Renting a Car in Ireland: Top Things To Know in 2024

Are you looking to rent a car in Ireland? You have come to the right place.

The Emerald Isle is the perfect place for a road trip. from the Wild Atlantic Way to the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry, Ireland has so many places to visit.

During my time in Ireland, I found it much easier to travel around in a car as it allowed me to control my schedule and stop at all the breathtaking viewpoints (and there are many!)

Before renting a car in Ireland, you will need to know exactly how to rent a car, where to pick up your rental car, and the laws and regulations for renting a car and driving in Ireland. 

While this may seem overwhelming, I am here to help make the whole process a little easier.

Are you ready to begin your road trip?

🚗 Looking for the best place to rent a car in Ireland? Find the cheapest car rentals here

Best rental car companies in Ireland

No matter where you pick up your rental car in Ireland, you will have several choices of companies to rent your vehicle through.

The companies you may have have heard of before are Budget, Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, and Enterprise. 

Two well-known local companies in Ireland are Dooley and Irish Car Rentals.

The best way to find your rental car company is through DiscoverCars.

DiscoverCars is a search engine for rental cars all over the world. On DiscoverCars, you can compare prices for local and international rental companies, and it will show you the different types of vehicles available and the prices of each rental company.

🚗 Looking for the best place to rent a car in Ireland? Find the cheapest car rentals here

How much does it cost to rent a car in Ireland?

The car rental price in Ireland will depend on the type of car, the rental car company, insurance, and the length of your rental.

Generally, you can pay around $40 – $45 daily for an economy car in the summer, but you will only pay around $20 daily for an economy car in winter.

Car rentals in Ireland attract an Irish tax of 13.5% which is unfortunately very high.

Additional costs when renting a car in Ireland

• One-way rentals: fees vary depending on the company, but expect to pay around $70 total
  
  
• Gas: Gas is not included in your rental price, and you will need to return the car full of gas.
  
• Using your insurance: If you use your credit card insurance, you will need to pay an admin fee of around 30€.
  
• Hold on your credit card: Some companies may request a hold on your credit to cover any excess.
  
• Extra accessories: GPS, infant car seats, cell phone car holders, etc
  
• Border fee:  Crossing the border from Ireland into Northern Ireland will attract a fee, PLUS there will be an extra drop-off fee if you leave your car in Northern Ireland.

• Additional Driver: Some rental companies will charge for each additional driver per day.

🚗 Looking for the best place to rent a car in Ireland? Find the cheapest car rentals here

How to Rent a Car Here

1. Choose your arrival and departure dates

Before booking your rental car, you will need to know the exact dates you will be renting your car.

Not only do you need to know the exact arrival and departure dates, but you will also need to know the time for pick-up and drop-off.

Allow time to clear customs and collect your luggage for proper time management.

You must also factor in time to drop off the car before returning to the airport for your departing flight. Three to four hours before your flight is usually enough time.

2. Know where you are picking up and dropping off your car

When you are booking your car rental, choose your location to pick up and return your vehicle. Picking up and dropping off in the same location is always going to be the cheapest option.

Most rental companies are located at airports in Shannon, Dublin, and the main cities.

3. Will you need a car everywhere you go?

Check your itinerary and see which places require that you have access to a car and decide whether you will need a rental car for your whole trip. If you are staying in Dublin for a few days, you will not necessarily need a car, so be sure to keep this in mind.

You will also need to check with your accommodation that you can access parking.

4. Research car rental companies

Decide on which rental car company you would like to book with. DiscoverCars makes this easy as the search engine allows you to find the cheapest car rental in Ireland and compare available options.

When choosing your car hire company, read the fine print to avoid hidden costs when you pick up your car.

5. Choose your vehicle type

When choosing your type of vehicle, you need to account for all passengers, the amount of luggage you have, and the types of roads you will be driving on.

The smaller the car, the better. This will save you on fuel prices (petrol is expensive in Ireland) and help you tackle the windy roads. 

If you can drive a manual, this is a favorable choice as it will most likely be cheaper.. 

