Hiring a Car in Ireland: Prices, Tips, and Everything You Need to Know

Ireland

Ireland is one of those places best explored when you have the freedom to travel at your own pace. Dramatic cliffs, quaint villages, ancient castles, lush countryside, and scenic coastal drives make a road trip one of the very best ways to see the country.

However, there is one thing that often makes drivers feel a bit nervous: driving on the left.

If you have never driven on the left before, it is completely normal to have a few questions. Is it difficult? What type of car should you choose? How much does it cost? What insurance do you need, and how much deposit will you have to leave?

After looking closely at all these details, our advice at CarJet is simple: don't just search for the absolute cheapest deal, but look for the option that gives you the best balance between price and clear terms.

Is It Worth Hiring a Car in Ireland?

If you want to see more of the country than just Dublin, hiring a car is easily one of the best choices you can make. It gives you complete freedom over your itinerary and lets you reach stunning spots where public transport is limited or impractical.

Whether you want to drive along the coast, visit charming villages, tour the West Coast, or explore different regions across the island, having your own wheels makes a world of difference.

Before making up your mind, it is always a good idea to work out your total travel budget. If you are looking to keep costs down, check out a few handy tips on how to travel on a budget, as small choices can add up to big savings.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car in Ireland?

There is no single fixed price for hiring a car in Ireland. The total cost depends on several different factors:

• Your travel dates.
• The time of year.
• How long you hire the car for.
• Where you pick up and drop off the vehicle.
• The type of car you choose.
• Whether you select manual or automatic transmission.
• The driver’s age.
• The level of insurance cover you choose.
• The excess and deposit required.
• Any optional extras you add.

That is why, when you are comparing vehicles, we recommend looking beyond the initial headline price.

A smart approach is to compare hire cars in Ireland with CarJet, making sure to check the terms and conditions for each option before making your final choice.

What Should You Check Before Booking a Hire Car in Ireland?

This is easily the most important piece of advice in this whole guide: price shouldn't be the only thing you look at.

Before you book, make sure to check these key details:

Excess

The excess is the amount you are responsible for paying if the car gets damaged. Always double-check how much it is and what is covered.

Deposit

Check how much money will be blocked on your card when you pick up the car, as well as the terms for getting it released back to you.

Insurance

Read through the policy carefully to see what is included and what isn't. Just because a rate says insurance is included doesn't always mean there is zero excess or that every type of damage is covered.

Fuel policy

Check whether you need to return the car with a full tank, at the same level you collected it, or under a different policy.

Mileage

If you are planning a long road trip around Ireland, make sure you know if there is a mileage limit or if unlimited mileage is included.

Additional driver

If you plan on sharing the driving, check whether adding another person to the policy costs extra.

Pick-up and drop-off

Double-check the branch opening hours, exact location, and any rules or fees for returning the car outside regular hours.

At the end of the day, compare the price, but always compare the terms, too.

Is It Difficult to Drive in Ireland?

This is easily the biggest worry for anyone hiring a car in Ireland for the first time.

The short answer: the first few miles can feel a bit strange, but you quickly get used to it.

The main difference is that you drive on the left in Ireland. This changes your positioning on the road, how you make turns and overtake, and especially how you navigate roundabouts.

Our advice is to take things slowly to begin with. You don't need to rush those first few miles. Get a feel for the car, pay close attention to road signs, and give your brain time to adapt to driving on the left.

Rural country roads can also present a bit of a challenge. Many of them are narrow and winding, with limited visibility or stone walls and hedges lining the edges.

So, don't rush. On an Irish road trip, taking your time and soaking up the scenery is all part of the fun.

Manual or Automatic Car for Travelling around Ireland?

If you are used to driving a manual, you will be fine hiring one here.

However, if you have never driven on the left before, an automatic car is well worth considering. Not having to worry about changing gears with your left hand lets you focus fully on the road and getting used to the layout.

Which Car Should You Choose for Exploring Ireland?

Our top tip at CarJet is not to hire a larger car than you actually need.

Rural roads across Ireland can be very narrow, and in many areas, driving a smaller car is much easier and far less stressful than navigating a big vehicle.

Of course, you still need to factor in your luggage. If you are travelling with several bags, double-check the boot capacity before you book.

Tolls in Ireland: Keep an Eye Out for the M50

Tolls are another handy thing to know about before hitting the road.

The M50 motorway around Dublin uses a barrier-free electronic toll system, meaning there are no traditional toll booths to pull up to and pay.

If you drive on this stretch in a hire car, make sure you check how your hire company handles toll payments and what you need to do to cover the fee.

It is a minor detail, but it is exactly the kind of thing that can lead to unexpected admin charges if overlooked.

Can You Take a Hire Car into Northern Ireland?

If your route includes spots in Northern Ireland, like Belfast or the Giant's Causeway, don't just assume you can cross the border freely.

Before booking, check the hire company's policy to see if there are any extra fees or specific requirements for driving outside the Republic of Ireland.

This is especially important to check if you are picking up your car in Dublin and plan to tour the entire island.

Where to Hire a Car in Dublin

Dublin is usually the main starting point for anyone visiting Ireland.

If you are flying into the capital and want to kick off your road trip straight away, you can compare hire cars in Dublin and pick the best option for your dates and travel plans.

Just make sure to check the exact pick-up location and terms before you finish off your booking.

What to Do When Picking Up Your Hire Car

There is one quick routine worth doing every time before you leave the car park: inspect the vehicle and take photos.

After that, take a minute to get used to the controls and set up your GPS before driving off.

If you like to map out your itinerary in advance, it is also worth setting up your route using navigation apps like Google Maps beforehand. Arriving in Ireland with your main drives planned makes for a far more relaxed journey.

So, Is Hiring a Car in Ireland Worth It?

Yes, absolutely, especially if you want to go on a road trip and enjoy complete freedom to explore.

Driving on the left can feel a bit daunting at first, but with a little patience, you will get the hang of it in no time. The main thing is to do your homework before you go: know the basic road rules, choose the right type of car, and carefully compare hire terms.

Finding a cheap car is great, but finding a good deal with clear conditions that genuinely fits your trip is even better.

If you already have your travel dates, compare hire cars in Ireland with CarJet and check the terms before booking. That way, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your Irish road trip.