How to Rent a Car in Ireland: The Complete Guide (North and South)
How to rent a car in Ireland? You don’t need an International Driving Licence to rent a car in Ireland as a US, Canadian, Australian or EU visitor just a valid licence and a credit card. The minimum age is 21 (with a surcharge under 25), insurance is where most of the real cost hides, and driving on the left takes most people under a day to adjust to. The sections below cover requirements, insurance, costs, and driving tips in detail.
Planning a trip to Ireland? Renting a car is close to essential if you actually want to explore it. Trains have been cut back over the years, buses are slow Dublin airport to Donegal town takes a minimum of three hours by bus and a huge amount of the country’s best scenery simply isn’t reachable any other way.
| Fast Facts: Renting a Car in Ireland Licence: no International Driving Licence needed for US, Canadian, Australian or EU visitors — just your home licence. Age: minimum 21; under-25 and over-70/75 drivers usually face a daily insurance surcharge. Typical cost: €25–€50/day off-peak, €40–€80/day peak season for a compact car — often €70–€100/day once insurance and fuel are added. Driving side: the left — roundabouts give way to traffic from the right. Insurance: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is included but limited; Super CDW (€15–€30/day) reduces the €1,500–€2,500 standard excess to near zero. Toll roads: 10 of 11 have barrier tolls you pay on the spot; the M50 around Dublin is barrier-free and must be paid online by 8pm the next day. Crossing the border: driving a Republic of Ireland rental into Northern Ireland (or vice versa) is fine, but tell your rental company first — some charge extra. |
- How to Rent a Car in Ireland: The Complete Guide (North and South)
- Do You Need a Car in Ireland?
- Which Airport Should You Rent a Car From?
- How Do You Rent a Car in Ireland?
- What Does Car Rental Insurance in Ireland Actually Cover?
- How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Ireland?
- Which Car Rental Companies Operate in Ireland?
- Tips for Driving in Ireland
- Practical Checks Before You Drive Off the Lot
- What Should You Do If You're in an Accident With a Rental Car?
- FAQs About Renting a Car in Ireland
- More Ireland Road Trip Reading
- Driving in Ireland articles
- Exploring the fascinating regions of Ireland
Do You Need a Car in Ireland?
If you want to see the ‘real’ Ireland, you need to get off the main routes and onto the small country roads the only way to do that is with your own car. Many of Ireland’s smaller counties, towns and villages have poor public transport, and train lines have been removed over the years; there’s no train to Donegal at all, only buses, and Dublin to Donegal by bus takes a minimum of three hours. If you’re only spending your trip in Dublin city itself, though, skip the car Dublin traffic is heavy and a rental just adds cost and stress for no benefit.
Planning the rest of your trip? My Irish Bucket List covers 39 of my favourite Ireland experiences, from landmarks to whiskey tours.
Which Airport Should You Rent a Car From?
Dublin Airport
The most common starting point. Book your pickup for at least an hour after landing to allow for customs and luggage, and if you’re staying in Dublin city itself, have the car delivered or picked up when you leave rather than driving it in. Plan to drop the car off at least 3.5 hours before an international flight.
Shannon Airport
A smaller, faster airport to clear, and a great starting point if you’re driving the Wild Atlantic Way south toward Kerry, Dingle and Cork, or north toward Sligo, Donegal and Galway. Allow 2–2.5 hours before an international flight when dropping off. If you’re landing at Shannon specifically, I’ve mapped out a full 7-day route built around it see Starting in Shannon? Your Gateway to Ireland’s Southwest.
Belfast Airport (Northern Ireland)
Straightforward, though slightly different rules apply since Northern Ireland is governed by the UK. Belfast itself has a lot of one-way streets and difficult parking, but you don’t have to drive into the city cars can be delivered to you or picked up at the airport. Confirm with your rental company whether driving into the Republic incurs an extra charge.
Anyone travelling to Northern Ireland who isn’t a British or Irish citizen needs a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and that includes crossing the open land border from the Republic, even though there are no immigration checkpoints there. It costs £16, is linked electronically to your passport, and stays valid for two years or until that passport expires, whichever comes first. Apply through the official GOV.UK website or the UK ETA app before you travel never through a third-party site, some of which charge more or aren’t legitimate and allow at least a few days, since decisions typically take up to 3 working days to come through. Enforcement has been strict since February 2026, so treat the ETA as something to sort before you leave home, not something to figure out at the border.
