Ireland Car Hire

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Steeped in history, Ireland has enormous worldwide appeal, attracting holidaymakers from all corners of the world. With so much to see and do in this beautiful country, driving in Ireland is the best way to take it all in at your own pace, making your holiday a truly personal experience. Explore rolling hills and valleys unique to Ireland, take in a golf game on one of many courses, or sample local food and drink you won't find anywhere else in the world. With car rental in Ireland prices from under £10 per day, our easy-to-follow cheap car hire booking process will find you the ideal car hire for your trip, even if you are booking at the last minute.

Ireland Car Rental Vehicles

Car Hire Locations in Ireland

If you're flying direct to Ireland, there are several car hire locations a short distance from airports nationwide (as well as some in the airports themselves), to get you on your way as quickly and as hassle-free as possible.

How it Works

Once your payment has been authorised you will receive an email confirmation with your booking reference number. Keep all the information on your booking confirmation handy as you will need it along with your other documents when you collect the car at your destination. We also have a useful checklist to make sure you have everything you need before you set off.

*The prices quoted are based on one driver, aged 30-65, with a full UK driving licence hiring a car for 7 days. Prices correct at time of writing. Subject to change according to availability. Free cancellation applies to most rentals up to 48 hours before pick up, however some suppliers may charge. Please check supplier terms and conditions carefully.

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Driving on Ireland's roads*

If you're used to driving around Britain's roads, driving in and around Ireland shouldn't prove to be a problem at all. The network of roads throughout the country are well maintained and some of the safest in the world.
Driving between larger towns and cities via major roads is simple, with little congestion, and smaller country roads, although more windy, are also well maintained and offer a great way to see the Emerald Isle.

Useful information:

• Right hand drive - Drive on the left, overtake on the right.
• Minimum car hire age - 18 years old. Under 25's may have to pay a young driver surcharge.
• Seatbelt - Compulsory for all occupants to wear a seatbelt. The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers under 18 are wearing a seatbelt.
• Travelling with children - Under three's and those less than 135cm must use the correct child booster seat.
• Petrol stations - Many are open 24/7 and accept all major credit cards.
• Toll Roads - There are 11 toll roads, bridges and tunnels throughout Ireland
• Speed limits - Road laws and road signs are in kilometres per hour (km/h)

Road safety laws

Speed limits

• Motorways - 120kph/75mph
• National Roads - 100kph/62mph
• Regional Roads - 80kph/50mph
• Built up/urban areas - 50kph/30mph
• Specialist limits/School area - 30kph/19mph

Driving licence

Important Information - Changes to the UK Driving Licence

If you are not from the UK, most car rental companies will require you to present the driving licence that is issued by your country of residence; not an International licence, or permit. Please double check with an individual car hire company if you are unsure.

Mobile phone use

It is an offence to hold a mobile phone in your hand or to support it with another part of your body. If caught, the Gardaí (local police), will issue a fixed charge of approximately €60 and receive 2 penalty points on your licence. If you refuse to pay, you could be taken to court and fined up to €2,000 and receive four penalty points.

Using a hands-free kit with your phone is not illegal but the Ireland Road Safety Authority advise against it.

Drinking and driving

Drink driving in Ireland is a very serious offence. The legal limit for drivers is 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of blood. Local police set up random breath-test checkpoint throughout the country.

It is important to note that drinking alcohol and then driving may invalidate your car rental insurance and holiday insurance, irrespective of local drink driving laws. Check your policy for full details.

Seat belts

Wearing a seat belt is compulsory in front and rear seats. Children must use booster seats and appropriate child restraints. Check with your car hire company if they provide child seats, or perhaps take your own with you.

Roads in Ireland

The national road infrastructure throughout the Republic of Ireland is well maintained and safe. However, it is important to note that in rural areas there are many narrow roads with no hard shoulder, or passing space. Be mindful that it is not uncommon to encounter large farm vehicles and livestock while travelling through the countryside, so it is important to drive slowly and carefully.

Toll Roads

The Republic of Ireland has 11 toll points. Ten of which have conventional toll booths where you will have to pay in cash.
However, there is one toll that is barrier-free, the - M50 motorway - which is a busy commuter road semi-circling the south of County Dublin and the capitals international airport near Santry.

Since 1 January 2013, those passing through the M50 automatic toll have to ensure they pay the toll charge before 8pm the following day to avoid incurring a penalty fine.

Some hire companies will include toll charges in your bill; while others will require that you pay the charge yourself.

How to pay the M50 toll charge

• Online at eFlow.ie; select 'I Want to Pay a Toll' on the home page and follow the page guidelines.
• In person with cash or card at any Payzone location throughout Ireland.
• By phone on: 1890 50 10 50 from the Republic of Ireland, 0845 30 15 405 from the UK, or +800 50 10 50 11 from any other country.

Ireland Car Hire FAQs

What are the rules for renting a car in Ireland?

In order to rent a car in Ireland you will need the following documents:

• Driving license
• Booking Confirmation & Policy Documents
• Credit Card with full deposit amount available
• Passport

You must also be aware of the rental company's specific terms, such as fuel policies and insurance options, and the rules of the road.

Is it expensive to hire a car in Ireland?

Car rentals in Ireland can be very reasonable if you look at different rental providers and vehicle types. Prices start from £9.98 per day, based on a 7 day hire. Holiday Extras' car hire search tool lets you compare Ireland car hire from hundreds of trusted rental companies so you can get the best deal.

Do I need an International Driver's License in Ireland?

No. You do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Ireland for a short visit if you have a valid national license from the EU/EEA or certain other countries, including the UK and the United States. However, if your national license is not in English or doesn't contain an English translation, you may need an IDP or be required to carry a certified translation of your license. You should also check with your car rental company, as they may require an IDP, and you will need proof of third-party car insurance.

What is the cheapest car to rent in Ireland?

The smallest cars are almost always the cheapest to rent. Our Economy cars are perfect for those on a budget travelling light- this category includes vehicles like Vauxhall Corsa, Toyota Aygo, Fiat 500 and similar.

Can I rent a car in Northern Ireland and drive to Ireland?

Yes, you can generally rent a car in Northern Ireland, UK and drive to the Republic of Ireland, but you must inform the rental company in advance and pay a mandatory cross-border fee for their authorisation and insurance coverage. Failure to get this permission can void your insurance.

*This information should be considered as a broad overview of things to remember when hiring a car. It is therefore very important that you read the rental terms and conditions and associated policies for your own specific policy as well as doing your own research into the motoring laws of the country in which you will be driving.