Cheap car hire in Donegal, Ireland

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Choose from 5 pick-up spots

When's the cheapest time to hire a car in Donegal?

Our data shows that September is the cheapest month to rent a car in Donegal. It’s around 66 € per day in September, compared to the yearly average of 76 € per day.
Cheapest month avgSeptember • 66 €
Yearly avg price76 €

Select your Donegal pick-up location

There are 5 car hire providers in Donegal. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Car hire pick-up spots in Donegal

Compare car hire prices at airports, train stations and in different neighbourhoods across Donegal. You might find a better price, or the perfect pick-up point nearby. Start your journey where it suits you.
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These are estimated prices to help you choose from a large number of options. Each is an average based on the lowest car rental prices found for each destination over the last 15 days.

The most popular car rental companies in Donegal

Europcar
Fox - Rent A Car
Enterprise
Advantage - Rent A Car

What's the most popular car to hire in Donegal?

Based on recent Skyscanner data, the Ford Fiesta is the most popular car to hire in Donegal, with prices starting from €45 per day. The Kia Sportage and similar models are also popular drives in Donegal.
Ford Fiesta
Ford Fiesta53% chose this
Kia Sportage
Kia Sportage16% chose this
Ford Focus
Ford Focus11% chose this
Ford KA
Ford KA6% chose this
Most popular carFord Fiesta
Why?Small, practical, easy to park

Donegal's cheapest car hire providers

Enterprise has the cheapest car hire in Donegal right now, with prices from €45 per day. You'll save an average of €92 per day when you book with them.
Enterprisefrom €45 per day
Europcarfrom €137 per day
Cheapest providerEnterprise
Book with them to save around€92 per day

Hiring a car in Donegal: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyEuropcar
Most popular carCompact, 4-5 doors
Average daily price167 €
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Donegal

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Donegal car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Donegal

  • Make your move with a cheap rental car in Donegal. With prices averaging 167 € a day, you get freedom without the high price tag. From small cars to full-size models, we'll match you with the perfect ride for the right price.

  • Daily rental prices in Donegal start from just 45 €.

  • Making it more than a quick visit? Pick up a weekly rental from 309 € and take the time to discover more.

  • Walk away with the best price on a Donegal car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get the best value with the most choice.

  • Grab your wheels from Enterprise, one of the city's most well-known providers.

  • Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Donegal car hire policy, whether with Enterprise or any other supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.

  • Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Donegal.

  • Save money on fuel by picking a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and drop it off full, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you drive as far as you want.

Best value car hire options right now

  • Coming in first for value is this company, with prices averaging 61 € a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around 137 €, this provider comes in next.

  • The third option also comes in as one of the cheaper suppliers. Ride away in one of their rentals for roughly 151 € a day.

  • If you can't decide what kind of ride you need, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most frequently booked type of car in Donegal.

Flying to Donegal? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Keep arrival day hassle-free by booking a car hire at Donegal Airport. If you're flying to Donegal through this airport, simply collect your ride after landing and go. The drive to the city centre is about 72 kilometres and takes around 20 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Donegal

  • Small: Whether you're zipping around the city or simply planning a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and great mileage.

  • Medium: A reliable pick when you want something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller options.

  • Large: Long drives fly by in this Donegal car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra legroom and comfort make them an excellent option for families and groups of friends.

  • SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you need a car for rent in Donegal that can handle the heavy stuff. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or a bunch of your favourite people.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Adding excess insurance to your Donegal car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so compare before you book.

  • Take your ride to the next level with extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. These add-ons can turn your drive into a smoother experience when you rent a car in Donegal.

Good to know

  • To rent a car in Ireland, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may offer rentals to younger drivers for a higher fee, so always go over the policies before securing your wheels.

  • Travelling with kids? Child car seat laws vary depending on where you are, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Be sure to add the right one to your Donegal car rental booking.

  • You'll need some documents when collecting your car. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.

  • For first-time drivers in Ireland, keep in mind that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.

  • Local speed limits are usually about 45kph in built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Ireland is 0.05%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the surest choice is to avoid drinks so you remain legal to drive.

  • Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother run. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

  • The euro (EUR) is the currency you'll be using for everyday purchases and activities. Pay with a card when you can, but have some cash ready for places that don't accept electronic payment.

Best hotels in Donegal for drivers

  • Pull in and settle straight into your stay at Harvey's Point. Offering parking as well as express check-in and express check-out, this hotel is around 6 kilometres from central Donegal.

  • Or take advantage of the accessible parking at Eas Dun Lodge. The city centre is roughly 6 kilometres from this option, which also features internet access and a garden.

  • Need more places to choose from? Browse the selection of hotels in Donegal. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.

  • You're ready to start exploring now you've found a car hire deal in Donegal and your hotel. From Donegal Castle to Donegal Railway Heritage Centre, the city's packed with places worth visiting.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Donegal

  • Sligo has to be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Yeats Memorial Building and Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. This city is around 48 kilometres southwest of central Donegal.

  • You'll be well taken care of at Clayton Hotel & Leisure Club Sligo and Sligo Park Hotel & Leisure Club, two accommodation options with parking in Sligo.

  • Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Donegal and then set off for Letterkenny. Roughly 40 kilometres northeast of Donegal, St. Eunan's Cathedral and Poison Glen are among the highlights that make the drive worthwhile.

  • Letterkenny has some comfortable accommodation options including Radisson Blu Hotel Letterkenny and Mount Errigal Hotel Conference & Leisure Centre. Both give you somewhere to leave your car during your stay.

  • Keep things moving and road-trip it to Waterford, roughly 274 kilometres south of Donegal. Make your first stop Bishop's Palace, then spend some time at Christ Church Cathedral.

  • Find a room at Waterford Viking Hotel or Granville Hotel. They make it a breeze to experience everything Waterford has to offer. They also offer parking.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Donegal will set you back around 167 € per day or 820 € per week. 

The cheapest car to rent in Donegal is a compact crossover (similar to SUVs). The most popular is Compact, 4-5 doors.

The cheapest car hire company in Donegal is currently Enterprise, followed by Europcar.

Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Donegal is currently September.

On average, around 820 €. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Donegal is 309 €.

Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Donegal for a whole month is 2.515 €. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!

If you're looking for freedom to explore Donegal, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Donegal that have free cancellation

Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.

Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Donegal.

Most places – Donegal included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 

The cheapest price we found for an economy car is 49 € per day. The average price per day is around 58 €.

Of course. Most major car hire companies like Europcar, Fox - Rent A Car and Enterprise offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.

Other travellers rated Enterprise as the best overall in terms of experience.

We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Donegal.