Car Rental in Cork
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The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 18:11 on 2020-10-23. 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
8 days
Economy car rental price
$27.59 / per day
Traffic direction
Left-hand
Speed limit out of town
80 - 100 km/h
50 - 62 mi/h
Speed limit within town
50 km/h
31 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Why rent a car in Cork?
A cozy city with a proud and hospitable spirit, Cork is a great place to explore. Whether you’re looking for history, Irish culture, or a fun night out, this place has something for everyone. The freedom of your own wheels will let you go on long trips to explore the rest of southern Ireland.
One-Way Car Rentals in Cork
The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Cork and drop off in another city include:
- From Cork to Dublin - 93 offers from US$ 27.96 per day
- From Cork to Shannon - 74 offers from US$ 27.96 per day
- From Cork to Belfast - 58 offers from US$ 43.76 per day
Top ways to enter Cork
- Cork Airport. Small, but growing, Cork Airport serves nearly 2.5 million travelers every year. The airport is served by 12 airlines, some of them low-cost carriers, and is located just south of the city center.
- Kerry Airport. Located in the nearby Count Kerry in Southwest Ireland, Kerry Airport is served by Aer Lingus which offers a domestic connection to the capital, Dublin. It is also served by Ryanair that has flights to and from London, Berlin, Frankfurt, Alicante, and Faro. Kerry Airport is about a 90 minute drive west of Cork.
- Shannon Airport. A cozy airport that serves both Limerick and Galway, two of the largest Irish cities, Shannon Airport offers a number of air connections. There are flights to large European capitals, resorts in Italy and Spain, and even a number of cities on the East Coast of the U.S. Shannon Airport is located less than a two hour drive north of Cork.
Useful city facts
Cork has an oceanic climate with cool summers and mild winters, with the air temperature rarely going below 0 °C (32 °F) or above 25 °C (77 °F). The precipitation is high between October and January and evenly spread out throughout the rest of the year.
With a population of about 125 thousand within the city limits and another 80 thousand inhabitants in its larger urban area, Cork is the second most populous city in the Republic of Ireland and the largest city in the Irish province of Munster
Top destinations and activities
- Elizabeth Fort. The 17th century fort was built to protect the original settlement of Cork. Nowadays it is one of the most famous landmarks of Cork, offering impressive views of the city below. If you visit it on Sunday, you’ll also have a chance to visit the Elizabeth Fort Market Festival, a joyful event with performances and local crafts and foodstuffs on sale.
- Lewis Glucksman Gallery. An art gallery of the University College Cork and a unique building, it houses three levels of display spaces. You’ll find both permanent and rotating exhibits and shows that provide a good insight of the fascinating contemporary art of Ireland.
- The Lough Park. A protected refuge since 1881, the Lough Park is one of the nicest green areas of Cork. Despite its close proximity to the city center, the area is home to many birds and animals, as well as to nice hiking paths, and picnic spots on the coast of the park’s lake.
Traffic and parking tips
- Driving takes place on the left side of the road in the Republic of Ireland.
- Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 120 km/h (75 mph) for motorways, 100 km/h (62 mph) for national roads without motorway status, 80 km/h (50 mph) for local and regional roads, and 50 km/h (31 mph) for urban zones and built-up areas. Unlike in neighboring Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom, the speed limits are indicated in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour.
- Most road signs are displayed in both English and Irish. However, in some Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) areas, the roads signs are only in Irish. This is important to keep in mind because some Irish city names are different than their English names - for example, the Irish name of Cork is Corcaigh.
- Locals can often refer to a location in the city as “by the river.” However, that can lead to some confusion as there are two large rivers and a number of quays in Cork. Getting a vehicle with a good satellite navigation system is a good idea, both for driving in Cork and in the nearby countryside.
- The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for novice drivers. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines, an EU-wide licence ban, or even imprisonment.
- The proof of insurance and car registration needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
- If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
- The emergency number, like elsewhere in the EU, is 112.
Toll roads
There are 11 toll roads in the Republic of Ireland. There are also two toll tunnels and two tolle bridges. One of the toll bridges is the Suir Bridge on the Cork-Rosslare Highway.
The payment for using any of the toll roads, bridges, or tunnels can be made with cash at the toll gate. The toll fees for some roads are payable with a credit card. For driving on the M50 road you can pay online. Some rental cars are also equipped with an electronic toll tag that will make the toll payment automatically. Some car rental providers might charge an additional fee for this service. Ask your car rental provider about it in advance.
For more information about the toll roads in the Republic of Ireland and for the toll road map, visit the Republic of Ireland’s official toll road website.
