Car Rental in Ireland
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The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 07:57 on 2021-08-02. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Language
English,
Irish
Irish
Currency
EUR
Country code
353
Traffic direction
Left-hand
Speed limit out of town
80 - 100 km/h
50 - 62 mi/h
Speed limit within town
50 km/h
31 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Why rent a car in Ireland?
The Republic of Ireland is a great place to rent a car in. From cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway to cozy villages, long sea coast, and beautiful nature areas, its great diversity is best explored with the freedom of having your own ride.
If you want to know more about renting a car in Ireland, don't miss our complete guide.
One-way Car Rentals in Ireland
Here are the most popular one-way rental options for pickup in Ireland and drop off in another country:
- From Ireland to United Kingdom - 155 offers from £ 31.53 per day
Top ways to enter Ireland
- Dublin Airport: Ireland’s largest airport serves flights to and from many destinations in Europe, as well as in North America, Asia, and Africa.
- Knock Airport: Popular with low-cost carriers, Knock Airport is an entry point for Northwest Ireland.
Cork Airport: The airport of Ireland’s second city mainly hosts flights to and from United Kingdom and Western Europe. - By land: It might also be possible to rent a car in Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, and then drive to Republic of Ireland. Large airports in United Kingdom near Republic of Ireland are Belfast International Airport, Belfast City Airport, and Derry Airport.
Top cities and places to visit
- Dublin. The capital of Ireland is also one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. While it would be impossible to list all of its landmarks, a visit to the Dublin Writers’ Museum, one of the branches of the National Museum, or the Viking World would be a highlight of any trip.
- Galway. Located on the west coast, Galway is the favorite Irish city of many foreign visitors. Known for its colorful architecture and busy nightlife, it is also one of the centers of the Irish Gaelic culture and a place where the native tongue can still be frequently heard on the streets.
- Cork. Located in the south of the country, Cork is a lovely place to visit. As fiercely independent as it is hospitable, it is known for its impressive historical heritage (emphasized by landmarks like Elizabeth Fort), as well as great pub culture.
Most popular rental car
The most popular rental car in Republic of Ireland is the VW Polo, followed by the Toyota Corolla and the Ford Fiesta.
Driver license requirements
- Ireland recognizes driver’s licenses from all the member states of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) as long as they are valid.
- Other licenses in the Latin alphabet are generally also recognized, provided that you have been in Ireland for no longer than 12 months. (Drivers who have been in the country for longer than this period are required to obtain a local license instead).
- If your driver’s license is printed in a non-Latin alphabet (Cyrillic, Arabic, etc.), you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Similarly, if your driver’s license doesn’t show your photograph, you might be required to have an IDP.
- Even if you have an IDP, you must also have your original license with you at all times.
- You must carry your driver’s license, not a copy, with you at all times.
- You need to have had your driver’s license for at least two years.
- Some rental car suppliers charge a young driver fee for drivers between the ages of 22 and 25 and a senior driver fee for drivers over the age of 65.
- There may be additional requirements depending on the car supplier and category, so make sure to check the rental conditions before booking.
Crossing Borders
The Republic of Ireland is bordered by Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom. As of June 2021, both countries are part of the Common Travel Area, and border control is not enforced. Citizens of the member states of the European Economic Area, as well as many other western countries, can enter both countries without a visa.
Citizens of some other countries may be permitted to visit the Republic of Ireland, but might need a separate visa to visit the United Kingdom or vice versa. We advise you to get in touch with your Ministry of Foreign Affairs to find out whether you need a visa to visit either the Republic of Ireland or the United Kingdom.
Citizens of China and India are an exception and can use their Irish visa to also visit the United Kingdom.
Some car rental providers allow you to cross national borders and even drop off your car in a different country (it is very possible to travel between Dublin and Belfast in a rental car). You can find those providers by entering your car pick-up and drop-off locations on our search. If you’d like to cross an international border during your rental, make sure to check the terms and conditions before booking a car.
Learn more about cross-border rentals in our FAQ section.
Most popular types of rental car
The most popular rental car type in Ireland is an Intermediate, but Compact and Economy are also frequently picked by travelers.
Top driving routes
- Wicklow Mountains National Park. Located just a relatively short drive south of Dublin, Wicklow Mountains is one of the most popular destinations for a day trip from the capital. The area is known not just for its scenic nature, but also historical heritage like the 1,500-year-old monasteries of Glendalough, for example.
