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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Kilkenny
Kilkenny
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Kilkenny
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Kilkenny
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Kilkenny
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 Hire a Car in Kilkenny?
Kilkenny is a charming city renowned for its medieval architecture, vibrant arts scene, and stunning natural landscapes. While the city centre is walkable, a hire car provides the freedom to explore the surrounding countryside and hidden gems at your own pace.
Discover Historical Sites. Easily access historical landmarks such as Kilkenny Castle, Jerpoint Abbey, and the Rock of Cashel, all within a comfortable driving distance.
Explore Scenic Routes. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Irish countryside, including the Comeragh Mountains and the picturesque villages along the River Nore.
Visit Local Attractions. From the Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny to the Dunmore Cave, a hire car allows you to visit a variety of attractions without relying on public transport schedules.
Hire Terms and Conditions in Kilkenny
Before hiring a car in Kilkenny, it's important to understand the standard terms and conditions. This includes age requirements, licensing, insurance, and potential extra fees.
Area
3.74 square kilometres (1.44 square miles)
Population
Approximately 27,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT (GMT+1 during summer time)
Ideal for
Exploring historical sites and scenic routes
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic 8 AM – 9:30 AM and 5 PM – 6:30 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car hire companies in Kilkenny require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s LicenceA valid driver’s licence is required. If your licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary.
3. InsuranceBasic insurance is typically included in the hire price, but you may want to consider additional coverage like a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Super CDW.
4. Security DepositA security deposit is usually required and held on your credit card until the car is returned in good condition.
5. Fuel PolicyMost hire companies operate on a 'full-to-full' fuel policy, meaning you should return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up.
6. Extra FeesAdditional fees may apply for extras such as GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers.
Car Hire Prices in Kilkenny – How Much Does It Cost?
Average daily rates for car hires in Kilkenny can vary depending on the type of car, hire duration, and time of year.
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9.50 / $12 / €11 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand during the summer months.
Low season (November to February): You can often find discounts and lower rates during the off-season.
*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 Kilkenny?
Booking a hire car in Kilkenny involves a few simple steps to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various hire companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the countryside.
3. Review Hire Terms - Carefully read the hire terms and conditions, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Booking early, especially during peak season, can help you secure lower rates and ensure vehicle availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's licence, credit card, and passport when collecting your hire car.
General Information About Kilkenny
Kilkenny is a compact city with a well-preserved medieval centre. Driving in the city is generally straightforward, but it's important to be aware of local traffic regulations and parking options.
Kilkenny, known as the Marble City, is a popular tourist destination due to its rich history and cultural attractions. While the city is relatively easy to navigate, having a car allows you to explore the surrounding regions with ease.
Top Attractions to Discover
Kilkenny Castle
A historic castle overlooking the River Nore, offering guided tours and stunning views.
St. Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower
An impressive medieval cathedral with a climbable round tower providing panoramic vistas.
Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny
An interactive tour of the historic Smithwick's brewery, showcasing the brewing process and history.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public parking garages are available in the city centre, providing secure and convenient parking options.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking is available, but it can be challenging to find during peak hours. Pay attention to parking signs and time limits.
Park & Ride
A park-and-ride service operates from the outskirts of the city, offering a convenient way to access the city centre without driving.
Gas Stations in Kilkenny
Main Fuel Chains
You can find major fuel chains like Circle K, Texaco, and Amber Oil located on the outskirts of Kilkenny.
Refuelling Guidance
Plan your refuelling stops in advance, especially if you're planning to explore the rural areas surrounding Kilkenny.
Useful Tips for Visiting Kilkenny
Plan for Traffic
Be aware of potential traffic congestion during rush hours, particularly on the main roads leading into and out of the city.
Use Navigation Apps
Utilise navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to find the best routes and avoid traffic delays.
Watch for Cyclists and Pedestrians
Be mindful of cyclists and pedestrians, especially in the city centre and along the River Nore.
Explore Beyond the City
Use your hire car to explore the scenic countryside, including the Comeragh Mountains and the charming villages of County Kilkenny.
Key Transportation Hubs in Kilkenny
Railway Stations
Kilkenny Railway Station
Serves as a central hub for rail transport, connecting Kilkenny with Dublin and other major cities.
Bus Stations
Kilkenny Bus Station
Provides local and regional bus services, connecting Kilkenny with various destinations throughout Ireland.
What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Kilkenny?
To hire a car in Kilkenny, you'll need to meet a few essential requirements to ensure a smooth hire experience.
You'll need a valid driver's licence. If your licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.
Most hire companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, although some may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit and hire payment.
A passport or other form of identification may be required, especially for international renters.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Kilkenny 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.
Kilkenny was lovely, revisiting after years. Renting a car made things so much easier. The castle gift shop was a bit overpriced, though.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 02.03.2025
Family vacation in Kilkenny was fantastic! Having a car made exploring so easy. Loved the city and its charm.
David Lee
Reviewed: 01.07.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 21.09.2024
Exploring Kilkenny was a dream! Getting around with a rental car was so convenient, making the trip effortless. Highly recommend.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 08.06.2025
Charming Kilkenny! Getting around with a car was effortless; we saw so much.
Olivia Davis
Reviewed: 03.07.2025
Wonderful spontaneous weekend in Kilkenny! Having a car made exploring so easy. Highly recommend.
Ben Miller
Reviewed: 28.03.2025
Pretty decent, really.
Chloe Taylor
Reviewed: 15.04.2025
Summer in Kilkenny was magical! Having a car let us easily explore the charming countryside and medieval streets. Highly recommend!
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 06.03.2025
Quick Kilkenny stop on our road trip; charming town, though the tourist shop prices were a bit steep.
Christopher Evans
Reviewed: 11.05.2025
Absolutely loved our Kilkenny weekend! Having a car was perfect for exploring the area, and the city itself is gorgeous. Highly recommend a visit.
Thomas Hill
Reviewed: 16.02.2025
Really chilled out.
Ava Martinez
Reviewed: 24.08.2024
Pretty chill, actually.
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 08.03.2025