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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Athlone
Athlone
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Athlone
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Athlone
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Athlone
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 Athlone?
Athlone is a vibrant town with many attractions and activities, but getting around can be challenging without your own vehicle. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore Athlone and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore Scenic Routes: Athlone is located in the heart of Ireland, offering access to stunning landscapes and picturesque routes. A rental car allows you to discover hidden gems and enjoy scenic drives that are not easily accessible by public transport.
Visit Historical Sites: Athlone is rich in history, with landmarks such as Athlone Castle and the Sean's Bar. Renting a car provides the convenience to visit these historical sites and learn about the town's heritage without being restricted by bus or train schedules.
Discover Local Culture: Athlone offers a vibrant local culture with traditional music, local cuisine, and friendly people. A rental car allows you to explore local pubs, restaurants, and cultural events, immersing yourself in the authentic Irish experience.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Athlone
Before renting a car in Athlone, familiarise yourself with the rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Be aware of the age requirements, licensing rules, insurance policies, mileage restrictions, and fuel policies.
Area
Approximately 16 square kilometres (6 square miles)
Population
Approximately 21,349 residents
Time Zone
GMT (Winter) / IST (Summer Time)
Ideal for
Exploring regional areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 8 AM – 9:30 AM and 5 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Athlone is typically 21 years old, although some rental companies may have higher age restrictions for certain vehicle types. Young drivers may be subject to additional fees.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required to rent a car in Athlone. Visitors from other countries may need to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license.
3. Insurance & DepositsCar rentals in Athlone typically include basic insurance coverage, but you may have the option to purchase additional coverage for added protection. A security deposit is usually required and will be refunded upon returning the car in good condition.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary among rental companies, with some offering unlimited mileage and others imposing restrictions. Fuel policies may require you to return the car with a full tank or pay for refuelling upon return.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of any potential additional fees, such as those for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS navigation or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Athlone – How Much Does It Cost?
The average daily rate for an economy-class car rental in Athlone is from £25 / $31 / €30 per day. Prices vary depending on the season, vehicle type, and rental company.
Business:
from £45 / $56 / €54 per day
Electric:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Classic:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
Executive:
from £50 / $63 / €60 per day
7 Seater:
from £60 / $75 / €72 per day
Automatic:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
SUV:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand from tourists visiting Athlone and the surrounding areas.
Low season (November to February): You can often find discounts and lower rates during the off-season months, making it a budget-friendly time to visit.
Prices for car rentals in Athlone vary depending on the season. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Athlone?
To book a car in Athlone, follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth rental process and a great deal on your vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Start by comparing prices from different car rental companies to find the best deals and options that fit your budget and preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's an economy car for city driving or a larger vehicle for family trips and outdoor adventures.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental terms and conditions to understand the mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons when demand is high.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental car to complete the booking process efficiently.
General Information About Athlone
Athlone is a historic town located in the heart of Ireland, offering a blend of culture, heritage, and natural beauty. Renting a car provides the freedom to explore Athlone and its surroundings, but it's essential to be aware of traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel availability.
As the largest town on the River Shannon, Athlone is a central hub for exploring the Irish Midlands. Renting a car is a convenient option if you plan to travel beyond the town to places like Clonmacnoise, Lough Ree, or nearby towns. Driving in Athlone requires awareness, as some streets can be narrow and parking may be limited.
Top Attractions to Discover
Athlone Castle
A medieval castle with a rich history and interactive exhibits.
Sean's Bar
One of the oldest pubs in Ireland, offering a traditional Irish atmosphere.
Lough Ree
A picturesque lake offering boating, fishing, and scenic views.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Secure parking options are available in the town centre.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but can be limited during peak times.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities to avoid city centre traffic.
Gas Stations in Athlone
Major Brands
Find gas stations from major brands like Circle K and Applegreen.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are located on the outskirts of Athlone and along major roads.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Athlone
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for parking and other services with contactless payment methods for convenience.
Allow Extra Time for Traffic
Plan for potential traffic delays, especially during rush hours and peak seasons.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Stay alert and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in the town centre.
Key Transportation Hubs in Athlone
Major Bus Stations
Athlone Bus Station
Located in the town centre, it provides regional and national bus services.
Railway Stations
Athlone Railway Station
Connects to Dublin and Galway, offering convenient rail travel options.
Airports
Dublin Airport (DUB)
Located approximately 130 kilometres (81 miles) east of Athlone, it is the nearest international airport.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Athlone?
Renting a car in Ireland is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're from Ireland, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country license for up to 12 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Athlone 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.
Pretty chill vibe
Liam O'Malley
Reviewed: 27.03.2025
Relaxing road trip
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 21.04.2025
Needed a quick weekend escape, and Athlone was perfect! Having a car was so handy for exploring the charming town and surrounding areas. Highly recommend!
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 22.04.2025
Efficient business trip; Athlone's charm surprised me!
Benjamin Lee
Reviewed: 21.03.2025
Quiet, pleasant enough.
Emily Wilson
Reviewed: 30.07.2025
Decent enough, really.
Oliver Smith
Reviewed: 21.04.2025
Fantastic weekend getaway! Getting around Athlone with a rental car was super easy, allowing us to explore the charming town and surrounding areas. Highly recommend!
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 04.07.2025
Athlone exceeded expectations! My business trip was surprisingly smooth thanks to having a car; it made getting around so easy. I even found time to explore the charming town.
Michael Brown
Reviewed: 20.03.2025
Pretty chill place
Isabelle Carter
Reviewed: 05.06.2025
Athlone was functional; the castle was underwhelming.
David Miller
Reviewed: 17.12.2024
Athlone was a perfect base! Exploring the town and then driving to the coast for some relaxation was idyllic.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 01.05.2025