Exploring Ireland has been on my bucket list forever, and when I started planning my trip, I knew that renting a car in Ireland was going to be vital. I wanted the freedom to pull over at roadside castles, explore tiny country lanes, and get well beyond what public transport could offer.
As the trip got closer, I became equal parts excited for the adventure and nervous about driving on the opposite side of the road. I read everything I could to prepare myself, and in this guide, I’m going to help you do the same by sharing everything you need to know about renting a car in Ireland, from costs and insurance to driving tips and common mistakes.
And when you’re ready to start planning, make sure to steal my 20 things to do on your Ireland road trip.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting my blog!
Justyn’s Quick Ireland Car Rental Recommendations:
🏎️ Always start your car rental search on Discover Cars. They consistently have the best deals, flexible cancellation terms, and clear insurance options. Discover Cars is my go-to whenever I’m renting a car abroad.
🚗 If you’re not *really* comfortable driving a manual, book an automatic. Once you get off the beaten path in Ireland, you’ll be navigating steep hills, narrow country lanes, and frequently reversing to let buses pass.
🚙 Choose a small car. Trust me, you’ll be incredibly grateful for a compact vehicle on Ireland’s winding, hedge-lined roads.
🇮🇪Get connected immediately with an Ireland eSIM. Having reliable maps and navigation is essential when driving in rural areas.
Renting a Car in Ireland: My Complete Guide
Road trips are one of my favorite ways to explore the world, especially in Europe, where so much of the magic happens off the main tourist routes. When I started planning my Ireland trip, I was dreaming of cozy country pubs, dramatic coastlines, and castles, so many castles. I knew early on that renting a car in Ireland would give us the flexibility to experience all of it properly.
Usually, when I travel with my husband, I’m happily the passenger princess. But when I travel with friends or family, I’m often the one driving, usually because I’m comfortable with manuals and driving in unfamiliar countries. That was the case in Ireland, and it was also one of my first real experiences driving on the left, since my husband wasn’t on this trip.
We spent two weeks in Ireland total, but we structured the trip around major cities like Dublin and Belfast, and only rented a car for the portion of the trip where we wanted to explore the countryside. Which brings me to one of the most common questions I get…
Do you need a rental car in Ireland?
If your Ireland itinerary focuses mainly on major cities and towns — and you’re happy joining tours — then no, you don’t need a rental car. In Dublin and Belfast, we didn’t have a car at all, and getting around was easy. Even for attractions like the Giant’s Causeway, we booked a bus tour.
If you’re visiting places like Dublin, Cork, and Belfast and don’t plan to venture far beyond them, public transport and guided tours will serve you well. We even took the train from Dublin to Belfast, and the journey itself was beautiful.
One important thing to note: if you are planning to drive into Northern Ireland, you must inform your rental car company in advance. When we booked our car, they specifically asked whether we planned to cross the border. Since we covered Northern Ireland by public transport, this wasn’t an issue for us.However, if your plans include rural Ireland, scenic drives, or spontaneous stops in tiny villages, renting a car in Ireland is absolutely worth it.
How’s the driving experience in Ireland?
I genuinely found driving in Ireland to be a pleasant experience. In some European countries (Italy, I’m looking at you), local drivers can be aggressive. That wasn’t the case here.
On narrow country roads (many of which are essentially single-track lanes), locals were patient, gave me space, and only passed when it was safe. I often pulled over to let faster traffic pass, mostly because I wasn’t in a hurry and didn’t want to hold anyone up.
Overall, Irish drivers were kind, considerate, and calm, which helped me feel more confident as I adjusted to driving on the left.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Ireland?
The cost of renting a car in Ireland depends on a few key factors: the type of car, transmission, insurance, and rental duration.
If you’re not comfortable driving a manual, expect to pay significantly more for an automatic (as we did). Automatics are much less common in Ireland and can cost up to twice as much as a manual.
Although we were in Ireland for two weeks, we only rented the car for nine days, using public transport for the rest. We intentionally chose the smallest automatic car available so we could comfortably share driving duties (though I ended up doing most of the driving in the end, and I enjoyed it too!).
In total, including insurance, we paid €550.74, or about €61 per day. A manual would have been roughly half the price, but splitting the cost made it reasonable for us.
What do you need to rent a car in Ireland?
Renting a car in Ireland was straightforward. I needed:
- A valid driver’s license
- The credit card used for the booking
- Ability to pay the deposit (on your credit card)
I’ve rented cars all over the world — from Borneo and Oman to Norway and French Polynesia — and Ireland was no different.
Some sources recommend an International Driving Permit. I wasn’t asked for one, but if you want peace of mind, it’s a simple and inexpensive thing to arrange before your trip.
