Renting a Car in Ireland: An Irishman’s 2026/27 Guide
Renting a car in Ireland is hands down the best way to see the country, but the process is confusing and full of surprises if you don’t know what to look for. I’ve hired cars in Ireland 14 times as of 2026, most recently for a 7 day road trip in May, and I’ve learned the hard way how easy it is to get stung by hidden charges, confusing policies, and unclear insurance.
I’ve rented everything from small manual cars to automatic SUVs, and one thing I’ve learned is that the cheapest deal isn’t always the best one. This guide outlines the best way to rent a car in Ireland in a clear, concise manner that’ll save you hassle and hours of googling. It covers:
- The requirements: Age limits, IDs, licences and country-specific needs
- Insurance (most confusing bit): It’s here that most people either buy too much or too little
- The dreaded credit card deposit: You can have €2,000+ held on your card
- American visitors: A valid US licence is accepted, and you generally won’t need an ID
- Rental companies: Use DiscoverCars (4.6/5 from 290,000+ reviews on Trustpilot) to compare
How to rent a car in Ireland step-by-step
Over the years, I’ve had plenty of family and friends visit Ireland from abroad. I’m usually the designated driver (see photos above from recent trips!), and my one request is that we rent a car rather than rack up more milage on my own.
My most recent rental was for a 7 day Ireland road trip in May 2026. For those of you stuck for time, here are the steps that outline the best way to rent a car in Ireland (I go through each in more detail below):
- Step 1: Make sure you meet the requirements, first, before doing anything else (info below)
- Step 2: Plan your itinerary as it’ll tell you when/how long you’ll need a car. Need a hand? Here is the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries
- Step 3: Be crystal clear on insurance before booking – this is where most people get stung (I explain this very clearly below)
- Step 4: Compare rental prices on DiscoverCars and avoid low-rated providers
- Step 5: Check and re-check the policies before booking (pay particular attention to the deposit and fuel policy)
- Step 6: At pick-up, inspect and photograph everything
- Step 7: At drop-off, get the return signed off to protect yourself from surprise charges
The requirements for renting a car in Ireland
Before you start looking at the ins and outs of how to rent a car in Ireland, you need to understand the restrictions.
While there are several requirements for driving in Ireland, the one that tends to cause the most confusion is around age.
Requirement 1: A valid drivers licence and ID
You need a valid ID and drivers licence for renting a car in Ireland. Here’s the key info:
- EU and EEA member states: You can drive in Ireland once the licence is valid
- UK licences: These are valid if you live in the UK and are visiting Ireland
- USA + other licences: See requirement 4 below
Requirement 2: Age restrictions
- If you’re under 21: You won’t be able to hire a car from the major car rental companies in Ireland
- If you’re between 21 and 25: Some companies will rent to you but you’ll pay a hefty daily surcharge
- If you’re over 75: You can rent a car but may need to provide specific documentation
Requirement 3: Credit cards
Many Irish rental car companies won’t accept debit card and require you to have a credit card with you when you arrive at the counter. Some companies accept debit cards, but there are often restrictions. For example, Enterprise accepts debit cards at certain non-airport locations, but some branches only offer this option to Irish residents who meet additional requirements.
Requirement 4: Americans and non-EU countries
If you’re renting a car in Ireland as an American, your valid US driving licence is accepted for temporary visits of up to 12 months. You generally won’t need an International Driving Permit (IDP). For visitors from other non-EU countries, the rules vary depending on where your licence was issued. Some drivers will need an IDP alongside their original licence.
Understanding the confusing Ireland car rental insurance
Car rental insurance is the main issue for those looking at how to rent a car in Ireland. It’s also what can turn what looks like a good deal to a money burner in seconds.
However, knowing what to look for before booking can help you avoid unexpected charges at the rental counter.
1. Car Hire Excess
The excess is the maximum amount you could be liable to pay towards covered damage to your car hire in Ireland, depending on the insurance included in your booking. For example, when I rented an automatic SUV from Enterprise in May 2026, the rental cost €368.69 for 7 days and came with a €2,000 damage excess.
