Car Rental in Ireland

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700+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Shannon Airport
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
Fiat 500
  • 4
  • 2
  • 3
  • A/C
  • Man.
Easirent
$7.31 per day
Knock Airport
Economy
Volkswagen Polo or similar
Volkswagen Polo
  • 5
  • 1
  • 3
  • Man.
Budget
$7.75 per day
Shannon Airport
Compact
Opel Astra or similar
Opel Astra
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • Man.
Flizzr
$10.93 per day
Shannon Airport
Intermediate
VW Jetta A/C or similar
VW Jetta A/C
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
SIXT
$18.88 per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Dublin City North
Standard
Opel Insignia or similar
Opel Insignia
  • 5
  • 3
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
Enterprise
$20.27 per day
Dublin Airport
Full-size SUV
Volvo XC60 or similar
Volvo XC60
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Alamo
$30.72 per day
Cork Airport
Premium
Audi A4 or similar
Audi A4
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Hertz
$42.20 per day
Dublin Airport
Luxury
BMW 5 series or similar
BMW 5 series
  • 5
  • 3
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Avis
$64.05 per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 1:34 PM on 11/30/24. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Travel Information

Languages
English, Irish
Currency
EUR
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+353
Average car rental price
$25 per day
Average car rental length
6 days
Speed limit within town
30 - 50 km/h or 19 - 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
80 - 120 km/h or 50 - 75 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Rating
9.2 / 10
Average gas price
$1.86 per liter or $7.05 per gallon
Lowest gas price
$1.76 per liter or $6.65 per gallon
Highest gas price
$2.03 per liter or $7.69 per gallon

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

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 $39.02 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 $16 per day
  • Large cars - from $8 per day
  • Medium cars - from $8 per day
  • Vans - from $30 per day
  • Premium cars - from $42 per day
  • Small cars - from $7 per day
  • SUVs - from $11 per day

Money-saving and other tips

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).

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. The table and graph below can help you find the best time of year to save on a rental car.
Average rental costs per day in Ireland
$17.69
January
$16.46
February
$32.80
March
$27.06
April
$41.29
May
$38.85
June
$45.77
July
$52.37
August
$32.58
September
$26.53
October
$21.29
November
$36.52
December
The cheapest month of the year to rent a car in Ireland is February — when rental costs average $16.46 per day. This is 49% cheaper than the yearly average and 69% cheaper than renting a car in August (when prices average $52.37 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 7 days. They tend to keep them for a shorter time in January — an average of 5 days.
Average number of rental days in Ireland
5
January
5
February
6
March
6
April
6
May
6
June
7
July
7
August
7
September
6
October
5
November
6
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 August, while the least popular is November.
Monthly searches in Ireland by pick-up date relative to the average
67%
January
76%
February
92%
March
104%
April
132%
May
110%
June
123%
July
154%
August
108%
September
88%
October
55%
November
93%
December

Car rental information

Car rental locations 37
Airport locations 6
Popular suppliers Budget, SIXT, Flizzr, Easirent, Enterprise
Popular car categories Small cars, SUVs, Medium cars, Large cars
Lowest price $7 per day
Cheapest supplier Easirent

Most popular car models of rental suppliers

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

Our customers' reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the 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.

