Car Rental in Ireland

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500+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Downtown Car Rental
Economy
Ford Fiesta or similar
Ford Fiesta
  • 4
  • 2
  • 3
  • Man.
Europcar
$28.91 per day
Dublin Airport Car Rental
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
Fiat 500
  • 4
  • 2
  • 3
  • A/C
  • Man.
Easirent
$29.71 per day
Cork Airport Car Rental
Compact
Renault Clio or similar
Renault Clio
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • Man.
Budget
$36.82 per day
Downtown Car Rental
Intermediate Commercial Van/Truck
Citroen Berlingo or similar
Citroen Berlingo
  • 2
  • 2
  • 4
  • Man.
Enterprise
$40.71 per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Cork Airport Car Rental
Standard
Opel Insignia or similar
Opel Insignia
  • 5
  • 3
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
Alamo
$61.33 / per day
Dublin Airport Car Rental
Full-size
Volkswagen Arteon or similar
Volkswagen Arteon
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
Flizzr
$125.34 / per day
Limerick City Ennis Road Car Rental
Premium
Audi A4 or similar
Audi A4
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Hertz
$155.42 / per day
Cork Airport Car Rental
Luxury
BMW 5 Series or similar
BMW 5 Series
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Avis
$375.37 / per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 11:32 on 2023-06-03. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Travel Information

Language
English,
Irish
Currency
EUR
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+353
Average car rental price
$106.70 / per day
Average car rental length
7 days
Speed limit within town
30 - 50 km/h
19 - 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
80 - 120 km/h
50 - 75 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Rating
8.2
Average gasoline price
$1.95 per liter
Highest gasoline price
$2.14 per liter
Lowest gasoline price
$1.73 per liter

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.
Ireland Car Rental

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 $39.52 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, Ireland West Airport Knock (County Mayo) 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 the Republic of Ireland. Large airports in United Kingdom near the 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.
  • The Cliffs of Moher. One of Ireland's most popular tourist attractions. Also considered the 8th Wonder of the World. They run for about 14 kilometers and can be the perfect day trip from Galway.

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's 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.
  • Many 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.
  • Many rental cars in Irelan have high deductibles and suppliers often try to sell additional coverage at the rental desk. If you’ve purchased our Full Coverage and your rental includes a CDW and third-party liability insurance, you can politely decline this.
  • 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.

Because Ireland is not part of the Schengen Agreement, visitors are required to present a passport when entering. EU citizens are also allowed to present a valid national identity card instead.

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 Help Center.

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. 

Due to the narrow lanes and lack of parking, Compact and Economy car types are a great choice for a road trip in Ireland. 

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.
  • The Wild Atlantic Way. One of the most beautiful road trips in Ireland. It’s 2600 km (1600 miles): one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world. You will drive along the Irish west coast from the Inishowen Peninsula in the north. The drive will also go through County Cork, in the deep south.
  • Cooley Peninsula scenic drive. Perfect for a family road trip. You will drive between Dundalk Harbour and Carlingford Lough, on the border with Northern Ireland. This scenic drive is considered one of the best hidden spots in Ireland. Scattered with historical, archaeological and cultural stops, it’s short and provides plenty of short walking trails. 

Car Rental Prices

  • Station wagons - from $61 per day
  • Large cars - from $38 per day
  • Medium cars - from $34 per day
  • Vans - from $121 per day
  • Premium cars - from $155 per day
  • Small cars - from $29 per day
  • SUVs - from $41 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.
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators. Learn more about our Editorial Policy.
Fact checked by:
Danila Caputo
This article was reviewed and updated by Danila "Dany" Caputo, the founder of Travelling Dany, a travel blog she created in 2016. Dany is a bilingual English/Italian blogger based in Italy. Her experience living and working in between Italy and the USA has helped shape her travel blog. Specifically to help travelers plan their dream trip on their own. She lives in Southern Italy, between Naples and the Amalfi Coast. You can get all the latest news through her newsletter on Travelling Dany, as well as on her Youtube channel (Travellingdany) or on Facebook (Travellingdany).

Top 19 Most Popular Cities in Ireland

  1. Car Rental in Dublin from $29.71 per day
  2. Car Rental in Cork from $31.47 per day
  3. Car Rental in Shannon from $31.47 per day
  4. Car Rental in Knock from $36.14 per day
  5. Car Rental in Kerry from $45.39 per day
  6. Car Rental in Galway from $41.65 per day
  7. Car Rental in Limerick from $41.65 per day
  8. Car Rental in Sligo from $41.65 per day
  9. Car Rental in Wexford from $40.71 per day
  10. Car Rental in Letterkenny from $41.65 per day
  11. Car Rental in Waterford from $41.65 per day
  12. Car Rental in Athlone from $41.65 per day
  13. Car Rental in Naas from $28.91 per day
  14. Car Rental in Cavan from $49.99 per day
  15. Car Rental in Tralee from $49.99 per day
  16. Car Rental in Donegal from $62.15 per day
  17. Car Rental in Kilkenny from $41.65 per day
  18. Car Rental in Mullingar
  19. Car Rental in Killarney

Top 7 Most Popular Locations in Ireland

  1. Car Rental at Dublin Airport from $29.71 per day
  2. Car Rental at Cork Airport from $31.47 per day
  3. Car Rental at Shannon Airport from $31.47 per day
  4. Car Rental at Knock Airport from $36.14 per day
  5. Car Rental at Kerry Airport from $45.39 per day
  6. Car Rental in Naas (Downtown) from $28.91 per day
  7. Car Rental at Donegal Airport from $62.15 per day

Map of Car Rental Locations

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Ireland?