This meant that if I damaged the car, I could be liable for up to €2,000, depending on the damage and the terms of the rental agreement. Important: The excess is different from the security deposit. In my case, the deposit was €250, even though the damage excess was €2,000.
2. Third Party Liability Insurance is a legal requirement
Third Party Liability Insurance is included, by law, in the price of hiring a car in Ireland. It’s the minimum level of insurance required to drive on Irish roads:
- It covers: Injury to other people and damage to their vehicles or property if you’re responsible for an accident
- It doesn’t cover: Damage to your own rental car or injuries you sustain yourself
- Important: You don’t need to purchase Third Party Liability Insurance separately when renting a car in Ireland, as it’s already included
3. Collision Damage Waiver
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is where a good chunk of confusion is caused when renting a car in Ireland. CDW reduces the amount you’re liable to pay if you damage your rental car.
It’s often included in the rental price, but you’ll generally still have an excess to pay if something goes wrong. Here’s what you need to know:
- If CDW is included: You’re generally liable for damage up to the excess amount stated in your rental agreement
- If CDW isn’t included: You may be liable for the full value of the rental car if it’s damaged
- Credit card cover: Some credit cards provide rental car damage coverage, but you need to confirm that it covers Ireland and that the rental company accepts it
- My advice: Before booking, check whether CDW is included and, more importantly, what the excess is. Also check what’s excluded, as tyres, glass and certain other types of damage may not be covered
4. Super CDW and full coverage
Third Party Insurance and CDW provide protection, but you can still be liable for damage up to the excess. Super CDW is offered by rental companies and can reduce your excess to zero, although exclusions may apply.
If you book via DiscoverCars, you can add their ‘Full Coverage’. This covers eligible excess charges, but you generally pay the rental company first and then claim reimbursement from DiscoverCars (read the Ts&Cs).
5. What I do
When I rent a car in Ireland, I usually book through DiscoverCars and add their Full Coverage for peace of mind. I always check that CDW is included and pay particular attention to the excess and security deposit.
For example, on my May 2026 road trip, I rented an automatic SUV through Enterprise for €368.69 for 7 days. The excess was €2,000, but the refundable deposit was just €250. I deliberately paid a little more for a rental with a lower deposit, rather than have €2,000 tied up on my credit card for the week.
Policies and things to check when hiring a car in Ireland
I realise that this Ireland car rental guide might seem long winded, but it genuinely only contains the need-to-know info. So, with that in mind, the next section looks at some the key things you need to be aware of when you book your car rental in Ireland.
If there’s one tip you take from this guide to renting a car in Ireland it’s to read the Ts&Cs of your rental agreement before you sign and actually understand what’s being said. Many (not all) people that have negative experiences with rental companies do so due to a lack of research.
1. Plan the pick-up point around your itinerary
When planning a trip to Ireland, your itinerary is key. Even more so if you plan on getting around Ireland in a rental. Have a clear route planned and make sure your pick-up location fits with where your trip starts.
If you follow an itinerary from my Irish Road Trip library, you’ll find tips on when you will and won’t need a car. For example, if you’re spending 2 days in Dublin, you won’t need a rental until you’re leaving the city.
One thing to watch: Not all airport rental collection points are inside the terminal. When I rented from Enterprise in May 2026, I collected the car near the ALSAA Sports Complex rather than at Dublin Airport’s terminal. Also, check whether there’s an additional fee if you’re collecting the car in one location and returning it somewhere else.
2. The Northern Ireland charge
Some car rental companies in Ireland charge extra if you take your rental into Northern Ireland, while others include cross-border travel in the price (see the differences between Ireland vs Northern Ireland if you’re confused). Make sure you understand the policy before booking, particularly if you’re planning to cross the border more than once. You need to check if:
- It’s a per-crossing charge: i.e. you’re charged every time you cross the border
- It’s a one off charge: i.e. you pay a sum in advance
3. The fuel policy
When it comes to fuel, the best way to rent a car in Ireland is to choose the ‘Collect Full, Return Full’ policy.
