GoCar for Tourists: Licence Rules for Visitors

Visiting Ireland and wondering if GoCar car sharing works for tourists? The good news is yes — international visitors can use GoCar, and it's a brilliant option for flexible day trips and short drives without committing to a traditional multi-day car rental. Here's everything you need to know.

Can Tourists Use GoCar?

Yes! GoCar welcomes international visitors, provided you meet these requirements:

• Valid driving licence held for at least 2 years
• EU licences are accepted directly
• Non-EU licences — drivers from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, Norway, South Africa, and Switzerland can drive in Ireland for up to 12 months without an IDP. Other non-EU licence holders should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national licence
• Age 21+ with at least 2 years driving experience (drivers aged 21-24 may pay an additional premium)
• Credit or debit card for payment (international cards accepted)
• Smartphone with the GoCar app installed
• 12-month limit — international licences are valid in Ireland for up to 12 months from your date of entry

Important: Register Before You Arrive

GoCar verification can take 24-48 hours. Register online before your trip so your account is ready when you land in Ireland.

1. Visit GoCar.ie and create your account
2. Upload your licence and ID documents
3. Use promo code 31k65h for €25 off your first trip
4. Complete verification before you travel

Driving in Ireland: What Tourists Need to Know

Before you grab a GoCar and hit the road, a few essential reminders:

We Drive on the Left

Ireland drives on the left side of the road. If you're from a country that drives on the right, give yourself time to adjust. GoCar vehicles have the steering wheel on the right. Read our driving rules guide for a full overview.

Manual vs Automatic

Many GoCar vehicles are manual transmission (stick shift). If you can only drive automatic, filter for automatic vehicles in the app. They're less common, so book ahead. See our manual vs automatic guide.

Irish Roads

• Motorways (M-roads) are similar to highways/motorways elsewhere
• National roads (N-roads) are generally good two-lane roads
• Regional and local roads can be narrow, winding, and without markings
• Speed limits are in kilometres per hour (km/h)

Junctions between main roads are usually roundabouts rather than traffic lights — read the roundabout rules in Ireland before you set off.

Best GoCar Trips for Tourists

GoCar is perfect for day trips from Ireland's main cities. Here are our top recommendations:

From Dublin (Most GoCar Vehicles Available)

Dublin has the largest GoCar fleet. These trips are ideal for a day with GoCar:

From Cork

From Galway

See our GoCar locations guide for details on where to find cars in each city.

Combining GoCar with Public Transport

One of GoCar's biggest advantages for tourists is flexibility. You don't need a car for your entire trip — just for the days you want to explore beyond the city.

A Sample Tourist Itinerary

Here's how you might use GoCar as part of a week in Ireland:

• Day 1-2: Dublin city — walk, bus, and Luas (no car needed)
• Day 3: GoCar day trip to Wicklow Mountains
• Day 4: Train to Galway (no car needed)
• Day 5: GoCar day trip to Connemara from Galway
• Day 6: Bus to Cliffs of Moher (no car needed)
• Day 7: Return to Dublin, GoCar to the airport area if needed

This approach saves money versus renting a car for the full week, and you avoid the stress of driving and parking in city centres.

Should You Use GoCar or Hire a Car?

The short answer for visitors: GoCar for one to three day trips, traditional rental if you're driving four or more consecutive days. The full cost breakdown — day rates, week rates, deposits, fuel and mileage side by side — lives in the GoCar prices vs car rental comparison.

Practical Tips for Tourist GoCar Users

Before Your Trip

• Register 3+ days before arriving to ensure account verification
• Download the GoCar app and familiarise yourself with it
• Download offline maps — see our navigation apps guide
• Check your licence validity — some non-EU licences need an IDP

On Pickup Day

• Allow extra time if it's your first time — 15 minutes to find and inspect the car
• Bring your physical licence — you may need it if stopped by Gardaí (police)
• Check the fuel card location in the glovebox before driving off
• Take pre-trip photos of the car through the app

On the Road

• Remember: drive on the LEFT — be extra careful at roundabouts and junctions
• Take it slow on narrow roads — many scenic routes have single-track sections
• Don't panic about passing places — pull into lay-bys to let oncoming traffic pass
• Toll roads require payment — see our toll roads guide

Common Tourist Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not registering in advance — don't assume you can sign up and drive the same day
2. Forgetting the car is manual — check before booking
3. Underestimating drive times — Irish roads are scenic but slow. Allow extra time beyond Google Maps estimates
4. Not checking return time — set an alarm so you're not late
5. Not carrying a physical licence — you need it on you while driving
6. Not factoring in mileage charges — each booking includes 50km free, then €0.25/km. A 150km day trip means ~€25 extra in mileage, and a temporary €2 fuel surcharge applies to every booking on top. Both checked on GoCar's own pages in September 2026 — see GoCar.ie/rates before booking

What If Something Goes Wrong?

For breakdowns, accidents, or billing issues, see our GoCar issues & problems guide. GoCar has 24/7 roadside assistance for emergencies.

Get Started

Register with GoCar before your trip and use promo code 31k65h for €25 off your first trip. It's the easiest way to add some road trip magic to your Ireland holiday.

Explore all your car options on our car rental hub, or browse our 78+ road trips to plan your Irish driving adventure.