How Do You Rent a Car in Ireland?
How many drivers can be on the rental agreement?
Up to three named drivers, each of whom must present their licence in person to be added to the record.
What’s the minimum age to rent a car in Ireland?
21, though most companies apply a daily insurance surcharge (often around €25) for drivers under 25. A similar surcharge often applies over 70, with some restrictions for drivers over 75 depending on the agency.
Should you rent a manual or automatic car?
Automatics are available but cost more often around an extra €100 for the rental. If a stick shift on the opposite side of the car (using your left hand to shift) makes you nervous, the extra cost is worth it for peace of mind.
Should you choose diesel or petrol?
Diesel is popular and sometimes slightly cheaper per litre. If you’re given a diesel car, you’ll usually have to sign a form confirming you understand this and won’t fill it with petrol by mistake.
Do you need a GPS unit, or is Google Maps enough?
Google Maps works well throughout Ireland and avoids the extra daily GPS rental fee most companies charge. Use whichever you’re more comfortable navigating with.
What size car should you rent?
Go smaller than you think you need. Irish roads especially rural ones can be extremely narrow, and a compact car is far easier to manage. Most small cars only fit two carry-on-sized bags in the boot, so pack light if there are more than two of you.
Are child car seats available?
Yes, by prior request and at an additional cost, but baby seats aren’t available for children under 6 months old. Many airlines let you bring your own car seat free of charge, which is worth considering instead.
Can you drive a Northern Ireland rental into the Republic, or vice versa?
Yes but tell your rental company in advance. Many charge an extra fee to permit driving in both jurisdictions, and turning up unannounced at the border isn’t the time to find out your insurance doesn’t cover it.
Tip: you won’t know you are in Northern Ireland until the road signs change to miles from Kilometeres
What Does Car Rental Insurance in Ireland Actually Cover?
What is CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)?
CDW, sometimes called Limited Liability Insurance, is a legal requirement and comes included with every rental. It covers damage you cause to someone else’s property, but not damage to the rental car itself or injuries to you and your passengers. Because of that limited coverage, rental companies won’t let you decline it without a large credit card hold often a few thousand euro, up to around €8,000 to cover potential damage.
What is Super CDW or Excess Protection?
This is the upgraded insurance sold at the rental desk, charged as a daily rate. It brings your liability for damage down to somewhere between €0 and €300 depending on the deductible chosen, and usually removes the large credit card hold. It often doesn’t cover tyres or windows, so ask specifically. It’s frequently possible and cheaper to buy this in advance from an Irish (.ie, not .com) car rental website rather than at the counter.
What is Roadside Protection?
A separate add-on covering tyres, windows, lost keys, and call-out charges for tow trucks or roadside assistance.
Will my North American credit card’s rental insurance work in Ireland?
Usually not most North American credit card rental insurance isn’t accepted in Ireland. A small number of cards, including the World Mastercard, Chase Sapphire, and the Costco card (US and Canada), are exceptions. Contact your card issuer at least two weeks before you travel and get written confirmation (an email or letter) that Ireland is covered, and bring that document with you. Be aware this route still usually means a credit card hold of up to around $5,000.
I’ve watched many Americans caught out with this one at the rental counter so be aware before you fly.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Ireland?
Budget €25–€50 per day for a compact car in low season (roughly November–February), rising to €40–€80 per day in peak summer months (June–September). That’s the headline rate, though once insurance, fuel and any young-driver surcharge are added in, the real daily total commonly lands closer to €70–€100. Renting a small manual car, avoiding the youngest and oldest age brackets, and booking outside peak season are the three biggest levers for keeping the price down.
What’s a realistic total for a two-week trip?
For a two-week rental with the excess reduced to zero through Super CDW, budget roughly €800–€1,100 total, plus another €150–€170 for fuel across around 1,400km of driving and €25–€40 in tolls if you circuit the island. These are ballpark figures always get a live quote, since rates shift with season, car class and how far in advance you book.
What does the excess/CDW upgrade actually cost?
