Car Rental Ireland
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The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 10:22 on 2020-02-16. 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
Average car rental length
3 days
Economy car rental price
$36.04 / per day
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?
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.
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: At once the epitome of Irish culture and the most modern place in the country, Dublin is a fascinating destination to visit.
- Galway: Small, but hip and full of life, Galway is one of the most fun destinations in Ireland.
- Cork: Its first settlement dating back to the 6th Century, Cork is a place of interesting architecture and distinct atmosphere.
- Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim. These counties may be be small, but they have beaches, hills, lakes, and other natural beauty in abundance.
- The West: In some ways, Western Ireland is the most traditional part of the country. Bordering Atlantic Ocean and full of interesting traditions, it is a place where Irish language is still spoken on a daily basis. In paticular County Donegal, with it's largest city Letterkenney, is worth a visit.
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.
Crossing Borders
Republic of Ireland is bordered by Northern Ireland that is part of the United Kingdom. As of December 2018, both countries are part of the Common Travel Area and the border control is not enforced. Citizens of the member states of European Economic Area can enter both countries without a visa.
Citizens of some other countries may be permitted to visit Republic of Ireland, but might need a separate visa to visit the United Kingdom. We advise you to get in touch with your Ministry of Foreign Affairs to find out whether you need a visa to visit United Kingdom.
Some car rental providers allow you to cross national borders and even drop off your car in a different country, while others don’t. If you’d like to cross a national border during your rental period, 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
- Dublin - Belfast (166 km / 103 mi) You can do the road between the capital of Ireland and the capital of Northern Ireland in just over two hours. Note that you’ll have to cross a national border, so check with your rental car provider first to make sure they permit it.
- Galway - Dublin (209 km / 130 mi) The route between these two cities crosses the entire Ireland from east to west, taking you from the Atlantic Ocean to the Irish Sea.
- Kerry - Cork (104 km / 64 mi) Kerry International Airport is just 90 minute drive away from Ireland’s second city.
Car Rental Prices
- Station wagons - from $62 per day
- Large cars - from $49 per day
- Medium cars - from $41 per day
- People Carriers/Vans - from $157 per day
- Premium cars - from $126 per day
- Small cars - from $33 per day
- SUVs - from $68 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 14 Most Popular Cities in Ireland
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Car Rental in Dublin from $8.00 per day
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Car Rental in Cork from $9.66 per day
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Car Rental in Shannon from $9.66 per day
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Car Rental in Knock from $12.88 per day
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Car Rental in Kerry from $11.07 per day
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Car Rental in Donegal from $36.77 per day
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Car Rental in Galway from $23.29 per day
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Car Rental in Athlone from $27.58 per day
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Car Rental in Sligo from $27.58 per day
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Car Rental in Letterkenny from $40.23 per day
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Car Rental in Naas from $28.28 per day
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Car Rental in Cavan from $27.58 per day
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Car Rental in Mullingar from $41.37 per day
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Car Rental in Tralee from $21.61 per day
Top 17 Most Popular Locations in Ireland
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Car Rental at Dublin Airport from $8.00 per day
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Car Rental at Cork Airport from $9.66 per day
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Car Rental at Shannon Airport from $9.66 per day
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Car Rental at Knock Airport from $12.88 per day
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Car Rental at Kerry Airport from $11.07 per day
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Car Rental at Dublin, Downtown from $8.05 per day
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Car Rental at Donegal Airport from $36.77 per day
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Car Rental at Galway, Downtown from $23.29 per day
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Car Rental at Cork, Downtown from $24.72 per day
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Car Rental at Athlone, Downtown from $27.58 per day
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Car Rental at Sligo, Downtown from $27.58 per day
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Car Rental at Letterkenny, Downtown from $40.23 per day
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Car Rental at Naas, Downtown from $28.28 per day
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Car Rental at Cavan, Downtown from $27.58 per day
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Car Rental at Mullingar Downtown from $41.37 per day
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Car Rental at Tralee, Downtown from $21.61 per day
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Car Rental at Kilkenny, Downtown from $27.58 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 $20.17 for an Economy class vehicle. This is 50% cheaper than the yearly average and 70% cheaper than renting a car in the month of November (when prices start at $67.57 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 May — an average of 8 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 a lot of locations daily. We gathered this information in order to analyze car rental popularity in Ireland. The most popular month is February, while the least popular is November.
Ireland Car Rental Popularity by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Toyota Corolla | 5 | 2 | Large cars |
| Budget | VW Polo | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Budget | Renault Clio | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Budget | Ford Ka | 2 | 1 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Ford Focus | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Easirent | Fiat 500 | 3 | 2 | Small cars |
| Budget | VW Up | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Budget | Toyota Avensis | 4 | 1 | Large cars |
| Easirent | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
FAQ
Should I rent a car in Ireland?
