Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Portlaoise
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Portlaoise
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Portlaoise
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Portlaoise
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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 Portlaoise 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.
Portlaoise was a great base for our family vacation! Exploring the area with our rental car was so convenient and enjoyable.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 02.10.2024
Convenient stop on our road trip. Having a car made exploring Portlaoise easy and enjoyable.
David Lee
Reviewed: 18.04.2025
Pretty chill vibe
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.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 01.11.2024
Loved exploring Portlaoise! Getting a car there was effortless, and it made seeing the surrounding area a breeze.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 17.01.2025
Meh, kinda sleepy. Cafés closed early.
Mia Garcia
Reviewed: 20.02.2025
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Okay, kinda chill.
Ben Carter
Reviewed: 03.11.2024