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A Guide to Car Hire Ireland 

Driving in Ireland is a delightful experience, offering travelers a chance to explore its stunning landscapes and historic sites at their own pace.
 

Here's an overview of driving in Ireland, its main airports, cities, and information on road tolls and motorways:

Driving Conditions:

  • Roads: Ireland has a well-developed road network, with roads ranging from motorways to rural routes. Most roads are in good condition, but in rural areas, you may encounter narrow or winding roads.

  • Safety: Ireland has strict road safety rules. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and mobile phone use while driving is prohibited, unless you have a hands-free system.

Main Airports:

  1. Dublin Airport (DUB): Located in the capital city, Dublin, in eastern Ireland.
  2. Shannon Airport (SNN): Located near Limerick and Ennis in the west of Ireland.
  3. Cork Airport (ORK): Located in Cork in the south.

Major Cities:

  1. Dublin: The capital city and the largest city in Ireland, known for its historic sites, vibrant culture, and lively atmosphere.

  2. Cork: A charming city in the south with a rich history and proximity to beautiful coastal areas.

  3. Limerick: Located in the west of Ireland, Limerick is known for its medieval architecture and cultural attractions.

  4. Galway: A cultural hub on the west coast, famous for its festivals and stunning landscapes.

  5. Belfast (Northern Ireland): The capital of Northern Ireland, known for its history, culture, and proximity to the Giant's Causeway.

Road Tolls:

  • Ireland has a number of toll roads, primarily on the motorway network. Toll booths accept cash and credit cards. Some of the major toll roads include:

    • M50: The Dublin M50 motorway has a barrier-free toll system known as eFlow. This system takes a picture of your vehicle's registration and you can pay online or at designated pay zones.

    • M1: This motorway connects Dublin to the northern border with Northern Ireland.

    • M7 and M8: These motorways run through central Ireland, connecting Dublin to Limerick, Cork, and other cities.

Motorways:

  • Ireland has an extensive motorway network, which makes traveling between major cities and regions convenient. Some of the key motorways include:

    • M1: Connects Dublin to the border with Northern Ireland.

    • M4: Links Dublin to the west of Ireland.

    • M7: Connects Dublin to Limerick and the south.

    • M8: Connects Dublin to Cork in the south.

    • M50: Dublin's ring road, encircling the city.

Driving on the Left:

  • In Ireland, as in the United Kingdom, you drive on the left side of the road. The driver's seat is on the right side of the car.

Navigation:

  • To make navigating Ireland easier, consider using a GPS or navigation app. These tools can help you find specific destinations and ensure you don't get lost, especially when exploring rural areas.

Driving in Ireland offers the opportunity to experience the country's diverse landscapes and rich culture. Whether you're interested in exploring historic cities, picturesque countryside, or coastal towns, driving allows you to do so at your own pace.


Cheapest car hire in Ireland

Kia Picanto

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 18.05 EUR/day
Kia Picanto

7 Days rental at 126.36 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  No

Kia Picanto

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 18.05 EUR/day
Kia Picanto

7 Days rental at 126.36 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  No

Volkswagen Up

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 18.06 EUR/day
Volkswagen Up

7 Days rental at 126.44 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  No

Ford Focus

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 18.40 EUR/day
Ford Focus

7 Days rental at 128.84 EUR from 11/12/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  No

Ford Focus

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 18.40 EUR/day
Ford Focus

7 Days rental at 128.84 EUR from 11/12/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  No

Ford Focus

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 18.41 EUR/day
Ford Focus

7 Days rental at 128.92 EUR from 11/12/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Ford Fiesta

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 18.15 EUR/day
Ford Fiesta

7 Days rental at 127.06 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  No

Ford Fiesta

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 18.15 EUR/day
Ford Fiesta

7 Days rental at 127.06 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  No

Volkswagen Polo

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 18.16 EUR/day
Volkswagen Polo

7 Days rental at 127.14 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  No

BMW 3 Series

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 33.62 EUR/day
BMW 3 Series

7 Days rental at 235.38 EUR from 11/12/2023

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

BMW 3 Series

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 33.62 EUR/day
BMW 3 Series

7 Days rental at 235.38 EUR from 11/12/2023

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

BMW 3 Series

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 35.29 EUR/day
BMW 3 Series

7 Days rental at 247.08 EUR from 11/12/2023

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Nissan Qashqai

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 23.19 EUR/day
Nissan Qashqai

7 Days rental at 162.37 EUR from 11/12/2023

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Nissan Qashqai

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 23.19 EUR/day
Nissan Qashqai

7 Days rental at 162.37 EUR from 11/12/2023

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Nissan Qashqai

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 24.31 EUR/day
Nissan Qashqai

7 Days rental at 170.19 EUR from 11/12/2023

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Tesla Model 3

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 131.85 EUR/day
Tesla Model 3

7 Days rental at 922.99 EUR from 11/12/2023

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Polestar 2

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 99.00 EUR/day
Polestar 2

7 Days rental at 693.00 EUR from 11/12/2023

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Tesla Model Y

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 109.00 EUR/day
Tesla Model Y

7 Days rental at 763.00 EUR from 11/12/2023

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Yaris Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 20.24 EUR/day
Toyota Yaris Hybrid

7 Days rental at 141.69 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Yaris Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 20.24 EUR/day
Toyota Yaris Hybrid