If you don’t, you’ll be hit with excess fuel costs when the rental company tops it up themselves. You’ll always find a petrol/diesel station close to your drop-off location.
4. The toll policy
It’s like that your Ireland itinerary will see you encounter a toll booth. All but one is your standard toll – i.e. you approach the toll and you can pay with cash or card.
Dublin’s M50 motorway uses a free-flow tolling system, so there’s no toll booth. Instead, your registration is recorded as you pass beneath the tolling cameras. Some Ireland car rentals come with a ‘toll tag’ which covers this charge, but you need to check the Ts&Cs.
5. The transmission (i.e. manual vs automatic)
The majority of rental cars in Ireland are manual (AKA ‘shift’). Now, while automatic cars are available from most companies, they’re not in wide supply.
If you can only drive an automatic, make sure that you book well in advance to avoid disappointment and hefty rental fees.
6. Airport collection fees
Yep, if you’re renting a car in Dublin Airport there’s a charge of €22 (cost may change).
This won’t be listed in the fee that you’re quoted online – it’s added when you pick up the car and it’s payable upon arrival at the airport.
7. Clarity on what’s been paid and what’s left to pay
I prefer to pay for my rental in advance so I know exactly how much I’ve spent before arriving in Ireland. I still check whether there are any charges due at pick-up and how much will be held on my credit card as a security deposit. If you aren’t prepaying, you need to be VERY CLEAR on what’s left to pay aside from the deposit (e.g. a baby seat can cost €40).
8. The deposit
The vast majority of people looking to rent a car in Ireland will have a security deposit placed on their credit card.
- How much: In my comparison of six rental companies below, deposits ranged from €250 to €3,937
- My issue: A rental can look cheap until you realise that several thousand euro will be held on your credit card
- When it’s ‘released’: The rental company releases the hold after the rental, but the time it takes to disappear from your card depends on the company and your bank
- Make sure: Your card has enough of a limit to cover your trip
9. The provider rating
If you’re comparing rentals on DiscoverCars, pay attention to the customer rating beside each company. Personally, I look for a score of at least 8/10 when renting a car in Ireland or elsewhere. A cheaper price wouldn’t tempt me to book with a poorly rated supplier.
What to do when collecting your car rental in Ireland
It’s at this point that, if you didn’t thoroughly review the Ts&Cs of your booking, that you can be hit with unexpected fees that’ll ensure your trip is started off on the wrong note.
Here are some other things to do when picking up your car hire in Ireland:
1. Inspect the car in detail
One of two things will happen when you’re handed the keys to the car.
- Most likely: You’ll be given a few pages detailing the rental agreement and explaining the damage present on the car
- Occasionally happens: The person dealing with your booking will accompany you to your car.
If you’ve been handed a sheet that has a diagram that shows the damage on the car, verify that it’s all correct. Then ensure that there’s no unaccounted for damage INSIDE OR OUT.
2. Take photos
For added insurance when renting a car in Ireland, take out your phone and photograph all damage that’s currently inside and outside of the car.
This ensures that there’s no issue when you’re dropping the car back.
3. Who ya gonna call
Hopefully you’ll have no issues with your car hire in Ireland, but I’ve heard of countless breakdowns and accidents, both minor and major, over the years.
It’s worth knowing exactly who to call in each situation. If someone has been injured, call the Gardaí (the Irish police) on 999 or 112.
4. Fuel type
Hopefully this goes without saying, but you need to be clear about whether the car takes petrol or diesel. Now, the chances are they’ll have a sticker with ‘D’ or ‘P’ above the tank to indicate petrol or diesel.
Keep in mind that many Ireland car rental insurance policies don’t cover you sticking the wrong fuel in the rental.
What to do when dropping off your hire car
The final step in this renting a car in Ireland guide is the drop-off and it’s worth being vigilant to the very end.
I’ve heard of PLENTY of people that have dropped a vehicle back to one of the Irish car rental companies only to discover a random charge on their card weeks later.