Ideas for a day-trip
- Kinsale. Located just a half-an-hour’s drive south of Cork by car, Kinsale is the seafood capital of Southern Ireland. With a truly impressive amount of restaurants per capita, it is the best place to try many delicacies from the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Even if you don’t like seafood, visit Kinsale anyway as it’s a joy to walk along its beaches or explore its forts and castles.
- Killarney National Park. One of the nicest national parks in Ireland, Killarney has everything from woodlands and hills to pristine lakes. Red deer, golden eagles, and many other types of wildlife live in the area, and you may even be lucky enough to spot some of them. The national park is about an hour’s drive west of Cork.
- West Cork. The green hills and fields of West Cork is how many tourists imagine Ireland to be like. Go on to explore its rugged peninsulas, relax on its beaches, then visit the churches and the restaurants of cozy little places like Skibbereen or Clonakilty. Bandon, perhaps West Cork’s most famous town, is just half-an-hour’s drive southwest of Cork.
Most popular rental types and cars
The most popular rental car in Cork is the Toyota Corolla, which is closely followed by the Ford Fiesta and the Toyota Avensis. The most popular rental car types in Cork are intermediate, economy, and standard.
Further destinations
For more about traveling around Ireland with a rental car, check out our complete guide.
Dublin. With its museums, castles, and cathedrals, Ireland’s capital is a world-class travel destination. Unlike many other large and modern cities of Europe, it still retains much of its original character. From Cork, it can be reached by car in only three hours.
Galway. A university city, Galway is a place with a truly fun and vibrant atmosphere. A place of countless events, festivals, and cultural performances, it has been rewarded by being named the European Capital of Culture in 2020 (a title it will share with Rijeka in Croatia). Galway is also an important hub of Irish language, which is still spoken as a first language in many of Galway’s nearby villages. Galway is about 196 km (122 mi) from Cork and can be reached in about two and a half hours.
Waterford. Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford is a dream for everyone who wants to learn more about the old Celtic culture and way of life. Visit its many museums, participate in local sports matches and cultural activities, or drive to explore the nearby Comeragh Mountains. Waterford is less than a two hour drive northeast of Cork.
Car Rental Prices in Cork
- Station wagons - from $71 per day
- Large cars - from $46 per day
- Medium cars - from $33 per day
- People Carriers/Vans - from $70 per day
- Premium cars - from $86 per day
- Small cars - from $27 per day
- SUVs - from $43 per day
How can I save money on my rental car?
Try these tricks to land a great car rental deal in Cork:
- Compare the 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 during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Cork is the cheapest in September when renting a car is about 42% cheaper than the yearly average and a whopping 78% than renting a car in May. Come visit Southern Ireland in early autumn!
Top 14 Cities near Cork
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Dublin Car Rentals from $9.62 per day225.5 km / 140.1 miles away
-
Knock Car Rentals from $17.85 per day231.1 km / 143.6 miles away
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Shannon Car Rentals from $13.25 per day100.1 km / 62.2 miles away
-
Kerry Car Rentals from $17.85 per day80.1 km / 49.8 miles away
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Donegal Car Rentals from $40.25 per day356.3 km / 221.4 miles away
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Galway Car Rentals from $26.03 per day164.9 km / 102.5 miles away
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Mullingar Car Rentals from $45.29 per day202.8 km / 126.0 miles away
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Sligo Car Rentals from $23.03 per day266.0 km / 165.3 miles away
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Tralee Car Rentals from $33.22 per day95.2 km / 59.1 miles away
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Naas Car Rentals from $24.05 per day195.7 km / 121.6 miles away
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Letterkenny Car Rentals from $33.22 per day349.6 km / 217.2 miles away
-
Cavan Car Rentals from $23.03 per day250.9 km / 155.9 miles away
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Athlone Car Rentals from $23.03 per day179.2 km / 111.4 miles away
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Kilkenny Car Rentals from $28.20 per day122.3 km / 76.0 miles away
Top 6 Locations near Cork
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Cork Airport Car Rentals from $12.78 per day6.1 km / 3.8 miles away
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Kerry Airport Car Rentals from $17.85 per day78.9 km / 49.0 miles away
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Shannon Airport Car Rentals from $13.25 per day95.0 km / 59.0 miles away
-
Knock Airport Car Rentals from $17.85 per day225.4 km / 140.0 miles away
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Dublin Airport Car Rentals from $10.42 per day225.4 km / 140.1 miles away
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Donegal Airport Car Rentals from $40.25 per day350.3 km / 217.7 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Cork?
Car rental prices in Cork vary a lot according to the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best offer.