The cost of renting a car in Ireland varies by season. This graph compares prices from month to month in order to help you find the best time of year.
Average rental costs per day in Ireland
$28.42
January
$27.02
February
$41.35
March
$52.82
April
$70.78
May
$128.76
June
$146.18
July
$124.51
August
$87.74
September
$60.26
October
$38.55
November
$55.34
December
The cheapest month of the year to rent a car in Ireland is February — when rental costs average $27.02 per day. This is 62% cheaper than the yearly average and 82% cheaper than renting a car in July (when prices average $146.18 per day).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the average rental length in Ireland?

How long renters typically keep their vehicle sometimes varies depending on the time of year. Travelers tend to keep their rental cars longer in July — an average of 8 days. They tend to keep them for a shorter time in January — an average of 6 days.
Average rental length in Ireland
6
January
6
February
7
March
6
April
6
May
7
June
8
July
7
August
7
September
6
October
6
November
7
December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Ireland?

Based on how many customers search for a car in Ireland, the most popular month is May, while the least popular is January.
Monthly searches in Ireland by pick-up date relative to the average
43%
January
55%
February
117%
March
174%
April
193%
May
74%
June
99%
July
130%
August
113%
September
76%
October
50%
November
76%
December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations 33
Airport locations 6
Popular suppliers Budget, SIXT, Easirent, Flizzr, Enterprise
Popular car categories Small cars, Medium cars, Large cars, SUVs
Lowest price $29 per day
Cheapest supplier Europcar

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
Budget Renault Clio 4 2 Medium cars
Budget Volkswagen Polo 3 1 Small cars
Budget Toyota Corolla 5 2 Large cars
Budget Skoda Citigo 4 1 Small cars
Easirent Ford Fiesta 5 2 Small cars
Easirent Ford Fiesta 5 1 Small cars
Budget Ford Ka 2 1 Small cars
Easirent Fiat 500 3 2 Small cars
SIXT VW T-Cross 5 1 SUVs
Budget Toyota Corolla 5 2 Large cars