1. Checking the car
A member of the rental company will check the rental car over inside and out for any damage that wasn’t present when you picked it up.
If the employee disputes something that was already there when you collected the car, whip out your phone and show them the picture you took upon collection.
Keep in mind that the condition of the vehicle needs to be confirmed by the employee and signed. Ensure that you get a receipt before leaving.
2. Returning the car outside of working hours
If you have to drop your car back outside of normal working hours, check with the company in advance to ensure you’re fully aware of the process.
There is usually a dedicated area where you have to leave the car.
Any time that I have to do this, I take a picture of the car in the designated drop off area just in case something happens to it after I’ve left.
3. Keep an eye on your credit card
I’ve a friend who was renting a car in Dublin for two days recently. All was fine with the car and he dropped it back after his trip.
Two weeks later he noticed a random charge on one of his credit cards from the car hire company. When he queried it, he was told it was for tyre damage.
Luckily, he had a video that he took before he drove the car that showed scuff marks on the alloy. They eventually accepted that he didn’t cause the damage and refunded him.
Comparing the best car rental companies in Ireland
| Company | Vehicle | Price for 8 days | Security deposit | Customer rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIXT | VW T-Cross | €315.43 | €1,500 | 8.4/10 |
| Europcar | Hyundai Kona | €435.20 | €2,000 | 7.2/10 |
| Budget | Suzuki Vitara | €502.92 | €3,937.32 | 7.8/10 |
| Avis | Nissan Qashqai | €515.07 | €3,500 | 7.8/10 |
| Hertz | Nissan Qashqai | €516.29 | €3,500 | 8.5/10 |
| Enterprise | Peugeot 2008 | €529.31 | €250 | 8.8/10 |
For the table above, I used DiscoverCars to compare six of the major car rental companies in Ireland for an eight-day rental from Dublin Airport, from May 1st to May 9th, 2027.
I looked at automatic SUVs and crossovers of broadly similar sizes, using the same dates and driver details for each company. SIXT was the cheapest at €315.43, while Enterprise had the lowest security deposit at €250.
The other companies required deposits ranging from €1,500 to €3,937.32. The vehicles and insurance conditions aren’t identical, but the comparison shows why it’s worth looking beyond the advertised rental price.
My experience with Irish car rental companies
I regularly get emails asking which rental company I’d recommend, and my answer is usually the same – in my experience, there’s very little between the major suppliers.
The first time I rented a car, I went with Enterprise simply because they had the best deal. Nothing to write home about, but everything went smoothly. I rented with them again in Ireland in 2017 and had a similarly good experience.
Since then, I’ve rented with several other companies and started using DiscoverCars to compare prices. I’ve found it often works out cheaper for the automatic SUVs and crossovers I tend to rent.
Through The Irish Road Trip, I’ve dealt with probably a thousand visitors to Ireland, and I can’t recall hearing about any particularly bad rental experiences. What I have heard about are unexpected security deposits, with people arriving at the rental desk unaware that thousands of euro would be held on their credit card.
That’s why I’d happily pay a little more to avoid a large deposit, although I’d also compare the insurance excess and what’s included in the price. I’ve had first or second-hand experience with four of the major car rental companies in Ireland, and the experiences have been very similar.
FAQs
If you’re wondering how to rent a car in Ireland, the FAQs below cover some of the questions I get asked most often, from driving licence requirements and age restrictions to insurance, deposits and rental costs.
Do you need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Ireland?
If you hold a valid driving licence from the US, UK, EU or EEA, you generally won’t need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Visitors with licences issued in other countries may need one, particularly if their licence isn’t in English or doesn’t use the Latin alphabet. Check the rental company’s requirements before travelling.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Ireland?
It depends on the rental company. Many require drivers to be at least 21 or 25, and younger drivers may face additional charges or restrictions on the types of cars they can rent. Some companies also have requirements for older drivers. Always enter your actual age when comparing rentals, as it can affect both availability and price.
Do you need a credit card to rent a car in Ireland?