The standard excess left after basic CDW is typically €1,500–€2,500. Paying an extra €15–€30 per day for Super CDW (also called CDW Excess or Excess Protection) usually brings that down to somewhere between €0 and €100. It’s often cheaper to buy standalone excess cover online in advance sometimes as low as €5–€8 a day than to pay for it at the rental counter.
What extra fees catch people out?
Young-driver surcharges (often doubling the daily rate under 25), one-way drop fees for returning to a different location, cross-border fees for taking the car into Northern Ireland, and an admin fee commonly €30–€60 if you miss paying the barrier-free M50 toll by 8pm the next day. Ask your rental company whether a toll pass is included, since paying per-crossing through eFlow yourself is usually cheaper if you’re only near Dublin briefly.
What is CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)?
CDW, sometimes called Limited Liability Insurance, is a legal requirement and comes included with every rental. It covers damage you cause to someone else’s property, but not damage to the rental car itself or injuries to you and your passengers. Because of that limited coverage, rental companies won’t let you decline it without a large credit card hold often a few thousand euro, up to around €8,000 to cover potential damage.
What is Super CDW or Excess Protection?
This is the upgraded insurance sold at the rental desk, charged as a daily rate. It brings your liability for damage down to somewhere between €0 and €300 depending on the deductible chosen, and usually removes the large credit card hold. It often doesn’t cover tyres or windows, so ask specifically. It’s frequently possible and cheaper to buy this in advance from an Irish (.ie, not .com) car rental website rather than at the counter.
What is Roadside Protection?
A separate add-on covering tyres, windows, lost keys, and call-out charges for tow trucks or roadside assistance.
Will my North American credit card’s rental insurance work in Ireland?
Usually not most North American credit card rental insurance isn’t accepted in Ireland. A small number of cards, including the World Mastercard, Chase Sapphire, and the Costco card (US and Canada), are exceptions. Contact your card issuer at least two weeks before you travel and get written confirmation (an email or letter) that Ireland is covered, and bring that document with you. Be aware this route still usually means a credit card hold of up to around $5,000.
Which Car Rental Companies Operate in Ireland?
The major international brands Hertz, Enterprise, and Dooley all operate across Ireland and Northern Ireland from multiple airports and city locations. My Irish Cousin is a smaller Irish company worth a specific mention: quoted rates include all necessary insurance and roadside assistance up front with no hidden extras, they cover more than 20 locations and 5 airports, and there’s no deposit or credit card hold, no excess or deductible, and no charge for a different drop-off location. They also offer an affordable SIM card add-on and an itinerary-planning service. If a rental agency’s quote looks unusually cheap, check carefully what it excludes before booking genuinely cheap car hire is rare in Ireland.
Tips for Driving in Ireland
How do you get used to driving on the left?
Take a few slow laps of the rental lot before pulling onto the road, and stick a note on your dashboard reading “Drive on the Left” as a visual reminder until it becomes automatic. Keeping the centre line on your side of the car as your reference point helps more than thinking about which side of the road you’re on.
Who has right of way on an Irish roundabout?
Traffic already on the roundabout, and traffic approaching from your right. Don’t enter until it’s clear from the right sometimes that means waiting for someone already on the roundabout to exit before you can go.
How do Irish toll roads work?
Ten of Ireland’s eleven toll roads have a barrier where you pay on the spot by cash or card. The M50 around Dublin is the exception it’s barrier-free, so you might not even notice you owe money. You must pay online, via an app, or at a Payzone-marked petrol station by 8pm the following day. Northern Ireland has no toll roads at all.
Is disabled parking recognised across Ireland?
Yes there’s a reciprocal agreement covering the EU, USA and Canada, so a valid disabled parking permit from any of those is accepted throughout the EU, including Ireland. For questions, contact the Irish Wheelchair Association or the Disabled Drivers Association directly. Adapted and wheelchair-accessible rental vehicles are available through providers like Freedom Mobility (Mayo/Oranmore) and Motability Ireland or Vantastic (Dublin), Mobility Services (Northern Ireland).
How much does gas (petrol) cost in Ireland?
