Your Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Ireland

Renting a car in Ireland is one of the best ways to explore the country at your own pace—whether it’s for a quick day trip to Wicklow, a weekend getaway to Kerry, or a longer road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way. Over the years, we’ve rented plenty of cars for all kinds of adventures, and we’ve picked up a few tricks to save money and avoid hassle.

Choosing the Right Rental Company

We used to always go with Budget because they were often the cheapest. At some point we switched to Enterprise because the pick-up location was more convenient. Their service has always been professional, their cars reliable, and we’ve never had any surprise charges. That said, it’s always worth comparing prices across different providers—Sixt can also be a good option depending on the deal.

Location Matters

If you’re staying in South Dublin, renting from the airport might not be the best idea—getting there (and back) can eat into your time and budget with tolls or taxis. Instead, check for city-centre branches (like Enterprise on Haddington Road) or delivery options. Some companies even drop the car off at your hotel for a small fee.

Skip the Rental Insurance (If You Can)

Car rental companies will push their insurance, but it can double the cost. We use Revolut Pro (or other credit cards with rental coverage) to avoid paying extra. Just make sure your policy includes CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and check the excess amount.

Always Document the Car’s Condition

Before driving off, take a video of the outside and inside of the car, focusing on any scratches, dents, or defects—this is crucial! Pay special attention to the wheels and tires, as small damages (like cuts or bulges) can lead to flats, and some rental companies might try to blame you for pre-existing issues.

We once had a rental company claim we caused a scratch on a tire, but because we had video proof showing the mark was already there, we avoided an unnecessary charge. A quick 2-minute video can save you a lot of hassle (and money) later!

Money-Saving Tips

• Book in advance – Prices spike last-minute, especially in peak season. We booked all our rental cars for the summer bank holidays in February and defo saved loads!

• Compare aggregator sites – Use Rentalcars.com, Kayak, or Skyscanner to find the best rates.

• Look for discounts – Some companies offer deals for AAA members, airline loyalty programmes, or even through cashback sites.

• Go manual – Automatic cars are rarer and more expensive in Ireland. If you can drive manual, you’ll save a lot.

At the end of the day, the goal is to get the best bang for your buck without compromising on service. A little research goes a long way—happy driving! 🚗💨