Not always, but I’d strongly recommend having one. Many Irish car rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name to cover the refundable security deposit. Some accept debit cards under certain conditions, but these can involve additional insurance requirements or restrictions. Check the payment and deposit conditions before booking.
Can I rent a car in Ireland with a US driving licence?
Yes. If you’re visiting Ireland from the US, you can rent a car using your valid American driving licence. You don’t need to exchange it for an Irish licence. Rental companies may also require you to have held your licence for a minimum period, and age restrictions still apply.
What is the best car rental company in Ireland?
There isn’t one company I’d recommend above all others. I’ve rented with several of the major suppliers and found the experience fairly similar. My advice is to compare prices, customer reviews, insurance excesses and security deposits before booking. As the comparison table above shows, the cheapest rental doesn’t always offer the best overall deal.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Ireland?
Prices vary depending on the time of year, rental duration, vehicle type and insurance. For my comparison of six major companies at Dublin Airport in May 2027, eight-day automatic SUV and crossover rentals ranged from €315.43 to €529.31 before optional extras. Remember to budget for fuel, tolls and any additional insurance you choose.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 37 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. Recently, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.
Planning a trip to Ireland in ’23. Your site is incredible for all the info it provides! It will make planning our trip so much easier. Thank you for the time you put into it.
Cheers Bill!
Great info! For our first trip to Ireland in May (we’re from California) we’ll be coming down from Belfast by train and I was hoping to rent a car in Drogheda. (Our plan is to go from there to Newgrange/Knowth, then Loughcrew Cairns then Lough Key Forest then Carrokeel, Carrowmore and Ceide Fields before heading down to Cahersiveen where we will base for a week while exploring the south west then turn the car in at the Shannon airport.) Although I’ve driven in Scotland on the ‘wrong’ side, I do want an automatic to keep it simple. With that in mind would you suggest I should forget Drogheda and take the train to the Dublin airport to pick up the car? I thought it would be cheaper and easier in Drogheda.
Also, how many days would you suggest we plan for this leg of the trip?
Thank you (and I intend to thank you more properly with a contribution to your pint fund 😉
Cindy Griswold
Hey Cynthia,
That’s a nice little itinerary you have planned. I was up at Loughcrew recently and, while it was a fairly steep climb, the views from the top are mighty.
If I was you, I’d just grab it in Drogheda and avoid Dublin Airport altogether, as you get hit with the airport pick-up charge.
When you say ‘this leg’, do you mean the Belfast, Mayo, Sligo and Meath section? If so, I’d allow as much time as you can. There’s heaps to see and do in Mayo and Sligo in particular.
How much time do you have to play with?
I have previously hired cars from Belfast city ,this time Belfast international I have never encountered a problem before . . I’m quiet worried I’m going to encounter a problem , I have never booked a car with a credit card ,I’ve never had one . It seems I’m very limited as to which I can book with . I have always taken out extra insurance to cover eventualities,so that I’m not liable for anything. Taken the car full and returned the car full ,in designated area .
I’ve never heard of super damage waiver Until now ? It’s already causing me stress ,I’m concerned I’m going to Ireland without the ability to drive a car ?
Hey Glenda,
OK – no need to stress. Let’s try and get to the bottom of this for you.
If you don’t have a credit card, you may not be able to rent from the airport (this is the case in Dublin, anyway). However, some rental companies take debit card, so it’s worth checking this in advance.
If you’ve never heard of super damage waiver, it’s likely because it was called something else. Again, try not to worry – this is just a level of insurance that covers you for various issues.
If you can’t book from Belfast, you can always get a bus or a taxi into the city/to one of the other rental company pick-up points, so you’ll be fine.
I hope that is of some use to you – have a lovely trip!
I am new to renting a car overseas and plan to visit Ireland this year. I can’t seem to find a rental car site that offers a diesel car. What site do you suggest that is best to rent a car there. Enterprise seemed to be more user friendly.