Prices run comparable to Canadian per-litre pricing and are higher than typical US prices. Irish cars are generally fuel-efficient, and distances between destinations tend to be shorter than the equivalent North American road trip, which offsets some of the cost.
Practical Checks Before You Drive Off the Lot
Confirm your flight details with the rental desk.
Make sure the agency has your flight number and arrival time on file. If your flight is delayed significantly, some agencies will release your reserved car after a couple of hours’ wait.
Document the car’s condition before you leave.
Photograph every angle with a date stamp, and get a copy of the agent’s damage diagram before driving off. Repeat the same process when you return the car if it’s dark, borrow a flashlight and check it properly rather than skipping the inspection.
Check tyres, safety gear, and the windscreen.
Confirm the spare tyre and tools are present, that flashers or warning triangles are included, and that the windscreen wipers and washer fluid are in working order with no chips or cracks in the glass.
What Should You Do If You’re in an Accident With a Rental Car?
Prioritise health first call for medical help if anyone is injured. Once that’s handled, exchange details with the other driver, get their insurance information, and note the vehicle’s registration, make and model. Photograph the scene and its location, collect contact details from any witnesses, and report the incident to both the Gardaí and your rental company.
If you’re involved in a car accident anywhere on the island of Ireland, dial 112 or 999 both numbers work identically in the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland, and either will connect you to emergency services (ask for Gardaí in the Republic, or Police in Northern Ireland, alongside ambulance or fire if needed). 112 is the standard EU-wide emergency number and works from any phone, even without a SIM or signal bars in some cases, while 999 is the traditional UK/Ireland number that still works everywhere too so it genuinely doesn’t matter which one you remember, both get you the same response on either side of the border.
FAQs About Renting a Car in Ireland
Do I need an International Driving Licence to rent a car in Ireland?
No holders of US, Canadian, Australian and all EU licences don’t need one. An International Driving Licence is only required if your home licence isn’t printed in English, and it must be carried alongside your original domestic licence.
Can I drive in Ireland with a UK licence?
Yes, without any issue.
Can I drive a rental car from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland, or vice versa?
Yes, but notify your rental company in advance many charge an extra fee to permit driving in both jurisdictions.
Can I drive a rental car from Ireland to Scotland, England or Wales?
Yes, some companies allow it, but it costs extra and you may be charged for the different drop-off location. It’s often cheaper to take a short flight instead and pick up a separate rental at your destination.
Is there such a thing as cheap car rental in Ireland?
Not really Ireland is one of the more expensive countries in Europe to rent a car in, largely due to insurance costs. Compare quotes carefully rather than trusting any listing that looks unusually cheap; the savings are often hidden and you won’t find out until you pick up the car and there maybe fees waiting to appear at pickup.
What size car should you rent?
Go smaller than you think you need. Irish roads especially rural ones can be extremely narrow, and a compact car is far easier to manage. Most small cars only fit two carry-on-sized bags in the boot, so pack light if there are more than two of you.
Are child car seats available?
Yes, by prior request and at an additional cost, but baby seats aren’t available for children under 6 months old. Many airlines let you bring your own car seat free of charge, which is worth considering instead.
Should you rent a manual or automatic car?
Automatics are available but cost more often around an extra €100 for the rental. If a stick shift on the opposite side of the car (using your left hand to shift) makes you nervous, the extra cost is worth it for peace of mind.
Should you choose diesel or petrol?
Diesel is popular and sometimes slightly cheaper per litre. If you’re given a diesel car, you’ll usually have to sign a form confirming you understand this and won’t fill it with petrol by mistake.
Do you need a GPS unit, or is Google Maps enough?
Google Maps works well throughout Ireland and avoids the extra daily GPS rental fee most companies charge. Use whichever you’re more comfortable navigating with.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Ireland?
A valid driver’s licence, minimum age 21 (25 to avoid a young-driver surcharge at many companies), and a credit card in the driver’s name for the security deposit. A similar surcharge often applies over 70, with some restrictions for drivers over 75 depending on the agency.
Do I need travel insurance as well as car rental insurance?
They cover different things car rental insurance protects the vehicle, while travel insurance covers medical emergencies, cancellations and belongings. Having both is a sensible precaution, not a duplication.
How long can I rent a car in Ireland for?
