International Driving licence
 

Currently have a valid USA driving licence. Do i need to have a International Driving Permit in order to drive in Ireland - Visiting for 10 days.

Thanks

I am thinking yes, you will need an international permit. Anyone else?

No, because an IDP is essentially an official translation of your US license, and English being the lingua franca of Ireland, you won't need a translation.

I looked into this a few months ago and St. Cirq is right, it will serve no purpose in an English speaking country. You will be allowed ro rent a car using a US drivers license.

Sorry for the typo in the last sentence. It s/read:

You will be allowed to rent a car using a US drivers license.

I have never had one and have driven tens of thousands of kms in Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg and more than a few in the UK.
However, a recent thread convinced me that one should have an IDP driving on the continent.
M

Some countries other than the USA require an IDP plus a USA state license. Yes, you will probably never be 'carded'; if you are you will wish you had the IDP. Contact AAA at Heathrow in FL. Simple procedure and cost is 'now' $11. All can be done on internet. Don't ignore 'Green Card' insurance either. All drivers need the IDP.

There has been extensive discussion on this topic. Try typing in "international drivers permit" into the search engine and you should find what you need.

I have always used one when driving in countries where English is not the primary language. Because Ireland is an english-speaking country, an IDP is probably not necessary.

Tracy

I'm one of those who rant and rave about the countries where an International Drivers Permit is REQUIRED BY LAW, and scorn those who say silly things like "I've never needed one" just because they never got stopped by the police or never got involved in a major traffic incident.

But they speak English in Ireland (sort of) and it is DEFINITELY not required nor even suggested.

You'll be fine with your US license. Insurance, on the other hand, will be a joy to figure out. Ireland has quite a scam going on. It's very expensive.

Bill