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Landing in Dublin, leaving a pub in Galway, or catching an early flight from Cork? Don’t worry: booking a taxi in Ireland has never been easier thanks to mobile apps! No more standing in the rain with your thumb out or waiting in endless queues. In this article, discover the best apps to order a taxi on the Emerald Isle, whether you prefer local or international options.
Formerly known as MyTaxi, Free Now is THE go-to taxi app in Ireland. Available in over 100 European cities, it’s perfectly optimized for major Irish cities like Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick.Main features:
Good to know: All Free Now taxis are fully licensed (the famous black taxis with the yellow “TAXI” sign on top). No Uber-style private drivers here: it’s 100% regulated.
Contrary to popular belief, Uber does exist in Ireland, but in a limited way. In Dublin, you’ll only find regular licensed taxis (not private cars as in other countries).
Why? Because in Ireland, the law prohibits unlicensed paid ridesharing services. So Uber acts as a simple taxi aggregator.Why use it?
Available only in Dublin
Bolt has quietly launched in Dublin and is gaining ground. Like Uber, it only offers licensed taxis, but with a more modern interface and often more responsive customer service.Advantages:
Outside the main cities, it’s best to turn to local taxi services or use online taxi directories. Here are some handy options:
Some Irish taxi companies use TaxiCaller to manage bookings. The app brings together different providers—ideal for smaller towns or rural areas.
Some cities have their own app or booking website. For example:
Tip: Search Google for “taxi [city name] app” to find the best local solution.
| Tip | Why it’s useful |
|---|---|
| Enable geolocation | Irish addresses can be tricky |
| Book in advance for airports | Taxis are in high demand during peak hours |
| Ask for an estimated fare | To avoid surprises on longer journeys |
| Carry some cash | Some taxis don’t accept cards (unless booked via app) |
| Request a receipt | Useful for reimbursements or lost items |
Unlike other European countries, Irish law prohibits unauthorized private hire vehicles. All drivers available on apps like Free Now, Uber, or Bolt are licensed taxi drivers with official permits.
So rest assured: you’re travelling by the book.
| App | Availability | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|
| Free Now | All of Ireland | Everyday, reliable use |
| Uber | Dublin only | If you already have an account |
| Bolt | Dublin (testing elsewhere) | Alternatives or promos |
| TaxiCaller | Smaller towns | Global taxi network |
| Local apps | Galway, Cork, etc. | Localized convenience |