Our Customers' Reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

United States of America (USA)
Ford Ka
April 14, 2023
Went to West of Ireland and was amazed by the natural beauty.
Israel
Ford Fiesta
March 30, 2023
for staying we strongly recommend Sheen falls lodge near Krnmare, ring of kerry. for sighting we recommend Limerick Athlone and of course ring of Kerry . Galway was very vivid and we enjoyed eating and sighting there. Thyme in Athlone was the best restaurant!!
United States of America (USA)
VW Polo
March 24, 2023
Lousy weather, otherwise fine
Qatar
Skoda Yeti
March 18, 2023
Road trip across Ireland, Dublin, Belfast, Galway… amazing.
Spain
VW Polo
March 5, 2023
Meeting family
United Kingdom
Opel Astra
March 1, 2023
We like Dublin a lot, fantastic sights.
Slovenia
Peugeot 108
February 14, 2023
I saw a bunch of castles, Cliffs of Moher, Dublin, Galway, Cork, Kilkenny...
Canada
VW Touran Aut.
January 22, 2023
Nature spots
Ireland
Ford Fiesta
January 3, 2023
All good as long as it brings from A to B
United Kingdom
VW Golf
December 20, 2022
Short stay in the city
United States of America (USA)
Nissan Qashqai
November 21, 2022
We started in Dublin and traveled along the coast and up towards Galway and back to Dublin. Highly recommend stopping at the castles and hiking spots you can along the way. The people we met throughout Ireland were all welcoming and made our stay so fun!
Malaysia
Ford Focus
November 17, 2022
Ennis is amazing place I ever saw. Is too beautiful. Especially the seaside when I was ride.
United States of America (USA)
Ford Galaxy Aut.
October 12, 2022
8 golf courses absolutely amazing
United States of America (USA)
Skoda Citigo
September 21, 2022
amazing scenery driving through ireland
Ireland
VW Polo
September 18, 2022
all was good with the car
United States of America (USA)
VW T-Roc
September 13, 2022
1333 klicks through some of the most beautiful countryside and met wonderful people along the way.
United States of America (USA)
VW Golf STW
September 2, 2022
Beautiful countryside!
United States of America (USA)
VW T-Cross
August 16, 2022
We put 1800 miles on our hybrid toyota on all kinds of roads, from the backroads of Donegal to the Cork - Dublin highway and the car did great. We were comfortable and it was easy to handle
United States of America (USA)
Ford Fiesta
July 25, 2022
We needed the flexibility of having a car for our trip as we were running all around Ireland. This allowed us the freedom to go to the Powerscourt Gardens one day and Sligo the next day.
United States of America (USA)
Toyota Rav 4
June 13, 2022
Great car
United States of America (USA)
Ford Ka
May 5, 2022
No worries mate fully coverd
Netherlands
VW Polo
March 17, 2022
I know about the toll at the M50 but that's something to mention to customers when renting the car. Ireland is a beautifull country to travel by car.
Australia
VW Polo
November 17, 2021
Beautiful colours in the leaves on the trees in the south east of Ireland as I drive down from Dublin to Waterford . Excellent dining in pubs in Kilkenny .
Belgium
Ford Galaxy
November 9, 2021
Ireland was very fantastic , friendly people , good food and drinks and beautiful nature ... , a place to come back to !
Ireland
VW Polo
September 29, 2021
Perhaps deal directly with rental staff by phone or at the desk. Would have been cheaper and more efficient
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.
Ireland
Ford Fiesta
September 8, 2020
very good impressions
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.
Ireland
Toyota Corolla
March 22, 2020
Very Happy
Ireland
Toyota Corolla
March 6, 2020
The staff member at Kerry was excellent. Professional, courteous and efficient. Thank you
Ireland
Toyota Corolla
March 3, 2020
Be patient in the queue. It can be long sometimes at busy times for travel
Netherlands
Ford Ka
March 1, 2020
Cliffs of Moher
United Kingdom
VW Up
February 14, 2020
Easy to get places from shannon
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
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 :)
Switzerland
Renault Clio
January 13, 2020
It is a lot easier to get around with a car.
Ireland
Renault Clio
December 30, 2019
Easy to get a car
Ireland
Renault Clio
October 21, 2019
Great place to sight see
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
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.
Greece
Renault Clio
September 23, 2019
Do not be afraid of driving on the left side of the road! It is easy to use
United Kingdom
Renault Clio
September 13, 2019
Go to Wicklow and National galleries
United Kingdom
Ford Fiesta
September 5, 2019
Amazing place. Very friendly people. Everyone should visit
United Kingdom
Toyota Corolla
September 5, 2019
Definitely a place to visit beautiful scenery and the people are so welcoming and helpful
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!
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 👍😎
United Kingdom
Renault Clio
August 23, 2019
Pay the m50 toll!
United Kingdom
Toyota Corolla
August 20, 2019
Castlegregory is brilliant.
United Kingdom
Ford Ka
August 20, 2019
very easy right next to departures and not too busy.
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.
Ireland
VW Polo
August 1, 2019
Easy pick up and drop off
United Kingdom
Toyota Corolla
July 2, 2019
Top city great atmosphere shame so many people begging
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.
United Kingdom
Renault Clio
June 4, 2019
Clare and Kerry are great destinations.
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.
United Kingdom
VW Up
May 28, 2019
Lovely place
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!
United Kingdom
VW Polo
March 22, 2019
Dublin was brilliant. Great nightlife and the food is surprisingly good
Ireland
Toyota Corolla
February 23, 2019
tralee, dingle tralee, dingle tralee, dingle tralee, dingle tralee, dingle tralee, dingle tralee, dingle tralee, dingle tralee, dingle tralee, dingle
United Kingdom
Fiat 500
November 17, 2018
The person I delt with was polite courtes & polite 10 out of ten.
United Kingdom
Ford Ka or similiar
June 6, 2018
We used Knock as we were travelling to Boyle so can't really comment on Knock itself.
Show more

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company
Flizzr
9.3 / 10
Lowest rated company
Easirent
7.7 / 10
Total number of reviews
215
Total rental companies
12
Average daily price
$106.70
Lowest daily price
$28.70
Total cars available
953

Top 12 Suppliers in Ireland in 2023

Flizzr
Flizzr
Exceptional 9.3 / 236 reviews
3 locations
$36 - $390
Alamo
Alamo
Exceptional 9.3 / 101 reviews
4 locations
$38 - $352
Hertz
Hertz
Exceptional 9.1 / 35 reviews
14 locations
$46 - $172
Enterprise
Enterprise
Exceptional 9.1 / 83 reviews
24 locations
$47 - $340
SIXT
SIXT
Exceptional 9.1 / 591 reviews
7 locations
$42 - $252
Budget
Budget
Excellent 8.9 / 1644 reviews
9 locations
$36 - $387
Thrifty
Thrifty
Excellent 8.9 / 59 reviews
5 locations
Keddy
Keddy
Excellent 8.6 / 113 reviews
18 locations
Avis
Avis
Excellent 8.6 / 67 reviews
6 locations
$45 - $375
National
National
Excellent 8.5
3 locations
Europcar
Europcar
Excellent 8.4 / 50 reviews
20 locations
$29 - $271
Easirent
Easirent
Very good 7.7 / 985 reviews
4 locations
$30 - $576

Highly recommended by our customers

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Ireland

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