One reason I love Discover Cars is their transparency. Rental companies often place large deposits on your card (sometimes over $2,000), but Discover Cars lets you filter by deposit amount, which I always do.
How long should you spend in Ireland?
Honestly, as long as you can afford to spend, Ireland is incredible.
If you want to explore beyond the cities, I recommend at least 1 week, with 2 days each in Dublin and Belfast, if you plan to visit the Giant’s Causeway.
We spent two weeks and felt we had a great balance between sightseeing and downtime. For a first trip, 10 days is ideal, with a rental car for about six of those days to explore places like the Cliffs of Moher and the countryside castles.
Tips for Driving on the Left And Renting a Car in Ireland
Driving on the left can feel intimidating, but it’s genuinely not as scary as it seems. Here are the tips that helped me most:
Rent the right car
Make sure that you rent a car you feel comfortable driving, and if that means spending more on an automatic, then so be it. This is my biggest piece of advice if you’re renting a car anywhere in the world.
I know how to drive a manual, but I still opted to spend 2x as much on a rental car because I knew I’d feel more comfortable in an automatic. I want to say again, also rent a small car. Some of the country lanes are really only big enough for one car, yet you’ll suddenly be faced with a passenger bus heading your way, and you’ll have to squeeze yourself into the bushes while they slide by.
You’ll be thanking yourself for turning down that bigger car upgrade.
Go slow
As I mentioned before, the drivers in Ireland were super considerate. Go at your pace, stick to the speed limits, and just let people pass you when they want or need to. I found that the driving wasn’t actually too bad because I would just get over and let the buses and locals speed by, then I could continue on my way. Remember, you’re on vacation, so you don’t need to be in a hurry to get anywhere.
Get Insurance
I definitely paid extra for the full insurance to have the peace of mind. Luckily, we didn’t need it, but I am so glad that we had the option. Normally, I take car insurance through my credit card, but for this rental, I decided to get the peace of mind of full insurance with Discover Cars because it meant even better coverage.
Don’t Rent a Car for the Cities
I mentioned this already, but I think it’s valuable advice for renting a car in Ireland. The cities are all very well connected, walkable, and they have great public transport options. That being said, I highly recommend renting a car for the days you want to get out of the city. Just plan your adventure accordingly.
Renting a Car in Ireland: FAQs
Is renting a car in Ireland worth it?
Yes, renting a car in Ireland is absolutely worth it if you want to explore beyond the major cities. While Dublin, Cork, and Belfast are easy to navigate without a car, many of Ireland’s best experiences (like castles, coastal drives, and rural pubs) are much easier to access with your own vehicle.
Do I need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Ireland?
Most travelers can rent a car in Ireland using their regular driver’s license. I wasn’t asked for an international driver’s license, but some rental companies recommend one. If you want extra peace of mind, it’s inexpensive and easy to get before your trip.
Is it hard to drive on the left in Ireland?
It can feel intimidating at first, but I found I could adjust quickly. Irish drivers are patient, roads are well marked, and taking your time makes a big difference. Renting a small automatic car can also help make driving on the left much easier.
Are automatic rental cars common in Ireland?
Automatic cars are available, but they’re less common and more expensive than manual cars. If you’re not comfortable driving a manual transmission, it’s essential to book an automatic well in advance.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Ireland?
The cost of renting a car in Ireland depends on the season, transmission type, and insurance. Expect to pay more for automatic vehicles. On my trip, we spent around €61 per day, including insurance, which was reasonable when split between two people.
Can I drive a rental car from Ireland to Northern Ireland?
Yes, but you must notify your rental car company in advance. Some companies charge an additional fee or require specific coverage for driving in Northern Ireland.
Should I rent a car at the airport in Ireland?
Renting a car at the airport is often the most convenient option, especially if you plan to head straight into the countryside. If you’re spending time in a city first, it can be cheaper and less stressful to wait and rent the car later. We were able to pick up our rental car in Dublin, a short bus ride away from our hotel!
What’s the best car size for driving in Ireland?
A small car is best for Ireland’s narrow country roads. Larger cars can feel stressful on rural lanes, especially when passing buses or farm vehicles.
Can’t miss activities in Ireland
Ireland completely stole my heart. I’ve put together a guide with 20 must-do experiences on an Ireland road trip, and it’s the perfect place to start planning.
I hope this guide will help you plan your trip to Ireland and feel more at ease when driving in a new country. Ireland was such a magical country, I highly recommend exploring it! Just make sure that you drive safely and always give way to the locals. Be a responsible driver and a respectful tourist, and you’ll get on just fine!
Here’s my link to start planning your trip today with Discover Cars.
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