Standard rentals run however long you need, and long-term rental (29+ days) is available through companies like Sixt.
More Ireland Road Trip Reading
If you’d rather skip driving altogether, read the guide to travelling Ireland without a car for tips from a local. Otherwise, dig into 27 Things to Do in Galway in 2 Days, The Burren’s surreal landscape, 30 Landmarks in Ireland, Ancient Ireland’s 30 Sacred Places, and the Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Itinerary.
Read my How Much Does a Trip to Ireland Cost? 2026/27 Budget Breakdown
Planning a shorter trip? My Only 5 Days in Ireland? Here’s the Smart Route shows exactly how much driving to expect over 5 days.
| Last updated: August 2026. Note on pricing: figures below are ballpark ranges gathered from current market research, not a fixed quote — rates shift with season, car class and how far ahead you book, so always confirm with a live quote before paying. |
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This is not as hard as I thought it would be, thanks for providing such detail.
lol yeah its not such a big deal once you know.
Thanks for the informative article. One note, however. Your image of the expensive Tesla recharging in Derry has a BMW logo on the back. It’s not a Tesla.
Pathetic aren’t I lol, don’t know my BMW’s from my Tesla. Thanks for the compliment and the note much appreciated
Good article, surprisingly there are many very cheap companies out in Dublin but as you mentioned: it’s always good to take photos of every little scratch so you won’t end up paying for damages you didn’t make.
Thank you for writing down everything in a detailed manner. Because of you I had an excellent stay in Ireland and travelling was bliss as I hired Dooley car rental services from (as i got cheaper rates). My arrival destination was Dublin and finding Dooley’s desk was easy as it was there in the Arrival Hall of Terminal 2, from where we went to the multi-story parking to get the car. I had already done the booking prior to my arrival, so didn’t had to wait much. The car was very clean and to my surprise the tank was full (of course, I had to pay for that!). Like you suggested I read the document carefully, especially the insurance part before signing it. All the terms were as per we agreed over the call with one of the Dooley car rental executives. To start with we drove to the iconic Guinness Storehouse, which has free parking on nearby Crane Street. Driving a little farther we reached the wonderful gardens of Powerscourt House in County Wicklow. Ireland is an awesome country with amazing happy-go-lucky people. So, those who haven’t plan a trip to Ireland yet, do plan your itinerary soon and like Faith recommended and I followed, pre-book your car service and get things clear first.
A lot of information there I thought once you hired a car in the south your car insurance would cover you to drive in the North of Ireland. Is this not correct? Or is it just a case of letting the agent know your intentions?
Hi Paul yes you must inform your car rental agency about travelling between the North and the Republic. There may be an extra charge or they may not charge you depends on the company.
Hey Daehder, Next month I along with my wife are planning for a trip to Ireland, searched many car rental companies for self-drive, finally found one suitable. Your tips saved me a lot of time. Thanks for sharing such an informative post.
Renting a car doesnt always have to be that hard, just do research first?
This guide can be a manual when renting a car in Ireland. Good share!
Thanks for this useful guide. I am greatly benefited.
I really appreciate your hard work keep sharing.
I am presently being told by a travel agent that if I rent a car in (Dublin airport for example) I am required to return it to Dublin. Same if I rent a car in (Glasgow airport for example) I am required to return it to Glasgow. However, here and other places I’m reading I can rent and drop off at different locations and different countries for a fee. What is the truth?
It really depends on the rental company and if they have branches in both countries. Keep in mind though that it will be astronomically expensive to do so. You would be far better off to rent a car in Dublin and return it to Dublin and then take a cheap Ryanair flight to Scotland. There isn’t a ferry from Dublin to Scotland only Wales, there are ferries to Scotland from Northern Ireland but the cost will be around 200 sterling when you can get a flight for around 50 sterling or less.
XYU and Beyond’s guide on renting a car in Ireland is incredibly helpful! It underscores the importance of a rental car to truly explore Ireland’s beauty, providing practical tips for navigating the rental process and saving money. A must-read for anyone planning an Irish road trip!
Thank you that’s lovely to hear that it comes in useful
Great guide! I found your explanation of insurance and cross-border driving really helpful—these are the parts most people get confused about. Thanks for sharing such practical tips.