Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cork
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Cork
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Cork
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Cork
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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 clients rate such place as Cork 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.
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!
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!
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 29.03.2025
Coastal Cork was breathtaking! So relaxing, easy to get around with my rental car.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 18.01.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Olivia Garcia
Reviewed: 05.01.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 07.10.2024
Pleasant enough, really.
Ethan Wilson
Reviewed: 05.05.2025
Pretty chill place
Kai Peterson
Reviewed: 06.09.2024
Pretty laid-back, really.
Ava Rodriguez
Reviewed: 28.04.2025
Wonderful weekend in Cork! Exploring with a car was so convenient and fun. Highly recommend.
Maya Singh
Reviewed: 18.06.2025
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Cork was a charming stop on our Irish road trip! Loved exploring the city and the surrounding countryside. So much to see.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 16.06.2025