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Car hire in Portlaoise - Search, Compare, and Save

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No Hidden Fees

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Portlaoise

Portlaoise

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Portlaoise

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Portlaoise

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Portlaoise

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 Portlaoise?

Portlaoise, a vibrant town in County Laois, offers a mix of historical sites, cultural attractions, and scenic landscapes. While public transportation is available, a rental car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore Portlaoise and its surroundings at your own pace.

Explore the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Located a short drive from Portlaoise, these mountains offer stunning views and hiking trails perfect for a day trip.

Visit Rock of Dunamase. Just a few kilometres from Portlaoise, this historic landmark provides a glimpse into Ireland's rich past and offers panoramic views of the countryside.

Discover Emo Court and Parklands. A magnificent neo-classical mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens and parklands, ideal for a leisurely afternoon.

Enjoy Convenient Travel. A rental car eliminates the need to rely on public transport schedules, allowing you to maximise your time and visit multiple attractions in a single day.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Portlaoise

Before renting a car in Portlaoise, ensure you meet the necessary requirements. These include age restrictions, valid driving licenses, insurance coverage, deposit policies, and mileage and fuel guidelines. Understanding these conditions will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.

Area

Approximately 12 square kilometres (4.6 square miles)

Population

Approximately 14,000 residents

Time Zone

GMT (GMT+1 during summer)

Ideal for

Exploring the Midlands region

Rush Hours

Expect heavier traffic during morning and evening commutes

Rating

4.8/5

1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Portlaoise require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional young driver surcharges.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is essential. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required for non-EU license holders, depending on their country of origin.

3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is typically included, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually required and held on a credit card.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others restricting it. Fuel policies generally require returning the car with the same fuel level as when it was picked up.

5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, GPS navigation systems, child seats, or one-way rentals.

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

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42

Electric:

from £17 / $21 / €20

Classic:

from £9 / $11 / €10

Executive:

from £26 / $33 / €31

7 Seater:

from £29 / $37 / €35

Automatic:

from £17 / $21 / €20

SUV:

from £9.50 / $12 / €11

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Higher demand leads to prices increasing by 20-30%

Low season (November to February): Offers discounts and lower rates

*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 Portlaoise?

Booking a car in Portlaoise involves several steps. Comparison, suitable vehicle, review of terms, early booking, and required documents.

1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, considering size and comfort.

3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.

4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and availability by booking early, especially during peak season.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.

General Information About Portlaoise

Portlaoise is a bustling town with a rich history and vibrant culture, serving as a gateway to the beautiful landscapes of County Laois.

Portlaoise offers a blend of urban and rural experiences. Its strategic location in the heart of Ireland makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding counties. Whether you’re interested in historical sites, natural beauty, or cultural events, Portlaoise provides convenient access to a wide range of attractions. Renting a car is highly recommended to fully explore the region, as many points of interest are best reached by private transport. Before embarking on your journey, it's wise to familiarise yourself with local traffic regulations, parking facilities, and fuel station locations to ensure a seamless travel experience.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Rock of Dunamase

    An iconic historical site with ruins of a medieval castle offering panoramic views.

  • Emo Court and Parklands

    A stunning neo-classical mansion set within beautiful gardens and parklands.

  • Slieve Bloom Mountains

    A scenic mountain range perfect for hiking and enjoying nature.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Several public parking garages are available in the town centre, offering secure parking options.

  • On-Street Parking

    Pay-and-display parking is available on many streets, but it can be limited during peak hours.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider using park-and-ride facilities located on the outskirts of town for easier access to the centre.

Gas Stations in Portlaoise

  • Main Fuel Chains

    You'll find stations from major brands like Applegreen, Circle K, and Texaco.

  • Convenient Locations

    Fuel stations are located on the main roads leading into and out of Portlaoise.

  • Check Opening Hours

    Be sure to check opening hours, especially if travelling late in the evening or early in the morning.

Useful Tips for Visiting Portlaoise

  • Use Contactless Payment

    Contactless payment is widely accepted in most shops and services.

  • Plan for Traffic

    Be aware of heavier traffic during morning and evening rush hours.

  • Check Weather Conditions

    Ireland's weather can be unpredictable, so check the forecast before your trip.

  • Allow Extra Travel Time

    Allocate additional time for travel, especially when visiting popular attractions.

Key Transportation Hubs in Portlaoise

Major Bus Stations

Portlaoise Bus Station

Located in the town centre, providing services to various destinations.

Railway Stations

Portlaoise Railway Station

A major station on the Dublin-Cork railway line, offering frequent services.

Airports

Dublin Airport (DUB)

The nearest major airport, approximately 90 kilometres (56 miles) north-east of Portlaoise.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Portlaoise?

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

  • A valid driver's license is required. Non-EU license holders may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.

  • A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit.

  • A passport or another form of identification may be required.

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 Portlaoise as

4.3

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.

Okay, kinda chill.

BC

Ben Carter

Reviewed: 03.11.2024

Portlaoise was a great base for our family vacation! Exploring the area with our rental car was so convenient and enjoyable.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 02.10.2024

Convenient stop on our road trip. Having a car made exploring Portlaoise easy and enjoyable.

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 18.04.2025

Pretty chill vibe

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 17.02.2025

Renting a car in Portlaoise was a breeze, making it easy to explore the area. I found the town itself a bit quiet, but the surrounding countryside was beautiful. Overall a pleasant trip.

JB

Jessica Brown

Reviewed: 01.11.2024

Loved exploring Portlaoise! Getting a car there was effortless, and it made seeing the surrounding area a breeze.

AJ

Amelia Jones

Reviewed: 17.01.2025

Meh, kinda sleepy. Cafés closed early.

MG

Mia Garcia

Reviewed: 20.02.2025

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