- Aran Islands. Known for their barren, hauntingly beautiful landscapes, these three small islands off the West coast of Ireland are among the most unique destinations of Ireland. Inhabited since prehistory, they are known for sites like the 3,000-year-old stone fort of Dún Aonghasa. The islands cannot be accessed by car, but you can take a ferry from either Rossaveel or Doolin; the former is about a 45-minute drive west of Galway.
- The Northwest. An off-the-beaten-path destination, the northwestern part of Ireland remains a mystery even to many Irish. You won’t find big cities here, but the region more than makes up for it with beautiful lakes and forests, remote mountain ranges, and a noticeably slower, more relaxed pace of life.
Car Rental Prices
- Station wagons - from $63 per day
- Large cars - from $40 per day
- Medium cars - from $33 per day
- People Carriers/Vans - from $90 per day
- Premium cars - from $99 per day
- Small cars - from $30 per day
- SUVs - from $49 per day
How can I save money on my rental car?
You can do a number of things to get a good car rental deal in Ireland:
- Compare rates of different rental car providers
- Book your rental car well in advance
- Plan your route before you go
- Know your fuel and mileage requirements
- Visit on the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Republic of Ireland is the cheapest in January when renting a car is nearly 50% cheaper than the yearly average.
Top 15 Most Popular Cities in Ireland
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Car Rental in Dublin from $13.68 per day
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Car Rental in Cork from $14.04 per day
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Car Rental in Knock from $22.19 per day
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Car Rental in Shannon from $14.23 per day
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Car Rental in Kerry from $22.19 per day
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Car Rental in Galway from $27.48 per day
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Car Rental in Sligo from $27.50 per day
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Car Rental in Donegal from $59.77 per day
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Car Rental in Naas from $28.22 per day
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Car Rental in Tralee from $28.22 per day
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Car Rental in Letterkenny from $28.22 per day
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Car Rental in Athlone from $27.48 per day
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Car Rental in Cavan from $28.22 per day
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Car Rental in Kilkenny from $28.22 per day
Top 6 Most Popular Locations in Ireland
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Car Rental at Dublin Airport from $13.68 per day
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Car Rental at Cork Airport from $14.04 per day
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Car Rental at Knock Airport from $22.19 per day
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Car Rental at Shannon Airport from $14.23 per day
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Car Rental at Kerry Airport from $22.19 per day
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Car Rental at Donegal Airport from $59.77 per day
Map of Car Rental Locations
Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Ireland?
The cost of renting a car in Ireland depends on the time of year. This graph compares price changes from month to month in order to find the best offer.
Average Rental Price in Ireland
The cheapest month of the year to rent a car in Ireland is January — prices start from $22.10 for an Economy class vehicle. This is 49% cheaper than the yearly average and 65% cheaper than renting a car in the month of November (when prices start at $62.36 for a Compact class). This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. The exact price for your trip will depend on the length of your rental and the number of days until your rental period begins. Just enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see exact prices and offers.
What’s the average rental length in Ireland?
The average length differs from month to month. The longest rental periods are in March — an average of 7 days. The shortest are in January — an average of 5 days.
Average Rental Length in Ireland
What’s the most popular time for renting a car in Ireland?
Discover Cars users search for cars in a lot of locations daily. We gathered this information in order to analyze car rental popularity in Ireland. The most popular month is March, while the least popular is June.
Popularity of Car Rental in Ireland by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easirent | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Fiat 500 | 3 | 2 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Ford Focus | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Flizzr | Ford Fiesta | 4 | 3 | Small cars |
| Flizzr | Ford Ka | 2 | 1 | Small cars |
| Flizzr | Peugeot 108 | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Flizzr | VW Polo | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| SIXT | VW Polo | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| SIXT | Toyota Yaris Aut. | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
Our Customers Reviews
MK
United Kingdom
VW Polo
January 7, 2021
Excellent value, I would definitely recommend and would this company again.
TD
United Kingdom
VW Polo
October 6, 2020
I wasn't over for a holiday. But I am originally from Ireland and I can hand on heart say that the conditions of the main roads are brilliant. And it's easy to detour in to villages and such if you want to come off the motorway. The sign posts are done really well.
DC
Ireland
Ford Fiesta
September 8, 2020
very good impressions
DS
Ireland
Skoda Citigo
July 16, 2020
The driving experience is quite intense/different for drivers from North America, and with the excellent bus/transit system, a car is not necessarily required.
