American driver's license in Ireland
 

Good morning all -- headed to Ireland in a month and will be driving around the country. Both my travel companion and I have current American driver's licenses. Do I need to obtain any sort of Irish driver's license, or an international permit of some sort to drive in Ireland?

Thanks!

Please note that American credit card companies do not cover the CDW in Ireland.

No you don't need anything other than your valid Stateside license

The purpose of the International permit is to translate your driver's license so a cop that stops you in Poland - or Greece - or wherever - knows you're showing a driver's license and not a state park or library card.

Since the cops in Ireland speak Enslish this is not an issue.

But do note the insurance concern.

<<Please note that American credit card companies do not cover the CDW in Ireland.>>

This information is incorrect. Some do. My Chase Sapphire Preferred is covering mine, they have issued me a letter saying such and it has already been accepted by my care hire company.

Krejaton, that is very unusual. There seems to a problem with agreements between the cc'comapnies and the countries. I know it is not available for VISA, MC, and AMEX at least up to the platinum level.

Just to chime in, no, your valid American DL will suffice. As for the CDW, check with your CC company to be sure.

Most cards do not cover either Ireland (large number of accidents involving Americans - often older - on the wrong side of very narrow roads mobbed with sheep) or Italy (high rate of car theft).

But a few cards do. Usually the most upscale version of the card. Check yours.

My Citi WORLD Master Card covers in Ireland. I take a letter of coverage from them when I travel to Ireland and the auto rental company we use (Enterprise) accepts the coverage. There may be other cards that cover Ireland, but I do know that the WORLD MC covers and that Enterprise accepts.