Netherlands
Volkswagen Polo
9/28/24
lovely place
United States of America (USA)
VW Golf
9/23/24
If you are American driving in Ireland for the first time get a small automatic car. The roads are narrower and its a better driving experience than getting a SUV or similar.
New Zealand
VW T-Cross
9/4/24
Driving anywhere in Ireland is great but especially down around the Kerry ring.
Switzerland
VW Polo
8/13/24
Lot of rain during my trip in Ireland (10 days raining and cloudy). I was happy to have rent a good car to drive safely.
United Arab Emirates
Ford Fiesta
8/7/24
Very beautiful country
Spain
VW T-Cross Aut.
7/28/24
Irlanda es un pais verde, con lluvia y carreteras estrechas. El coche respondió perfectamente y tuvimos uns dias turísticos muy buenos.
United States of America (USA)
Toyota Corolla
7/25/24
We got to see the 1640 Denny Bible
Spain
Ford Puma
7/17/24
Golf
United States of America (USA)
Volkswagen Jetta
7/16/24
Many adventures around Ireland-all 4 coasts
United Kingdom
Nissan Qashqai
7/13/24
Meeting family and sightseeing
United Kingdom
Nissan Qashqai Aut.
7/13/24
Seeing family and day trip to Kinsale.
Switzerland
Ford Fiesta
7/4/24
Loved ring of kerry
United Kingdom
Nissan Qashqai
7/3/24
Photo 1 by Stephen A. about renting a Nissan Qashqai in Ireland (7/3/24) Photo 2 by Stephen A. about renting a Nissan Qashqai in Ireland (7/3/24)
United States of America (USA)
Ford Focus
7/2/24
Photo 1 by Philip M. about renting a Ford Focus in Ireland (7/2/24) Photo 2 by Philip M. about renting a Ford Focus in Ireland (7/2/24)
United States of America (USA)
Toyota Corolla
6/30/24
Hike up from Linsconnor to Cliffs if Moher path on southern end. Finding my great, great grandfather's home on a hill in Mayo County.
Australia
Ford Fiesta
6/9/24
Ireland is a wonderful place
United States of America (USA)
Ford Fiesta
6/3/24
Loved exploring Ireland, it's a beautiful and friendly country.
Australia
VW T-Cross
5/30/24
Loved it all... the places, the people and even the weather ! Our small manual SUV Seat Arona was perfect for the narrow roads and steep descents and ascents.
Sweden
Toyota Yaris
5/28/24
Can highly recommend travelling the irish countryside and the wild atlantic way
United States of America (USA)
Renault Clio
5/27/24
We were able to see pretty much everything we had hoped, but definitely could have used a couple more days there. Everyone was friendly, helpful and the attractions we visited were interesting/impressive. We would definitely go back to Ireland
United Kingdom
Ford Fiesta
5/21/24
Site seeing holiday and concert with family
United Kingdom
Kia Picanto
5/13/24
Visited Achill Island
Switzerland
Toyota Yaris Aut.
5/10/24
We did a road trip over Ireland, went to the beach and visited some cool town such as Kinsale, Arklow, Dingle, Killarney.
Photo 1 by Marion B. about renting a Toyota Yaris Aut. in Ireland (5/10/24) Photo 2 by Marion B. about renting a Toyota Yaris Aut. in Ireland (5/10/24)
United States of America (USA)
Volkswagen Golf
5/2/24
The size and handling of the Nissan Juke Hybrid was perfect for some of the more difficult driving in Ireland.
Photo by Scott W. about renting a Volkswagen Golf in Ireland (5/2/24)
United States of America (USA)
Toyota Aygo
4/7/24
Exploring the coast
Spain
Ford Focus
3/28/24
Short trip. Stayed in Dublin and Belfast. Visited the Titanic Museum which was amazing
United States of America (USA)
Seat Arona
3/7/24
We spent our time in West Ireland. County sligo. Small country towns. I cannot believe how nice everyone we met was! Coming from the states it was just such a breath of fresh air ! Lots of castle searching for a daughter and lots of relaxing for our family once we conquered the right side driving and the left side of the road ! Never taken a hard left before hahaha.
Ireland
Toyota Aygo
2/27/24
Great trip around Wicklow
United Kingdom
Renault Clio
2/10/24
Family visits
United Kingdom
Toyota Aygo
1/18/24
Working
Portugal
Volkswagen Polo
1/2/24
We wen't every where in Ireland it was nice that the car could handle all the spots
Ireland
Toyota Corolla
12/30/23
Got to see the family
Ireland
Opel Astra
12/15/23
Dealing with personal issues
Ireland
Ford Fiesta
12/11/23
hotel great
United Kingdom
Renault Clio
12/10/23
We have family in Ireland and love the west
United Kingdom
Volkswagen Tiguan
11/28/23
Travelled around Co Kildare and Co Dublin. The small villages provide some hidden gems. Well worth a visit.
Singapore
VW T-Cross Aut.
11/14/23
Drove to Giant causeway scenic route- was brilliant
United States of America (USA)
Fiat 500
11/9/23
We stayed outside Dublin and drove to cliffs of Mohr, get the small car the roads are tight! Way cheaper then taking bus and the freedom to go wherever was the best!
Photo 1 by Deborah M. about renting a Fiat 500 in Ireland (11/9/23) Photo 2 by Deborah M. about renting a Fiat 500 in Ireland (11/9/23)
Spain
Fiat 500
10/31/23
Dublin, being able to drive around and see si many beautiful towns. The Mother cliffs are spectacular, even with lots of rain and wind.
Malaysia
VW T-Cross
10/30/23
A meeting trip covering almost 180km one way. Needed a reliable mode of transport and SIXT provided. Happy and satisfied.
United States of America (USA)
Ford Fiesta
10/23/23
Dingle was great
Ireland
Seat Arona
10/20/23
would recommend any one to go Enterprise for car rental they are very professional
Australia
Ford Focus
10/17/23
Short road trip around north of Ireland - definitely need a car.
Netherlands
Volkswagen Polo
10/16/23
Roadtrip
United States of America (USA)
Nissan Qashqai
10/14/23
Love being back in Ireland.
Canada
Volkswagen Polo
9/29/23
Guinness storehouse and the Black Forge restaurant were fantastic.
United Kingdom
Toyota Corolla
9/23/23
Photo by Jordan B. about renting a Toyota Corolla in Ireland (9/23/23)
United States of America (USA)
Seat Arona
9/22/23
Drove over 1000 miles in Ireland. Absolutely wonderful.
Photo 1 by Darcy M. about renting a Seat Arona in Ireland (9/22/23) Photo 2 by Darcy M. about renting a Seat Arona in Ireland (9/22/23) Photo 3 by Darcy M. about renting a Seat Arona in Ireland (9/22/23) Photo 4 by Darcy M. about renting a Seat Arona in Ireland (9/22/23) Photo 5 by Darcy M. about renting a Seat Arona in Ireland (9/22/23)
United States of America (USA)
Ford Fiesta
9/21/23
Skellig Michael & Newgrange were wonderful places to visit. The Library Restaurant in Dublin was fabulous. The Cliffs of Moher Hotel staff were exceptionally hospitable, their food was great, and rooms very comfortable. Seafood in Ireland, especially the west coast, is exceptional.
Canada
Ford Ka
9/18/23
We enjoyed every moment. Irealnd is beautiful. We had great weather. Our only problem was to return the car.