6. Get a rental car quote

Once you have entered all your information and chosen the type of car, you can look through the quotes on DiscoverCars to choose the best car for your trip within your price range.

7. Check insurance options

Car rental insurance in Ireland is compulsory, but it is also very confusing. You cannot drive away without Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance.

You can also purchase excess damage insurance as an added expense, but this will only cover minor damage to the car. 

Due to the nature of the roads in Ireland, it is super easy to cause damage to the car, so it is something to consider.

Many credit card companies do not provide CDW, but some do, so check with your credit card company. 

If your credit card company does provide CDW, you will need to deny the basic cover, BUT some rental companies will require written confirmation from your credit card company that they will cover you.

If you sustain any damage to the car, your credit card will be charged, and you will need to follow this up with your company to get the money back.

8. Finalize your reservation

Once you have finished your research and decided on your rental car company, you can go ahead and finalize your reservation. 

YOU WILL NEED A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE TO RENT YOUR CAR.

The reservation must be made in the main driver’s name when reserving your car.

You will also need a debit or credit card to make your reservation. 

Providing your flight details in case of delays is also a great idea.

How to Save Money on Rental Cars in Ireland

Car rentals for your Irish road trip can end up becoming quite expensive, but there are several ways to minimize this cost:

Return your car to the same place you picked it up

Returning your car to the same location you pick it up at is the cheapest option. Car hire companies will charge an extra fee to return your rental car to a different location, which is often around $70 but can be higher.

Rent a small vehicle

Not only will this help you navigate the narrow windy roads, but they are also the cheapest vehicles to rent.

When choosing your car, remember the number of passengers and luggage you will have.

Rent a manual transmission

A manual transmission is much cheaper than an automatic. There aren’t many automatic cars in Ireland (or much of Europe), so if you can drive a manual, this will save you a lot of money.

Do not rent a car in Dublin

It is very easy to walk around Dublin, and most places you will visit are within walking distance. Plan your trip so that Dublin is at the beginning or end. Most likely, your rental car will remain in the parking lot during your visit to Dublin.

Stick to one driver

Most rental car companies in Ireland will charge for each additional driver. The extra charge is per day and can get quite expensive, and it will be cheaper to stick with one driver. 

Skip the extras

Instead of hiring a GPS through the rental car company, use google maps on your phone. Remember to load your maps when you have WiFi. 

Some extras, such as an infant car seat, might be more convenient to rent with your car but check if you can’t provide the other extras yourself.

Where to pick up your rental car in Ireland?

There are several car rental locations in Ireland with many great options. The main places to rent a car in Ireland are:

Dublin

You can pick up a rental car in the city center and the airport in Dublin. 

Car Rental Ireland at Dublin Airport means you can avoid the traffic in the city center and head straight onto the motorways. 

Picking up a rental car from the city center in Dublin allows you to avoid the lines at the airport.

If you pick up a car in the city center that is far from your accommodation, you may consider taking a taxi.

Hiring a car in Dublin is perfect for those who land in Dublin and plan to begin a road trip immediately. 

Cork

If you plan on driving around the south of Ireland, consider taking a train to Cork and hiring a car from there. 

This will allow you to avoid the traffic in Dublin and the unnecessary drive down to Cork.

In Cork, you can hire a car from the airport, the city center, or the train station (this is perfect if you have taken the train from Dublin).

Shannon

Shannon is a small airport located on the West Coast of Ireland and is a fantastic place to pick up a rental car if you are sticking to the West Coast.

Shannon is a smaller airport than Dublin, so you won’t need to worry about the crowds of people or the traffic as you leave the airport.

Requirements for Renting a Car in Ireland

Age

You must be at least 25 years old for most rental car companies in Ireland. Most rental car companies require you to have held a driver’s license for at least eight years.

Note: Sixt will rent to drivers aged between 21 and 24 for an additional fee.

If you rent a car in Ireland as an American or Canadian, you must have held your driver’s license for at least nine years.

Drivers over 75 must have a printed medical certificate to state that they are fit to drive and a letter from their current insurance company stating that they have not had an accident in the last five years. 

