored to your needs.
Important considerations and potential issues to watch for when renting a car in Ireland.
Being prepared and knowing what to expect can save you hundreds of dollars and prevent stressful situations. Take time to understand all terms and inspect your rental thoroughly.
Malaysia and Ireland have distinct traffic regulations concerning driving sides, speed limits, and alcohol tolerance, while sharing similarities in mobile phone use and seatbelt laws.
Driving Side
Drive on the left side of the road
Drive on the left side of the road
Speed Limit Units
Speed limits are enforced in kilometers per hour (km/h)
Speed limits are enforced in kilometers per hour (km/h)
Blood Alcohol Limit
0.05% BAC
0.08% BAC
Right Turn on Red
Not allowed unless specifically signposted
Not allowed at red lights
Mobile Phone Use
Hands-free devices are mandatory
Hands-free devices are mandatory
Roundabouts
Priority to vehicles already in the roundabout
Priority to vehicles already in the roundabout
Parking Rules
Parking is regulated and often requires payment in urban areas
Parking is regulated and often requires payment in urban areas
Common questions for travelers from Malaysia renting a car in Ireland