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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Ireland
Ireland
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Ireland
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Ireland
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Ireland
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Ireland?
Ireland, the Emerald Isle, is a land of dramatic coastlines, rolling green hills, and vibrant culture. While public transportation can get you to major cities, renting a car unlocks the true potential of this stunning island. Here’s why booking a car is the best way to experience Ireland.
Unmatched Freedom and Flexibility. Public transport schedules can limit your exploration. With a car, you can travel at your own pace, stopping at charming villages and scenic viewpoints whenever you desire.
Access to Remote Locations. Ireland's most breathtaking landscapes, like the Wild Atlantic Way and the Ring of Kerry, are best explored by car. Public transport rarely reaches these remote areas, making a rental car essential.
Comfort and Convenience. Travelling with luggage on buses and trains can be tiresome. A rental car offers a comfortable and hassle-free way to travel, especially for families or those with a lot of baggage.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups of friends, renting a car can be more economical than purchasing individual train or bus tickets. Sharing fuel costs makes road trips even more affordable.
Driving in Ireland: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Left hand side
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h or 31 mph
Languages
English, Irish
Average petrol price
£1.80 per litre or £6.81 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
80-100 km/h or 50-62 mph
Currency
Euro
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Score
8.9/10
Dialling Code
+353
Driving in Ireland can be a unique experience, especially if you're not accustomed to driving on the left. Understanding the local rules and regulations is crucial for a safe and enjoyable journey. Here’s what you need to know before you hit the road.
1. The Wild Atlantic Way This iconic coastal route stretches over 2,500 km along Ireland's western seaboard, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, dramatic cliffs, and charming coastal villages. It’s a must-do for any road trip enthusiast.
- Distance: 2,500 km – Duration: 10 to 14 days
- Route: Starts in Donegal – Ends in Kinsale
2. The Ring of Kerry A circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, the Ring of Kerry is famous for its breathtaking scenery, including mountains, lakes, and coastal views. It’s a popular choice for a shorter, yet equally stunning, road trip.
- Distance: 179 km – Duration: 1 to 3 days
- Route: Circular route starting and ending in Killarney
3. The Causeway Coastal Route Located in Northern Ireland, this route offers a dramatic drive along the Antrim Coast, featuring the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and stunning coastal scenery.
- Distance: 195 km – Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Route: Starts in Belfast – Ends in Derry/Londonderry
4. The Copper Coast Drive This scenic drive along the Waterford coastline offers stunning views of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming seaside villages. It's a great option for a relaxing and picturesque road trip.
- Distance: 180 km – Duration: 1 to 2 days
- Route: Starts and ends in Tramore
5. Sally Gap and Wicklow Mountains Explore the stunning Wicklow Mountains National Park with a drive through the Sally Gap. This route offers breathtaking views of rolling hills, deep valleys, and picturesque lakes.
- Distance: Variable, depending on route – Duration: 1 day
- Route: Loop through Wicklow Mountains, near Dublin
Top drives in Ireland:
Ireland is known for its scenic landscapes and dramatic coastlines.
Renting a car is the best way to explore all that Ireland has to offer, from its bustling cities to its hidden gems.
Car Rental Prices in Ireland – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €50
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23
SUV:
from £22 / $28 / €25
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in Ireland
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Prices start at approximately £50 / $63 / €61 per day*
Low season (November to February): Discounts available from around £30 / $38 / €37 per day.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location
Tips for saving money when renting a car in Ireland
Renting a car in Ireland gives you the freedom to explore its beauty at your own pace, but costs can quickly escalate. Here are some smart ways to save money on your car rental while still enjoying the best experience.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals: Rental prices tend to increase as the pick-up date approaches. Booking well in advance guarantees better rates and a wider selection of vehicles.
2. Compare Prices and Look for Discounts: Use price comparison websites to find the most affordable car rental options. Many companies offer discounts for early bookings, longer rentals, or membership in travel reward programs.
3. Choose the Right Car for Your Needs: Larger vehicles are more expensive to rent and fuel. If you're travelling solo or as a couple, an economy car will be the most budget-friendly option.
4. Carefully Check Insurance Options: Rental companies often offer expensive insurance add-ons. Before purchasing, check if your existing travel insurance or credit card covers rental car insurance.
5. Stick to a Single Driver: Adding additional drivers typically incurs extra fees. If possible, limit the rental to one designated driver to minimise costs.
6. Refuel Before Returning: Returning a car with an empty fuel tank can result in hefty refuelling charges. Always fill up at a local petrol station before dropping off the vehicle.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Ireland?
Renting a car in Ireland is a relatively straightforward process, but you'll need to meet certain requirements before you can drive away. Here’s what you need to have prepared.
Valid Driver’s Licence. If you're an EU resident, your standard licence is sufficient. Non-EU residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country licence.
Minimum Age Requirement. Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
Credit or Debit Card. A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards.
Proof of Identity. A passport or other form of identification may be required, especially for international renters.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Ireland as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Ireland was breathtaking! First time there, and exploring the countryside by car was the perfect way to see it all. Charming towns, stunning scenery... I'll definitely be back!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 24.07.2025
Pretty chill, overall.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 01.07.2025
Ireland was fantastic! Having a car made getting around to see friends so easy. The weather was a bit unpredictable though.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 12.12.2024
Stunning coastal drives and charming villages! So relaxing, and having a car made it effortless.
Olivia Thompson
Reviewed: 21.07.2025
Absolutely loved exploring Ireland! First trip, and having a car made it so easy to discover hidden gems.
Ava Davis
Reviewed: 30.05.2025
Pretty sweet, really.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 24.07.2025
Pretty good, actually.
Emily Wilson
Reviewed: 20.11.2024