All of this information must be provided to the rental company at least five days before your pick-up date.

Driver license

You must possess a FULL driver’s license from your home country, but you do not need an international driver’s license to drive in Ireland. Just make sure you have held your license for at least eight years.

Credit cards and debit cards

You will need a credit or debit card to rent a car and must have it when you pick up your car. 

Your card must also have enough money to have a hold put on your card for the cost of the excess/deposit. Read the fine print with your rental car company for the amount required.

Documentation needed

You will need your driver’s license, passport, and credit or debit card to pick up your rental car in Ireland.

If you are waiving the basic CDW, you will also need a letter from your credit company to confirm they will cover you in case of an accident. 

Travelers over 70 will also need their medical certificate and letter from their insurance company.

7 Irish Driving Laws to know

Drive on the left side of the road

In Ireland, you always drive on the left-hand side of the road. Although this sounds daunting to some, it is much easier to get the hang of than you think. 

Speed limits are in kilometers

The Republic of Ireland’s speed limits and speed signs are in kilometers. If you cross the border into Northern Ireland, the speed signs will be in miles per hour, so you may need to do some quick calculations to make sure you aren’t speeding.

Seat belts are required

Seat belts must be worn at all times for the driver and their passengers. There are fines and consequences if you are not wearing your seatbelt. 

Give way to the right

When entering traffic or a roundabout, always give way to those on your right.

Using cell phones is prohibited

When driving, using your cell phone in any capacity is illegal. When using maps on your cell phone, you need an appropriate mount or cradle to hold your phone or ask your passenger to be the navigator. 

A driver’s license is to be carried at all times

You must have your driver’s license with you at all times when driving in Ireland. You do not need an international driver’s license but must carry your passport.

Helpful tips for driving in Ireland 

Pre-book your car

Irish road trips are popular and rental cars book up early. Pre-booking your car also allows you to get the best deal.

Watch out for sheep

Farmers commonly move their sheep across the roads outside the main cities. It can be quite a shock to come around a sharp bend to see a flock of sheep in the middle of the road.

Many roads in Ireland are single-lane, so you cannot go around the sheep. Instead, you will need to wait until they have crossed the road before you can continue.

The roads are windy

The roads in Ireland are very narrow and windy. You will need to be mindful of oncoming traffic, and one of you will need to reverse to a passing point. 

The narrow roads wind around the coastal road, and you must take care when navigating the bends.

The Google Maps time is just a guide

Google Maps does not consider any sheep, narrow roads, or photo opportunities. The time Google Maps provides is often much shorter than the reality of your trip. 

Make sure you allow plenty of time to get one point A to point B.

Give way to the right or the first person in the roundabout 

When entering a roundabout, ensure you give way to traffic from the right or the person in the roundabout first. 

Roundabouts can be challenging, so take a moment to think and yield before entering.

Toll roads

Ireland has several toll roads, and you are responsible for paying the toll. 

The M8, Limerick Tunnel (N18), and Tom Clarke Bridge (East Link) only take cash payments. 

M3 tolls and M4 are contact payments only, and the rest of the tolls throughout Ireland accept debit and credit cards.

US and Canadian Disabled badges are valid in Ireland

Ireland has a reciprocation with the United States and Canada. If you hold a disabled badge in either the US or Canada, you will be able to use your badge in Ireland.

Long-Term Car Rental Ireland

Most of the major companies allow long-term car rentals at a discounted rate. If you rent a car for a month or more, Budget’s leasing program makes long-term car rental in Ireland much cheaper.

Contacting local companies and asking for a discount on your rental rate may also be cheaper.

Pack lightly

Smaller vehicles are best in Ireland to help you navigate the roads, but this means there is only a little space for your luggage. 

Pack as lightly as possible to ensure your bags fit in your car.

Check your car before pulling out of the parking lot

When you pick up your car, check over the entire car looking for scratches and dints that you can ask the car rental agencies to note down. 

They will check the car when it is returned, and if they have missed any visible damage before you take the car, it will be assumed that you have caused the damage.

I recommend taking photos of the car and any damage so you have proof if you need to dispute some damage later.