Car Rental Statistics

Highest-rated company
Enterprise
9 / 10
)
Lowest-rated company
Easirent
6.2 / 10
)
Total number of reviews
261
Total rental companies
12
Average daily price
$25.26
Lowest daily price
$7.31
Total cars available
2040

Top 12 suppliers in Ireland in 2024

Enterprise
Enterprise
Exceptional 9 / 302 reviews
27 locations
$12 - $155
Alamo
Alamo
Exceptional 9 / 230 reviews
4 locations
$12 - $102
Flizzr
Flizzr
Very good 8.9 / 705 reviews
3 locations
$9 - $261
SIXT
SIXT
Very good 8.6 / 1,271 reviews
7 locations
$14 - $265
Hertz
Hertz
Very good 8.6 / 119 reviews
14 locations
$12 - $163
Budget
Budget
Very good 8.3 / 3,071 reviews
9 locations
$7 - $326
Thrifty
Thrifty
Very good 8.2 / 144 reviews
11 locations
$7 - $326
Avis
Avis
Average 7.9 / 91 reviews
2 locations
$11 - $64
Europcar
Europcar
Average 7.7 / 106 reviews
22 locations
$11 - $68
Keddy
Keddy
Average 7.7 / 128 reviews
17 locations
$13 - $32
National
National
Average 7.6 / 0 reviews
2 locations
$13 - $32
Easirent
Easirent
Below average 6.2 / 1,606 reviews
3 locations
$7 - $120
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