A majority of the ratings and reviews left by Discover Cars’ customers recommend renting a car (9.4 from 33 reviews).
What do you need to rent a car in Ireland?
In most cases, you need a driver’s license, passport or ID card, and a credit card (in the name of the main driver), and the booking voucher to rent a car. Some companies may have additional requirements (be sure to check the rental conditions).
On what side of the road do they drive in Ireland?
Drivers must drive on the left side of the road.
Can I rent a car at 18 in Ireland?
No, you can not rent a car at the age of 18.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Ireland?
You must be between 25 and 99 years old.
Can you rent automatic cars in Ireland?
Yes, automatic cars are available from SIXT, Alamo, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Keddy, Europcar and Easirent in Ireland.
Can I rent a car with a debit card?
Though most companies require a credit card to leave a deposit, some accept debit cards. Check the rental conditions for more information.
Can I rent a car without a credit card?
Most companies require a credit card to pick up the car. Some may accept debit cards or cash. Check the rental conditions for more information.
What car classes can I rent?
Small cars, Medium cars, Large cars, Station wagons, SUVs, People Carriers/Vans and Premium cars vehicle types are available in Ireland.
Can I rent a car in Ireland with my home country’s driver's license (for example, U.S., U.K., or Australia)?
In most cases, a driver’s license from your home country is acceptable if it uses the Latin alphabet. In some cases, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Check the rental conditions for more information.
If your driver’s license does not use the Latin alphabet, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Ireland.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Ireland?
In most cases, if your driver’s license uses the Latin alphabet, you can rent a car in in Ireland without an International Driving Permit (IDP). In some cases, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Check the rental conditions for more information.
If your driver’s license does not use the Latin alphabet, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Ireland.
How much does an additional driver cost? Is there an option for a free additional driver?
No rental company in Ireland offers a free additional driver.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Ireland?
A rental car costs $61 per day, on average. The lowest daily price found in the past 48 hours was $8 at Budget, Easirent and Enterprise.
How much is car rental for a week?
The average price for a weekly rental in Ireland is $427. In the past 48 hours, the lowest price for a weekly rental in Ireland was $56.
What car rental companies are located in Ireland?
SIXT, Alamo, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Keddy, Europcar and Easirent can be found in Ireland.
What is the best car rental company in Ireland?
Ratings and reviews left by our users indicate that the best providers are Alamo (9.1, 35 reviews), SIXT (8.7, 27 reviews) and Budget (8.5, 53 reviews).
Our Customers Reviews
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
JG
United Kingdom
Renault Clio
September 13, 2019
Go to Wicklow and National galleries
NC
United Kingdom
Ford Fiesta
September 5, 2019
Amazing place. Very friendly people. Everyone should visit
RM
United Kingdom
Toyota Corolla
September 5, 2019
Definitely a place to visit beautiful scenery and the people are so welcoming and helpful
AF
United Kingdom
VW Polo
September 4, 2019
We drive to southern ireland from dublin which was pleasurable as the roads are quiet and when we were there, no roadworks were in place!
RK
United Kingdom
Fiat 500
August 31, 2019
Kinsale & south west Cork incl Bantry & Baltimore - stunningly beautiful & full of character, good food & friendly fun loving people. I’ll definitely come back again 👍😎
JM
United Kingdom
Renault Clio
August 23, 2019
Pay the m50 toll!
RA
United Kingdom
Toyota Corolla
August 20, 2019
Castlegregory is brilliant.
FG
United Kingdom
Ford Ka
August 20, 2019
very easy right next to departures and not too busy.
MT
United Kingdom
VW Polo
August 18, 2019
Traveling around the ring of Kerry is a definite must when visiting the south of the island. The scenery, food and hospitality of locals was delightful. We had a very memorable trip and look forward to returning soon.
DH
United Kingdom
Toyota Corolla
July 2, 2019
Top city great atmosphere shame so many people begging
BB
United Kingdom
Toyota Corolla
June 29, 2019
Knock and surrounding areas are beautiful, driving is so easy. Donegal is a lovely town, as is Carrick on Shannon, Nothing much in Sligo, I would not bother going there again.
RR
United Kingdom
Renault Clio
June 4, 2019
Clare and Kerry are great destinations.
SM
Australia
Hyundai Tucson 4x4
June 1, 2019
We definitely would recommend a trip to Ireland the scenery is spectacular and the locals are delightful friendly and welcoming.
ER
Italy
Renault Clio
May 27, 2019
Not easy to find a car park in the city, renting a car is perfect to travel around such a beautiful country!
CB
United Kingdom
VW Polo
March 22, 2019
Dublin was brilliant. Great nightlife and the food is surprisingly good
Top 7 Suppliers for Ireland in 2020
Alamo
Europcar
SIXT
Enterprise
Keddy
Budget
Easirent
Highly recommended by our customers
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