What to Do During Accidents and Breakdowns

When I rented a car in Ottawa in 2020, my tire exploded on a highway and I was petrified! Since then I’ve been super careful to learn exactly what to do wherever I rent a car in case it happens again.

👉 Find out how much it costs to protect your trip today with Safety Wing travel insurance.

Accidents

Being in a car accident can be a traumatic event; the first consideration should be your health and other people’s health.

Regardless of who is at fault, in the case of an accident, you will need to do the following:

• Ensure you park safely, turn your engine off, pull the hand break on, and turn the hazard lights on.

• Call the Gardaí (Irish police) on 999 or 112 if someone is seriously injured, it is a significant accident, or if you think a crime has been committed.
  
• Swap details such as phone number, insurance company, and registration number with the other driver.

• Note the other car’s make and model.
  
• Get contact details of any witnesses.
  
• Call your rental car company when it is safe to do so.

Breakdowns

In case of a breakdown, you must contact your rental car company. Each rental company will have a 24-hour number to call for help and a procedure to follow.

If you are parked in an unsafe place, or you feel as though you are in danger, you should contact the  Gardaí.

FAQs

Can I rent a car in Ireland with a US driver’s license?

Yes, you can rent a car in Ireland with a US driver’s license as long as you have held your license for at least eight years. You will also need to carry your passport with you at all times.

How difficult is it to drive in Ireland?

Driving in Ireland is relatively easy, but getting used to the windy, narrow roads and driving on the left-hand side of the road can take a little bit of time.

Is it worth renting a car in Ireland?

Yes, it is worth renting a car in Ireland. There is a lot to see in Ireland, and a road trip is one of the most popular ways to get around the country.

Do you need to rent a car when visiting Ireland?

If you only visit Dublin, you do not need to rent a car when visiting Ireland. If you plan to see the rest of the country, the best way to get around is with a car. Many small towns and popular things to visit are difficult to reach via public transport.

Can an American tourist drive in Ireland?

Yes, American tourists can drive in Ireland. Renting a car in Ireland as an American is no different from locals. 

Can I drive my rental car from Ireland to Northern Ireland?

Yes, you can drive your rental car from Ireland to Northern Ireland, and you must pay a cross-border fee before driving your rental vehicle into Ireland.

Can I take a hire car from Ireland to UK?

Yes, you can take a hire car from Ireland to the UK, but you will be charged a one-way fee if you do not return the car to Ireland. You will also be charged a cross-border fee. It is important to tell your car rental company if you do plan on leaving Ireland; otherwise, your insurance may be void.

Do I need extra insurance when renting a car in Ireland?

You must have at least third-party insurance to rent a car in Ireland. Check what your credit card covers to see if insurance is already included.

What to know about renting a car?

When renting a car in Ireland, it is essential to know that you must carry your driver’s license and passport at all times, you need to be at least 25, insurance is a must, and it is essential to book your rental car in advance.

Is there an age limit for renting a car in Ireland?

You must be 25 years old to rent a car in Ireland. If you are renting a car in Ireland as an American, it is a requirement that you have held your driver’s license for at least eight years. Drivers over 75 are required to have a medical certificate to state they are fit to drive.

Final Thoughts

Whether driving the Wild Atlantic Way or crossing the country from Dublin to Galway, renting a car in Ireland is an excellent idea.

There are so many beautiful small towns and villages that need to be explored, and the scenery is stunning.

When driving in Ireland, there are some essential things to remember. Don’t forget your passport, credit card, and driver’s license, and remember to look out for the sheep wandering around the narrow, windy roads.

If you are prepared, have all of your required documents, and drive carefully, you will have no problems renting a car in Ireland. Don’t forget your camera to document your beautiful road trip experience!

Be sure to check out DiscoverCars for a cheap car rental in Ireland. Book your bucket list Irish road trip today!

🚗 Looking for the best place to rent a car in Ireland? Find the cheapest car rentals here

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• What It’s Like Living in Ireland
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• Living in Prague: The Complete Expat Guide
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• Pros and Cons of Living in the UK: Should You Move to England?
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