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A Guide to Car Hire Ireland 

Embark on an enchanting journey through the Emerald Isle, where ancient castles, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities await. Ireland's rich history, friendly locals, and picturesque scenery make it the perfect destination for a memorable road trip adventure. With a rental car, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace, uncovering hidden gems and experiencing the true essence of Ireland.

Why Hire a Car in Ireland?

  • Convenience: Hiring a car provides unparalleled convenience, allowing you to travel to remote destinations and off-the-beaten-path attractions with ease.

  • Flexibility: With a rental car, you're in control of your itinerary. Explore scenic routes, stop at quaint villages, and take spontaneous detours to discover unexpected treasures.

  • Accessibility: Ireland's public transportation system may not reach all destinations, especially rural areas. A car ensures access to remote sites and allows you to maximize your time exploring the countryside.

Navigating Ireland's Roads

  • Distance to Nearest Airports: Most major airports in Ireland are conveniently located near popular tourist destinations. For example, Dublin Airport is approximately 12 kilometers from Dublin city center, while Shannon Airport is about 24 kilometers from Limerick.

  • Tolls: Some major roads in Ireland, such as motorways and certain bridges, may have tolls. Be prepared to pay tolls either in cash or electronically using services like EazyPass or Video Tolling.

  • Road Conditions: Ireland's roads range from well-maintained highways to narrow country lanes. While major routes are generally in good condition, rural roads may be narrow and winding. Exercise caution, especially in inclement weather conditions.

  • Traffic: Traffic congestion is more common in urban areas, particularly during peak hours. Plan your travel times accordingly and consider exploring quieter regions during off-peak periods to avoid heavy traffic.

Must-See Attractions and Recommended Routes

  • Ring of Kerry: Embark on a scenic drive along the Ring of Kerry, a 179-kilometer route that winds through picturesque coastal villages, rugged mountains, and pristine lakes. Highlights include the breathtaking views of the Skellig Islands and the iconic Gap of Dunloe.

  • Cliffs of Moher: Journey to the majestic Cliffs of Moher on the west coast of Ireland, approximately 70 kilometers from Shannon Airport. Marvel at the dramatic cliffs towering over the Atlantic Ocean, offering panoramic views of the stunning coastline.

  • Giant's Causeway: Cross the border into Northern Ireland and visit the legendary Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its hexagonal basalt columns. The drive from Belfast International Airport to the Giant's Causeway takes approximately 1.5 hours.

  • Wild Atlantic Way: Embark on an epic road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the world's longest coastal routes spanning 2,500 kilometers. Discover rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming seaside villages as you traverse Ireland's spectacular western coastline.

Embarking on a road trip in Ireland promises unforgettable experiences, from exploring ancient ruins to soaking in breathtaking natural beauty. With a rental car, you have the freedom to create your own adventure, immersing yourself in the magic of the Emerald Isle at your own pace.


Cheapest car hire in Ireland

Kia Picanto

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 23.36 EUR/day
Kia Picanto

7 Days rental at 163.56 EUR from 20/05/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  No

Kia Picanto

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 23.36 EUR/day
Kia Picanto

7 Days rental at 163.56 EUR from 20/05/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  No

Kia Picanto

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 23.36 EUR/day
Kia Picanto

7 Days rental at 163.56 EUR from 20/05/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  No

Renault Clio

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 24.10 EUR/day
Renault Clio

7 Days rental at 168.74 EUR from 20/05/2024

  3 |
  Manual |
  No

Renault Clio

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 24.10 EUR/day
Renault Clio

7 Days rental at 168.74 EUR from 20/05/2024

  3 |
  Manual |
  No

Renault Clio

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 24.10 EUR/day
Renault Clio

7 Days rental at 168.74 EUR from 20/05/2024

  3 |
  Manual |
  No

Ford Fiesta

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 23.67 EUR/day
Ford Fiesta

7 Days rental at 165.71 EUR from 20/05/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  No

Ford Fiesta

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 23.67 EUR/day
Ford Fiesta

7 Days rental at 165.71 EUR from 20/05/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  No

Ford Fiesta

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 23.67 EUR/day
Ford Fiesta

7 Days rental at 165.71 EUR from 20/05/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  No

Dacia Jogger

7 Adults, 5 Doors

From 71.81 EUR/day
Dacia Jogger

7 Days rental at 502.67 EUR from 20/05/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Dacia Jogger

7 Adults, 5 Doors

From 71.81 EUR/day
Dacia Jogger

7 Days rental at 502.67 EUR from 20/05/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Dacia Jogger

7 Adults, 5 Doors

From 71.81 EUR/day
Dacia Jogger

7 Days rental at 502.67 EUR from 20/05/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Ford Mondeo

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 29.05 EUR/day
Ford Mondeo

7 Days rental at 203.37 EUR from 20/05/2024

  4 |
  Manual |
  No

Ford Mondeo

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 29.05 EUR/day
Ford Mondeo

7 Days rental at 203.37 EUR from 20/05/2024

  4 |
  Manual |
  No

Ford Mondeo

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 29.05 EUR/day
Ford Mondeo

7 Days rental at 203.37 EUR from 20/05/2024

  4 |
  Manual |
  No

Tesla Model 3

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 123.28 EUR/day
Tesla Model 3