7 Days rental at 141.69 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Yaris Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 21.19 EUR/day
Toyota Yaris Hybrid

7 Days rental at 148.35 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Top tips when hiring a car in Ireland

  • Drive on the left-hand side of the road in Ireland, the steering wheel is always on the right of the car
  • Speed limits are in Km/h, something to be aware of if arriving from the UK
  • There are toll roads in Ireland, check payment options before you travel to avoid getting a fine
  • Fuel is relatively expensive in Ireland, expect to pay around 60 EUR to refill an average sized rental car
  • You can take a rental car across the border to Northern Ireland, just ask at the car rental desk
 

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  1.84/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)
 Flizzr
4
8.9/10
160
€ 19.09
€ 21.10
€ 24.89
 Enterprise
28
8.9/10
1,072
€ 24.81
€ 26.46
€ 28.85
€ 28.56
 Alamo
5
8.8/10
162
€ 22.62
€ 23.92
€ 28.32
€ 28.37
 Thrifty
5
8.8/10
140
€ 30.30
€ 36.05
€ 71.00
€ 71.00
 Dollar
5
8.7/10
260
€ 30.72
€ 35.52
€ 47.39
€ 74.88
 Sixt
5
8.6/10
501
€ 19.69
€ 21.77
€ 26.67
€ 28.36
 Carhire
8
8.6/10
652
€ 18.05
€ 18.40
€ 23.19
€ 43.13
 Keddy by europcar
6
8.5/10
183
€ 30.96
€ 35.80
€ 47.38
 Europcar
19
8.5/10
2,908
€ 30.96
€ 35.87
€ 42.17
 Budget
12
8.5/10
1,744
€ 19.35
€ 19.83
€ 25.83
€ 25.83
 Hertz
15
8.4/10
1,285
€ 35.57
€ 39.85
€ 54.14
€ 85.57
 Payless
5
8.3/10
128
€ 19.35
€ 19.99
€ 25.83
 Avis
6
8.0/10
186
€ 35.14
€ 42.28
€ 62.85

Car rental agent statistics in Ireland

  • Highest Rated Agent Icon
    9.4/10
    Highest rated agent:
    BUDGET
  • Lowest Rated Agent Icon
    7.7/10
    Lowest rated agent:
    AVIS
  • Total Number of Reviews Icon
    9,381
    Total number of reviews in
    Ireland
  • Most Locations Icon
    28
    Most Locations in Ireland:
    ENTERPRISE
  • Average Wait Time Icon
    16
    Average wait time
    (Min.)
  • Total Rental Companies Icon
    16
    Total rental companies
     

Average prices per day for car hire in Ireland

ItemPercent
January€ 58
February€ 58
March€ 72
April€ 60
May€ 72
June€ 98
July€ 113
August€ 91
September€ 73
October€ 64
November€ 49
December€ 77
ItemPercent
January€ 42
February€ 42
March€ 57
April€ 47
May€ 59
June€ 91
July€ 96
August€ 73
September€ 60
October€ 50
November€ 38
December€ 58
ItemPercent
January€ 114
February€ 122
March€ 150
April€ 109
May€ 103
June€ 166
July€ 197
August€ 156
September€ 133
October€ 146
November€ 130
December€ 162
ItemPercent
January€ 73
February€ 74
March€ 98
April€ 78
May€ 89
June€ 131
July€ 132
August€ 119
September€ 97
October€ 93
November€ 70
December€ 117
ItemPercent
January€ 403
February€ 362
March€ 340
April€ 218
May€ 252
June€ 335
July€ 359
August€ 348
September€ 321
October€ 344
November€ 233
December€ 356
ItemPercent
January€ 35
February€ 36
March€ 49
April€ 36
May€ 50
June€ 53
July€ 82
August€ 66
September€ 54
October€ 44
November€ 32
December€ 55
ItemPercent
January€ 72
February€ 88
March€ 123
April€ 118
May€ 97
June€ 126
July€ 164
August€ 139
September€ 132
October€ 159
November€ 82
December€ 142
ItemPercent
January€ 44
February€ 42
March€ 62
April€ 51
May€ 75
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
Nov , 2022

€ 2.02

€ 1.82

Dec , 2022

€ 1.95

€ 1.76

Jan , 2023

€ 1.68

€ 1.56

Feb , 2023

€ 1.70

€ 1.60

Mar , 2023

€ 1.68

€ 1.62

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

Month, YearDiesel €/ltrUnleaded €/ltr
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
Mar , 2023 1.68 1.62
Feb , 2023 1.70 1.60
Jan , 2023 1.68 1.56
Dec , 2022 1.95 1.76
Nov , 2022 2.02 1.82

Car rental price statistics in Ireland

  • Average Price Icon
    € 126.35
    Average price:
    (per week)
  • Highest Daily Price Icon
    € 330.39
    Highest daily price:
    BMW 5 Series
  • Total Vehicles Icon
    1,602
    Total cars available
     
  • Most Popular Car Model Icon
    151
    Most popular model:
    Nissan Qashqai
  • Locations with Most Cars Icon
    217
    Location with most cars:
    Dublin - Airport
  • Cheapest Daily Price Icon
    € 18.1 per day
    Cheapest daily price:
    CARHIRE - Shannon - 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