Hey Janet – Hmm, that’s weird. I would have thought most would have offered diesel. I’m biased towards Discover Cars as we earn a small commission from each sale (and they have great reviews), but most should be able to offer you the option of a diesel engine.
Just keep in mind that diesel is currently a fair bit more expensive than petrol in Ireland.
Have a great trip!
Keith
Hey Mate, u didn’t reccommend any actual companies…I was looking at Dooleys Car Rentals, as they seemed to have everything u pay upfront, with no hidden costs?! I have even email to verify what their quote was, is what we will actually be paying?! I hope that is nough back up, to not a a shock at the end of the trip! 😉 Thanx, Kel. (& huge kudos 2 u mate, on the massive time & effort put into this page) Congratz.
Kellie – apologies! I completely missed this comment. I hope you managed to get sorted in the end.
Ah, I know – I’m a bit weary of recommending any as there isn’t one that I’ve had an overly great experience with.
Thanks for the kind words and I hope the form is mighty!
I’ve been planning to go see Ireland this year in June, but the rental prices seem way too expensive for me. Aprox 1000€ for 9 days for an economy vw polo or similar. Is this normal?
Hey Alex! I’ve never rented a car for that long but that does seem very pricey. Have you used a comparison site like Discover Cars (note: this is an affiliate link). It’s an easy way to get a quick insight into what all of the providers are charging. It’s definitely more expensive to rent in the summer months, but that does seem pricey. Let me know how you get on!
Hey Alex,
The summer months definitely seem to be more expensive alright. A grand for 9 days seems very pricey though. Who was this with? It’s worth seeing if you absolutely need it for the entire journey.
It’s also worth, if you haven’t already, checking that the pick-up and drop-off isn’t at an airport, as this adds an additional charge.
Thank you for the thorough and excellent expose on renting a car in Ireland. I have experienced much of what you describe on earlier car rentals while driving in Ireland. I have been searching for a car rental for July 2022 and am feeling much more confident having saved your article here. Ireland is unique and well-loved but when it comes to the challenge of auto rentals in this beautiful country, your information is invaluable.
Hey Kathryn,
Cheers for the comment – I’m glad it proved to be some use to you. Hopefully you get a decent bit of weather when you arrive!
Have a great, safe visit.
Keith
Hi ,
Thank you for this whole write up. Just have a question, is this info up to date? From my understanding purchasing insurance isn’t a legal requirement ? & What is legally required is included in the rate ? I just got back from a trip and honestly feel like I was forced to purchase insurance for a crazy amount . This was through a smaller rental car business but it was ran by Europcar. Thank you!
Hey Jos,
I’ve gone back through this guide today and checked and the info is all up-to-date.
It sounds like me and you had a similar experience. I rented a car from Europecar a few years ago and thought that the third party insurance (which legally has to be included in the price) would have covered me.
I was then told that I had to get the additional insurance (I can’t remember which it was). I just took for granted that I had to take this out based on the way the guy at the counter phrased it, but I’m fairly sure that wasn’t the case.
I’m sure they didn’t tell me it was necessary, but it was definitely worded in a way that made me feel like I had to buy it.
From the painful research that went into the guide above, it would seem that the third party cover should suffice and then you chose whether to either accept a big liability or pay for the additional cover.
It’s a painful process.
I hope you enjoyed your trip aside from this.
Cheers – Keith
@Keith O’Hara,
Hi Keith,
Yes, unfortunately , my experience wasn’t a pleasant one. The rental rate came with third party which like you, I also thought would cover me. Upon arriving after over 12 hours of travel time, I get to the counter and am told I need to purchase coverage. I tried denying theirs and asked if I could purchase elsewhere; again, they said no … that I basically had to buy from them because any other insurance wouldn’t ‘work’ for them. I then just tried waving it altogether because the insurance was coming out close to being more than the actual rental. Lol… crazy !
They wouldn’t let up and I was pretty much told that they wouldn’t give me the car without insurance. They were pretty adamant about it being necessary. At that point, I had no choice but to give in considering our trip wouldn’t actually be starting out in Dublin (we were hitting the road as soon as we landed with accommodations elsewhere). I also asked for the cheapest/lowest/ minimum required insurance and was given a $65 a day rate. I was honestly taken aback in all that & still cannot believe it.