7 Days rental at 862.99 EUR from 20/05/2024

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Polestar 2

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 128.00 EUR/day
Polestar 2

7 Days rental at 896.00 EUR from 20/05/2024

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Volkswagen ID.4

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 128.00 EUR/day
Volkswagen ID.4

7 Days rental at 896.00 EUR from 20/05/2024

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Yaris Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 47.53 EUR/day
Toyota Yaris Hybrid

7 Days rental at 332.72 EUR from 20/05/2024

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Yaris Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 47.53 EUR/day
Toyota Yaris Hybrid

7 Days rental at 332.72 EUR from 20/05/2024

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Yaris Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 47.53 EUR/day
Toyota Yaris Hybrid

7 Days rental at 332.72 EUR from 20/05/2024

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Top tips when hiring a car in Ireland

  • Book in Advance: Secure your rental car early, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and better rates.

  • Understand Insurance: Review insurance options carefully, considering additional coverage for comprehensive protection against accidents and theft.

  • Check Roadside Assistance: Ensure your rental agreement includes roadside assistance for peace of mind in case of emergencies or breakdowns.

  • Familiarize with Road Rules: Drive on the left side of the road and be mindful of narrow lanes, particularly in rural areas. Familiarize yourself with local road signs and regulations.

  • Plan Routes and Attractions: Research recommended routes and attractions in advance, considering distances and travel times to maximize your Irish adventure.

 

Popular car hire destinations in Ireland

  • Cavan 
  • Cork 
  • Cork Airport
  • Dublin Airport
  • Dublin 
  • Galway 
  • Galway Airport 
  • Kerry Airport 
  • Killarney 
  • Knock Airport 
  • Limerick 
  • Rathgar
  • Shannon Airport
  • Stillorgan 
  • Waterford Airport 
  • Waterford Town 

Laws and rules of the road when driving in Ireland

  •  

    L

    Road Driving Side

  •  

    50kph

    Urban speed Limit

  •  

    100kph

    Rural Speed Limit

  •  

    120kph

    Motorway Speed Limit

  •  

    EUR  1.73/Ltr

    Current Petrol Price

  •  

    50mg

    Drink Drive Limit

  •  

    EUR €

    Currency

  •  

    YES

    Tolls

  •  

    25

    Min Rental Age

    17

    Min Driving Age

  •  

    Front and Rear

    Seatbelts

  •  

    Fixed and Mobile

    Speed Cameras

  •  

    Hands Free Only

    Mobile Phones

Compare car rental agents in Ireland

Rental Agent
Locations
Rating (/10)
Customer Reviews
Mini (€/day)
Compact (€/day)
Intermediate (€/day)
Standard (€/day)
 Keddy by europcar
6
9.1/10
199
€ 24.26
€ 27.74
€ 30.26
 National
5
9.0/10
52
€ 38.47
€ 41.44
€ 51.92
€ 130.44
 Enterprise
28
9.0/10
1,336
€ 33.75
€ 37.49
€ 40.73
€ 77.38
 Flizzr
4
9.0/10
174
€ 36.55
€ 42.04
€ 47.20
 Alamo
5
8.9/10
140
€ 34.49
€ 37.15
€ 46.53
€ 118.89
 Dollar
5
8.8/10
229
€ 39.96
€ 44.27
€ 61.32
€ 78.59
 Thrifty
5
8.7/10
71
€ 42.47
€ 50.37
€ 81.01
€ 81.01
 Carhire
8
8.6/10
804
€ 23.36
€ 26.61
€ 29.05
€ 81.56
 Sixt
5
8.6/10
562
€ 38.46
€ 41.43
€ 48.26
€ 58.06
 Budget
12
8.5/10
1,800
€ 23.61
€ 24.10
€ 33.87
€ 29.63
 Europcar
22
8.5/10
4,502
€ 39.95
€ 35.87
€ 42.17
 Payless
5
8.4/10
152
€ 23.61
€ 27.52
€ 29.63
 Hertz
15
8.2/10
1,384
€ 32.14
€ 36.42
€ 50.71
€ 59.28
 Avis
7
8.2/10
217
€ 44.85
€ 53.42
€ 77.57

