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Car rental in Cork - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Cork

Cork

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Cork

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Cork

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Cork

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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 Cork?

Cork is a vibrant city with a rich history and stunning landscapes just waiting to be explored. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers the freedom and flexibility to discover all that Cork and its surrounding areas have to offer.

Explore Scenic Routes: Cork is the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way and the beautiful countryside. A rental car lets you explore at your own pace, stopping at charming villages, historic sites, and breathtaking coastal views.

Visit Key Attractions: Many of Cork's top attractions, such as Blarney Castle, the Jameson Distillery, and the charming town of Kinsale, are easily accessible by car. Public transport options may be limited or time-consuming.

Flexibility and Convenience: With a rental car, you can create your own itinerary and travel on your own schedule. This is especially beneficial if you're travelling with family or have specific interests that require venturing off the beaten path.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Cork

Before booking a rental car in Cork, be sure to check that you meet the necessary requirements. Usually, you'll need to be at least 21 years old, possess a valid driver's licence, and understand the specifics of the insurance, deposit, mileage, and fuel policies. Keep in mind that additional fees may apply for young drivers or extra features.

Area

Approximately 37.3 square kilometres (14.4 square miles)

Population

Approximately 125,000 residents (city)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) during winter, IST (UTC+1) during summer

Ideal for

Exploring the countryside and coastal regions

Rush Hours

Expect heavy traffic from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Rating

4.8/5

1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Cork require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.

2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary for licences not in English or Irish. A passport or other government-issued ID is also typically required.

3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements usually include basic insurance, but options for additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection are available. A security deposit will be held on your credit card and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies commonly require you to return the car with a full tank to avoid refuelling charges.

5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras such as GPS navigation systems and child seats.

Car Rental Prices in Cork – How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42

Electric:

from £17 / $21 / €20

Classic:

from £8 / $10 / €9

Executive:

from £26 / $33 / €31

7 Seater:

from £29 / $37 / €35

Automatic:

from £17 / $21 / €20

SUV:

from £9 / $11 / €10

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Expect higher demand and prices, potentially increasing by 20-30%

Low season (November to February): Often offers discounts to attract renters

*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.

How to Book a Car in Cork?

To ensure a smooth and cost-effective car rental experience in Cork, it's important to compare prices, select the right vehicle, and carefully review the rental terms to avoid any surprises. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons. Don't forget to bring your driver's licence, credit card, and identification when you pick up the car.

1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies based on your travel dates and vehicle 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 exploring the countryside with family.

3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid unexpected charges.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and passport when collecting your rental vehicle.

General Information About Cork

Cork, a vibrant city in southwestern Ireland, offers a mix of rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Ideal for sightseeing and exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, renting a car is the best way to get around. However, it's crucial to be aware of local traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel availability.

As the second-largest city in Ireland, Cork boasts a unique blend of traditional Irish charm and modern urban life. It is renowned for its friendly locals, vibrant music scene, and delicious cuisine. While Cork has good public transportation, renting a car is more practical if you plan to explore beyond the city limits, such as the scenic coastline or the charming towns of Kinsale and Cobh. Driving in Cork requires some awareness due to narrow streets and one-way systems. Before you start your journey, familiarise yourself with local traffic laws, petrol station locations, and parking rules to ensure a stress-free visit.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Blarney Castle

    Visit the iconic Blarney Stone and explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the castle.

  • Jameson Distillery Midleton

    Take a tour and learn about the history of Irish whiskey production.

  • English Market

    Explore this historic food market offering local produce, artisan cheeses, and fresh seafood.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Use parking garages located throughout the city centre for secure and convenient parking.

  • On-Street Parking

    Pay-and-display parking is available but can be limited, especially during peak hours. Check signage for restrictions and payment methods.

  • Park & Ride

    Use the park-and-ride facilities located on the outskirts of the city and take a bus into the centre to avoid traffic and parking issues.

Petrol Stations in Cork

  • Major Brands Available

    Find well-known brands such as Circle K, Texaco, and Applegreen throughout Cork and surrounding areas.

  • Convenient Locations

    Petrol stations are conveniently located along major roads and highways, making refuelling easy.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Use apps like Google Maps to locate nearby petrol stations and compare prices.

Useful Tips for Visiting Cork

  • Use Contactless Payment

    Many establishments accept contactless payments for convenience.

  • Watch for Cyclists

    Be aware of cyclists, especially in urban areas and on designated bike paths.

  • Plan for Traffic Delays

    Allow extra travel time during rush hours and consider alternative routes to avoid congestion.

  • Explore Local Cuisine

    Sample local delicacies like seafood chowder, traditional Irish stew, and craft beers at local pubs and restaurants.

Key Transportation Hubs in Cork

Major Bus Stations

Parnell Place Bus Station

The main bus station in Cork city, offering regional and national bus services.

Railway Stations

Cork Kent Station

The primary railway station in Cork, providing connections to Dublin, Limerick, and other major cities in Ireland.

Airports

Cork Airport (ORK)

Located approximately 8 kilometres (5 miles) south of Cork city centre, offering domestic and international flights.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Cork?

Renting a car in Ireland is a straightforward process, but it's essential to meet the necessary requirements before you embark on your journey. Here's what you'll need

  • If you're an Irish resident, your standard driver's licence is sufficient. Visitors from other countries can typically use their home country licence for up to 12 months, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be needed.

  • Most car rental companies in Ireland require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.

  • A valid credit or debit card in the main driver's name is necessary for the security deposit. Some rental companies may only accept credit cards for deposits.

  • A passport or other form of identification may be required for international renters.

Our Content Quality

This content was written

This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

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.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Cork as

4.8

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.

Cork was a charming stop on our Irish road trip! Loved exploring the city and the surrounding countryside. So much to see.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 16.06.2025

Absolutely loved Cork! Having a car was perfect for exploring the coast, relaxing on those stunning beaches, and easily getting around. Such a gorgeous city, too!

AJ

Amelia Jones

Reviewed: 04.01.2025

Exploring Cork was a breeze! Getting around with a car was so easy, and I discovered so many hidden gems. Highly recommend!

JB

Jessica Brown

Reviewed: 29.03.2025

Coastal Cork was breathtaking! So relaxing, easy to get around with my rental car.

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 18.01.2025

Pretty chill vibe

OG

Olivia Garcia

Reviewed: 05.01.2025

Pretty relaxed, overall

LO

Liam O'Connell

Reviewed: 07.10.2024

Pleasant enough, really.

EW

Ethan Wilson

Reviewed: 05.05.2025

Pretty chill place

KP

Kai Peterson

Reviewed: 06.09.2024

Pretty laid-back, really.

AR

Ava Rodriguez

Reviewed: 28.04.2025

Wonderful weekend in Cork! Exploring with a car was so convenient and fun. Highly recommend.

MS

Maya Singh

Reviewed: 18.06.2025

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