I honestly don’t know if this is the same with other companies there in Ireland, but I’ve had two other bad experiences with Europcar in the past (I didn’t know they were the providers for the rental company I booked with this time around). My advice to others would be to stay away from them. I plan on reaching out to them to see if we can possibly work something out and then maybe going through my bank as well.
All in all though, I loved and enjoyed my time in Ireland sooooo much. Grateful to have been able to visit such a lovely picturesque country full of history !
Thanks again !
Yeah not sure what’s going on right now with rental rates overall, because I’m seeing, even on the discover site, $2,000 for 10 days automatic compact in October. When I visited in 2019 it was €499 all inclusive, plus €10/day for second driver. Feel like something is up with the prices.
I was talking to someone recently who said that it’s down to rental companies selling off their cars over the last 3 years. Not sure how accurate this is, but it seems like renting a car in Dublin, in particular, is very pricey at the moment.
@Keith O’Hara, I am travelling to Ireland end of June and the rental prices are shocking. Some articles mentioned that the rest of the tourism industry is complaining because this is going to discourage travellers. Do you think there is a chance that the government will intervene?
Hey Elisa – This is purely my own opinion, but I highly, highly doubt you’ll see any government intervention into car rental prices in Ireland. It’s a mess of a situation but hopefully one that can’t continue as, by the sounds of it, many are refusing to pay (and rightly so!).
Hi Keith, thank you so much for this article and all of the others. Have spent a considerable time on your site planning out my trip to Ireland late Aug 2022. Like others have said the prices are quite high. Do you think it’ll be cheaper to rent a car in smaller towns compared to Dublin? We’re thinking it might be cheaper to get from city to city using a bus, and rent a car for excursions. Any advice?
Hey Shruti! Thanks for the kind words! The honest answer is I have no idea – all we keep hearing is that ‘There’s a shortage of cars’, and that’s why prices are so high. There’s no real insight into whether that’s going to change any time soon. If it was me, I’d definitely be doing what you say – use buses and trains and then, when needed, use a rental or book onto an organised tour. It’s a mess of a situation – I hope it hasn’t cause you too much hassle during your planning! Have a great trip!
Thanks for all the great info. A couple friends have warned me of taking a car with Ireland license plates into Northern Ireland or a car with Northern Ireland plates into Ireland. Is this just paranoia or areal concern?
Thats just paranoia. Yes, there’s definitely housing estates in parts of NI that I wouldn’t drive into in my own car, but driving around NI with a ‘southern’ reg will be absolutely fine.
Hello Keith.
First off let me saythat My wife and I have an upcoming trip to Ireland scheduled for October. I am a bit nervous about driving in Ireland but I have read and reread all your information and downloaded information from the RSA to study.
We booked our trip through Great Value vacations back in 2018 and where supposed to leave in October of 2019 however due to Covid restrictions we had to put it off. We paid up front for the trip including the rental car and hotels. Do you think its possible that we will get charged more upon arrivel due to cost increases and car shortages or do you think they will honor the agreements. We have not recieved any notices of an increase from Great Value.
Thanks for any advuce you have and also for all your information.
Eric
Hey Eric,
Sounds like this is a long-awaited trip! The honest answer is I don’t know – it’d be worth reading the Ts and Cs of the booking to see if there’s any mention of price changes.
It’d be well worth also reaching out to the company you booked through and get them to confirm in writing.
Have a great, safe trip!
Hi Keith,
Thank you for all the great info and research that you have done and are providing here! Greatly appreciated!
This September will be my third trip to Ireland but my first driving into N.I. from the Dublin airport traveling north on the M1. You mention above how cars are tracked via chips and charged a fee for each time they cross the boarder into N.I. Do you know what that charge amount is currently?
Thank you,
mark
Hi Mark – I don’t, sorry! I know when I last rented a car (around 3 years ago now) it was like 20 quid I think, but that might have changed. Sorry I can’t be of more help.