Car rental agent statistics in Ireland

  • Highest Rated Agent Icon
    9.5/10
    Highest rated agent:
    ENTERPRISE
  • Lowest Rated Agent Icon
    7.9/10
    Lowest rated agent:
    HERTZ
  • Total Number of Reviews Icon
    11,622
    Total number of reviews in
    Ireland
  • Most Locations Icon
    28
    Most Locations in Ireland:
    ENTERPRISE
  • Average Wait Time Icon
    18
    Average wait time
    (Min.)
  • Total Rental Companies Icon
    16
    Total rental companies
     

Average prices per day for car hire in Ireland

ItemPercent
January€ 51
February€ 51
March€ 68
April€ 54
May€ 68
June€ 98
July€ 113
August€ 91
September€ 73
October€ 64
November€ 49
December€ 77
ItemPercent
January€ 38
February€ 38
March€ 54
April€ 43
May€ 56
June€ 91
July€ 96
August€ 73
September€ 60
October€ 50
November€ 38
December€ 58
ItemPercent
January€ 109
February€ 118
March€ 149
April€ 107
May€ 116
June€ 166
July€ 197
August€ 156
September€ 133
October€ 146
November€ 130
December€ 162
ItemPercent
January€ 65
February€ 65
March€ 93
April€ 72
May€ 85
June€ 131
July€ 132
August€ 119
September€ 97
October€ 93
November€ 70
December€ 117
ItemPercent
January€ 347
February€ 325
March€ 318
April€ 227
May€ 239
June€ 335
July€ 359
August€ 348
September€ 321
October€ 344
November€ 233
December€ 356
ItemPercent
January€ 32
February€ 32
March€ 46
April€ 34
May€ 47
June€ 53
July€ 82
August€ 66
September€ 54
October€ 44
November€ 32
December€ 55
ItemPercent
January€ 74
February€ 88
March€ 126
April€ 114
May€ 102
June€ 126
July€ 164
August€ 139
September€ 132
October€ 159
November€ 82
December€ 142
ItemPercent
January€ 36
February€ 36
March€ 56
April€ 45
May€ 64
June€ 90
July€ 133
August€ 83
September€ 72
October€ 60
November€ 37
December€ 70

Select category to see average car hire prices in Ireland

*average daily rates based on 7 day rental, search for today's best prices.

Fuel prices in Ireland

DieselUnleaded
Apr , 2023

€ 1.65

€ 1.63

May , 2023

€ 1.53

€ 1.62

Jun , 2023

€ 1.45

€ 1.56

Jul , 2023

€ 1.52

€ 1.64

Aug , 2023

€ 1.54

€ 1.64

Sep , 2023

€ 1.76

€ 1.79

Oct , 2023

€ 1.83

€ 1.84

Nov , 2023

€ 1.82

€ 1.81

Dec , 2023

€ 1.76

€ 1.76

Jan , 2024

€ 1.68

€ 1.68

Feb , 2024

€ 1.68

€ 1.68

Mar , 2024

€ 1.73

€ 1.73

Month, YearDiesel €/ltrUnleaded €/ltr
Mar , 2024 1.73 1.73
Feb , 2024 1.68 1.68
Jan , 2024 1.68 1.68
Dec , 2023 1.76 1.76
Nov , 2023 1.82 1.81
Oct , 2023 1.83 1.84
Sep , 2023 1.76 1.79
Aug , 2023 1.54 1.64
Jul , 2023 1.52 1.64
Jun , 2023 1.45 1.56
May , 2023 1.53 1.62
Apr , 2023 1.65 1.63

Car rental price statistics in Ireland

  • Average Price Icon
    € 163.52
    Average price:
    (per week)
  • Highest Daily Price Icon
    € 529.48
    Highest daily price:
    Ford Galaxy
  • Total Vehicles Icon
    1,701
    Total cars available
     
  • Most Popular Car Model Icon
    132
    Most popular model:
    Ford Fiesta
  • Locations with Most Cars Icon
    223
    Location with most cars:
    Dublin - Airport
  • Cheapest Daily Price Icon
    € 23.4 per day
    Cheapest daily price:
    CARHIRE - Dublin - Airport
FAQs - How can we help?

There are always some points on which you are not sure when hiring a car, so we have done our best to answer the frequently asked questions. Just click this link and you will find the questions are sorted by category for easy navigation.

Useful links if renting a car in Ireland

Other Car Hire Locations in Ireland

We specialise in car rentals throughout Ireland to find you the best price and that's a promise...

Cork
€14.5
 
 
Mini 3 4 1 from €14.5 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €17.0 per day
Economy 5 5 2 from €16.4 per day
Dublin
€14.5
 
 
Mini 3 4 1 from €14.5 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €16.8 per day
Economy 5 5 2 from €16.1 per day
Knock Airport
€16.0
 
 
Mini 3 4 1 from €16.0 per day
Compact 3 5 3 from €20.4 per day
Economy 3 5 2 from €17.5 per day
Shannon Airport
€14.5
 
 
Mini 3 4 1 from €14.5 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €16.8 per day
Economy 5 5 2 from €16.1 per day