PO
Ireland
Toyota Corolla
March 22, 2020
Very Happy
MR
United Kingdom
Toyota Corolla
March 8, 2020
Knock is a fantastic airport to fly into, just make sure you choose the right car hire company.
MH
Ireland
Toyota Corolla
March 6, 2020
The staff member at Kerry was excellent. Professional, courteous and efficient. Thank you
DS
Ireland
Toyota Corolla
March 3, 2020
Be patient in the queue. It can be long sometimes at busy times for travel
WV
Netherlands
Ford Ka
March 1, 2020
Cliffs of Moher
SM
United Kingdom
VW Up
February 14, 2020
Easy to get places from shannon
WY
Ireland
VW Polo
February 12, 2020
A couple of days is plenty for Dublin. Head west, and spend time in the small villages as well as the cities. That is where you will find the real Ireland
TS
Ireland
Fiat 500
February 8, 2020
Quick rental car pickup with great prices and helpful staff. Let's bring in some more electric vehicles please :)
MV
Switzerland
Renault Clio
January 13, 2020
It is a lot easier to get around with a car.
KS
Ireland
Renault Clio
December 30, 2019
Easy to get a car
AB
United Kingdom
Toyota Corolla
November 13, 2019
Small friendly airport with easy access to rentals.
MP
United Kingdom
Renault Clio
October 28, 2019
Make sure they don’t try to sell U the Airport
AD
Ireland
Renault Clio
October 21, 2019
Great place to sight see
SC
United Kingdom
Renault Clio
October 13, 2019
Every thing was easy , from the rental to the shuttle bus everybody was friendly , thank you once again
AP
New Zealand
Renault Clio
October 8, 2019
Driving in Ireland is relatively easy with good motorways and mostly good safe driving. Consider a compact car as many roads are narrow, parking often tight and fuel prices relatively high.
XB
Greece
Renault Clio
September 23, 2019
Do not be afraid of driving on the left side of the road! It is easy to use
Top 13 Suppliers in Ireland in 2021
National
018445848
ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR, IN TERMINAL NO DEBIT CARDS
Alamo
+3530214838973
Cork Airport, Kinsale Rd, Cork
Europcar
+353906400560
QUINN MOTORSTORE
Working hours
Mon:09:00-17:30
Tue:09:00-17:30
Wed:09:00-17:30
Thu:09:00-17:30
Fri:09:00-17:30
Sat:09:00-13:00
Enterprise
0667119304
JOHN JOE SHEEHY ROAD, KERRY
Avis
+353949367707
Ireland West Airport Knock
Working hours
Mon:07:30-20:00
Tue:07:30-20:00
Wed:07:30-20:00
Thu:07:30-20:00
Fri:07:30-20:00
Sat:07:30-17:30
Sun:08:00-21:00
SIXT
+35312352030
Kinsale Road
Alamo
0214838973
Enterprise Rent A Car
Working hours
Mon:08:00-17:00
Tue:08:00-17:00
Wed:08:00-17:00
Thu:08:00-17:00
Fri:08:00-17:00
Budget
353214314000
Arrivals Hall Cork Airport
Working hours
Mon:07:30-20:00
Tue:07:30-20:00
Wed:07:30-20:00
Thu:07:30-20:00
Fri:07:30-20:00
Sat:07:00-20:00
Sun:07:30-20:00
Keddy
+353906400560
Quinn Motorstore
Working hours
Mon:09:00-17:30
Tue:09:00-17:30
Wed:09:00-17:30
Thu:09:00-17:30
Fri:09:00-17:30
Sat:09:00-13:00
Budget
+353949367577
Knock Airport, Knock, Co. Mayo, F12 C6X9
Working hours
Mon:09:00-17:00
Tue:09:00-17:00
Wed:09:00-17:00
Thu:09:00-17:00
Fri:09:00-17:00
Sat:09:00-17:00
Sun:09:00-17:00
GreenMotion
+353214321099
Cork Airport, Co. Cork, Ireland
Ace Rent a car
+353212363163 / 3172487251
Airport East Bus & Tech park
Easirent
+353212363163
Airport East Business & Technology Park, Rathmacullig W, Ballygarvan, Cork
Working hours
Mon:06:00-22:00
Tue:06:00-22:00
Wed:06:00-22:00
Thu:06:00-22:00
Fri:06:00-22:00
Sat:06:00-22:00
Sun:06:00-22:00