Safe driving.
Keith
We are planning a trip, and I am searching for a car rental. THIS SITE WAS WONDERFULL
it had info I never thought. of, Thank you for your wonderful site
If you are over 75 it seems you need a Doctor’s Certificate as well as Driving License etc but this is not explained properly by the rental companies.
Having previously planned and booked a visit to Ireland!
Fortunately refunds were forthcoming and now we were once again planning our visit quite confidently, until “hiring a rental car in Ireland” presented its ugly head. Read most comments but still no clarity of what to do, then your site appeared, with explanations and simple suggestions that put a smile back on our faces. The trip is on, thanks to your commonsense approach. Thanks, Peter
Hey Peter. That’s great to hear! This article was a pain to research and write so it’s great to hear that it has proved useful. Have a great trip!
Hi, coming the US via England, I rented a car from Budget at the Knock airport and dropped it off in Galway. I did get the rental insurance letter from American Express in advance, that process is automated so you can get it and print it quickly. The guy at the rental car counter said he REALLY appreciated having the letter, said he gets into a lot of arguments with folks. So the rental experience was a breeze for us. Worked out to $66 a day for four days.
I got the manual transmission, but wouldn’t recommend that unless you are very comfortable with a stick shift. Using the left hand was odd, I caught myself reaching for the shift lever with the right hand a couple of times. The first hours were nervous, but after a day or two my brain had accepted driving on the left. Read up on how to navigate roundabouts if you aren’t familiar with that.
Highly recommend touring the Wild Atlantic Way by car, great way to tour the countryside and be able to stop at random places and soak in the scenery. Absolutely worth the expense.
Currently working through our May/June 2024 trip and car hire is next on the list. As with all our travels, finding homegrown advice is always insightful and this is very true of your site Keith, so thank you for taking the time to help travellers to your beautiful country. It’s our first trip but one we’ve planned to take for a long time, given how crappy our last year has been I cannot wait.
Thanks Rob! If there’s anything I can provide any more info on just shout!
Hi!
Thanks a lot for this incredible guide! Even if I rented a car in other countries, Ireland is another world! I couldn’t imagine the difference between paying with a credit or a debit card would be 100 euros! I did a simulation and I found all the checkpoints you gave us here. So, you can count on my reserve in Discover Car with your link. Thanks a lot from Spain!
Rented car through Discovercars.com, picked it up in Sligo and returned it to Shannon airport.. Enterprise was company allocated to me. Efficient , non stressful process, friendly staff, Cahill took time to show me everything with the car , no hidden fees , will be sure to use them again .
Hi! Just returned from Ireland and have to thank you for the great info on renting a car! Everything went smoothly and we enjoyed our trip immensely. Can’t wait to go back.
Hi Keith, not sure you are still answering those comments, but will give it a try. Any recommendations on the type of care if we never drove on the left side before? 🙂 I am from EU, we drive on the right and I drive manual (and normally really hate automatic…). However, I am sceptical driving a manual when I also have to be careful to stay on the left side of the road and everything in the car is on the other side. I have been to Ireland before and have seen the narrow roads in some parts… any advice on that? Manual/automatic transmison to make things easier? Tnx 🙂 Btw you are making my vacation planning way easier with all the usefull stuff on this web page!
Hey Ana! From talking to many people in your position, you are always best getting a car similar to the one you are used to driving at home, as it’ll help with your spatial awareness. I see your point with the transmission – if you’re comfortable and confident renting an automatic in Ireland, then that might be the best approach! Thanks for the kind words and I hope you have a fantastic adventure here!
We’re going to follow your 8-day from Dublin almost verbatim. Thank you! Question: We fly into and out of Dublin. Do you recommend we get the car at the airport? Open to your suggestions.
Hi Mark. Yes, especially when you’re only in Dublin for the day it’ll save you on the second day having to go and get the car. It’s easy to pick it up in the airport. The only downside is you’ll often need to pay for parking if you’re staying in the city!