Dublin’s Rathmines has a reputation for the rudest or most irritating passengers in the country, according to Uber Ireland.

The transport company has compiled a list of Ireland’s ‘naughtiest and nicest’ passengers based on the ratings from its own drivers.

Uber offers both passengers and drivers the chance to rate each other within the app – with drivers handing out bad ratings for everything from rudeness and aggression to eating in the back seat.

Balbriggan in Dublin topped the list for the nicest passengers in Ireland, with Castleroy in Limerick and popular seaside spot Dalkey taking second and third on the list.

At the other end of the scale, Rathmines topped the ‘naughty’ list, followed by Dublin’s Stoneybatter in second and Cork’s Rochestown in third.

Limerick taxi driver James Quinn said the majority of his passengers are “fantastic” – but there can be some “difficult moments”.

“The worst is when people want to eat their chips and garlic sauce in the back, or don't put on a seatbelt and slam the door,” he said.

“The all-too-familiar 'are you busy?' chat can also get a bit too much every time – but overall, the holiday vibe is electric and I’m proud to play my part.”

Uber said the top reasons drivers have given for handing out bad reviews are:

• Rude or aggressive passengers.
• Eating in the car.
• Asking to smoke with the window open or playing music loudly on your phone.
• Slamming the door.
• Refusing to put on your seatbelt.

Uber Ireland General Manager Kieran Harte said he is “expecting record demand for Taxis this Christmas”.

“As the holidays bring a flurry of fun and activity in our cities, let's not forget the vital role that Taxi drivers play in keeping everyone moving safely,” he said.

“A little extra kindness towards drivers can go a long way in making the season joyful for everyone who uses Uber across the country.”

Currently, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft do not operate in Ireland the way they do in other countries.

While the services are available to passengers, drivers need to hold a taxi licence to offer rides for pay.

Uber’s top 10 naughty and nice passenger areas are:

Nicest

1. Balbriggan (Dublin)
2. Castletroy (Limerick)
3. Dalkey (Dublin)
4. Castleknock (Dublin)
5. Clontarf (Dublin)
6. Sunday’s Well (Cork)
7. Dooradoyle (Limerick)
8. Drogheda (Louth)
9. Oranmore (Galway)
10. Blanchardstown (Dublin)

Naughtiest

1. Rathmines (Dublin)
2. Stoneybatter (Dublin)
3. Rochestown (Cork)
4. Bray (Wicklow)
5. Cabra (Dublin)
6. Salt Hill (Galway)
7. Tallaght (Dublin)
8. Maynooth (Kildare)
9. Portobello (Dublin)
10. Navan (Meath)