Average Rental Price in Cork
The best month to rent a car in Cork is September (when prices for an Economy class start from $21.92). This is 42% cheaper than the yearly average and 78% cheaper than renting in May (when rental prices start at $97.96 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price.
What’s the usual rental length in Cork?
Travel lengths vary from month to month: in May, travelers rent a car for an average of 10 days in March, the average rental period is 4 days.
Average Rental Length in Cork
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Cork?
While travelers visit Cork year-round, the most popular month for renting a car is March, and the least popular is June.
Popularity of Car Rental in Cork by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Renault Clio | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Budget | VW Polo | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Budget | Toyota Corolla | 5 | 2 | Large cars |
| Easirent | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Budget | Ford Ka | 2 | 1 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Ford Focus | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Easirent | Fiat 500 | 3 | 2 | Small cars |
| Budget | VW Up | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Thrifty | VW Golf | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Budget | Toyota Avensis | 4 | 1 | Large cars |
Our Customers Reviews
RO
Ireland
Ford Fiesta
January 23, 2020
Beautiful city, easy to find public transport, many local atrractions, great food, great pubs.
PB
United Kingdom
Renault Clio
September 1, 2019
On site car park is approx 200 metres from arrival hall. Staff are very professional. The airport is probably the most calm i have visited in a long time - although we were, admittedly on the last flight of the day!
ST
United Kingdom
Ford Ka
July 23, 2019
beautiful place
AM
United Kingdom
Ford Ka
May 23, 2019
Cork is a beautiful coastal county with stunning coastlines and fantastic food
MS
United Kingdom
Renault Clio
April 29, 2019
You definitely need a car in Cork if you wish to travel outside of the city. There are so many lovely places off the beaten track that you will miss on a bus. Cork City is very pretty and interesting. Try the English Market for fabulous food. West Cork is very beautiful with many empty beaches and coves tucked away. I recommend driving along the Atlantic Way for wonderful scenery. Don't forget to try the local seafood. Also a visit to Gougane Barra is a must. The hotel by the lake serves wonderful food too. In Cork, people are very friendly and only too happy to recommend the best places to see and to eat. You can get four seasons in one day so don't forget a waterproof jacket!
HK
United Kingdom
Ford Ka
March 22, 2019
Lovely place to visit.
MC
United Kingdom
Ford Fiesta
February 12, 2019
I love cork from the English market, to the Crawford museum of art. Tea at Nan O Nagels
Enjoying breakfast at Scoozie and drinks with friends in the high B
MW
Ireland
Ford Ka
January 10, 2019
Plenty to see in and about cork
HR
United Kingdom
Toyota Corolla
January 7, 2019
Cork is lovely and loads to do and see.
RF
Netherlands
Renault Clio
October 4, 2018
When traveling north of Killarney the hedges on the sides+ of the narrow backroads can easily ruin your paint if you don't pay attention
PO
United Kingdom
Ford Fiesta
September 18, 2018
A car is mandatory if you are travelling outside the city of Cork so you can see the beautiful scenery
Top 12 Suppliers in Cork in 2020
Alamo
+3530214838973
Cork Airport, Kinsale Rd, Cork
Europcar
+353212400100
MAIN TERMINAL, CORK AIRPORT
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:08:00-20:00
Sun:09:00-17:30
Enterprise
+3530214838973
Cork Airport, Kinsale Rd, Cork
SIXT
+35312352030
Kinsale Road
Avis
+353214327460
Cork Airport
Working hours
Mon:07:30-22:00
Tue:07:30-22:00
Wed:07:30-22:00
Thu:07:30-22:00
Fri:07:30-22:00
Sat:07:30-22:00
Sun:07:30-22:00
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:07:30-22:00
Tue:07:30-22:00
Wed:07:30-22:00
Thu:07:30-22:00
Fri:07:30-22:00
Sat:07:30-22:00
Sun:07:30-22:00
Keddy
+353212400100
MAIN TERMINAL, CORK AIRPORT
Working hours
Mon:07:00-23:30
Tue:07:00-23:30
Wed:07:00-23:30
Thu:07:00-23:30
Fri:07:00-23:30
Sat:07:00-23:30
Sun:07:00-23:30
Budget
+353214314000
Cork Airport, Kinsale Road, Cork, T12 AC0H
Working hours
Mon:07:00-00:00; 00:00-00:30
Tue:07:00-00:00; 00:00-00:30
Wed:07:00-00:00; 00:00-00:30
Thu:07:00-00:00; 00:00-00:30
Fri:07:00-00:00; 00:00-00:30
Sat:07:00-00:00; 00:00-00:30
Sun:07:00-00:00; 00:00-00:30
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
