How to find a cheap car hire deal in Ireland
Travel at your own pace with a cheap rental car in Ireland. With prices starting from 19 € a day, it's a wallet-friendly way to explore on your terms. From fuel-savers to people movers, we'll help you find the right rental for less.
128 € is the lowest rate for a weekly rental if your travel plans run a little longer.
Browse the range of car rentals in Dublin. This is where you'll find the cheapest rides in Ireland.
Donegal is the most popular city to rent a car.
If you're not sure which company to go with, check out Budget. It's the leading pick among travellers in Ireland.
Collect your ride from the airport if you're flying in. Dublin Airport, Cork Airport and Shannon Airport offer car hire pickup locations either at the terminal or nearby.
You can rent some wheels easily in top cities including Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Knock and Farranfore.
Think about choosing a one-way rental. Providers often reduce prices on certain routes to move vehicles between sites. When searching for a car for rent in Ireland, select 'Return car to a different location' to find those deals.
Taking your time on this trip? Consider a 30-day rental. Longer bookings can cost less because they involve less paperwork and handling for the company.
To avoid extra costs, go for a vehicle that comes with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll collect it with a full tank and bring it back full, meaning you only pay for the fuel you actually use.
Rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' give you the freedom to explore without racking up added charges. Search for this option under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like.
Best time to book a car hire in Ireland
Here's the secret to booking at the right time. Four weeks in advance gives you better odds of securing the best price on a car hire in Ireland.
The most affordable month to rent a car is October, with rates averaging 43 € a day.
If you want to steer clear of peak pricing, avoid booking in August.
Compare car hire types in Ireland
Economy: Staying true to its name, this option is designed with value in mind. It pairs some of the cheapest rates on offer with strong fuel efficiency to help keep the total spend down. When you'd rather save than splurge, this is an easy choice.
Small: Mini and economy cars belong to this category. Their compact size and manoeuvrability make city driving far less stressful. And with engines designed to use less fuel, they're an obvious choice when you need a cheap rental car in Ireland.
Medium: Need more space without going all out? Medium rentals (which include compact and intermediate models) strike the perfect balance. They feel right at home on city streets, on highways and almost everywhere in between.
Large: Big adventures call for bigger thinking. Whether you're cruising with your entire crew or heading off on a longer drive, these full-size cars deliver the space you need. Look forward to generous seating, ample luggage capacity and comfort that holds up over distance.
SUV: Road trips across Ireland are a dream in one of these. The elevated seating position allows a clearer view of the road ahead and helps you stay aware of your surroundings. Engineered for versatility, they can take you from multi-lane highways to more unpredictable terrain with ease.
Van: When there's a full load to move, a van rises to the occasion. This type of car for rent in Ireland fits everyone and everything comfortably. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a dependable pick for group transport, moving or business use.
Luxury: Travel in total style. Combining bold design, cutting-edge technology, and performance engineered for precision and power, these vehicles redefine the rental experience.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your rental car is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it helps cover you in a tough spot. Just remember that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Ireland by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Driving in Ireland: What you need to know
You generally have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in Ireland. Younger drivers can sometimes still qualify — just expect some extra rules or charges. Check the companies' terms and conditions before booking.
If you're bringing the kids along, find out if you need to add a car seat to your car rental reservation in Ireland. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
You'll be asked for some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.
If you haven't driven before in Ireland, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Follow the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Ireland is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.
The euro (EUR) is the currency you'll be using for everyday purchases and activities. Pay by card when it's convenient, and keep a little cash when electronic payments aren't an option.
