Best Car Rental Companies in Ireland: A Complete Guide for Tourists

Ireland is one of those countries where renting a car can completely transform your trip. From winding coastal roads along the Wild Atlantic Way to hidden castles tucked away in the countryside, a car gives you the freedom that buses and trains can’t.

However, renting a car in Ireland isn’t always straightforward. Between high insurance costs, narrow roads, and differences in driving rules (yes, you’ll be driving on the left-hand side), picking the right rental company makes all the difference.

Over the years, I’ve rented cars in Dublin, Shannon, and Cork, and while the freedom was always worth it, I quickly learned that not all rental companies offer the same service, prices, or transparency.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best car rental companies in Ireland, backed by first-hand experiences, customer reviews, and expert insights.

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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Car Rental Company in Ireland

Before diving into the list, here are key things every traveler should keep in mind:

• Insurance Costs: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is mandatory in Ireland. Some credit cards (like Chase Sapphire) don’t cover rentals here. Always check before declining coverage.
• Pick-Up & Drop-Off Locations: Dublin and Shannon airports tend to have the widest selection.
• Hidden Fees: Watch for charges on cross-border travel (Northern Ireland), fuel policies, and late returns.
• Car Size: Irish roads are famously narrow; smaller cars are often easier to handle.
• Automatic vs Manual: Automatics are limited and more expensive but highly recommended if you’re not comfortable with manuals.

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The Best Car Rental Companies in Ireland

Here’s a breakdown of the top-rated rental companies, based on reliability, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

1. Enterprise Rent-A-Car

• Why it’s great: Excellent customer service and transparent pricing.
• Strengths:
  • Wide availability across Ireland, including smaller towns.
  • No surprise add-ons—staff clearly explains insurance options.
  • Well-maintained fleet.
• Price Range: €45–€70/day for a compact car.
• Personal Note: When I picked up a car in Dublin with Enterprise, they went through every scratch and dent with me on the inspection sheet. That gave me peace of mind, especially since some other companies rush through this process.

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2. Hertz Ireland

• Why it’s great: Trusted global brand with a strong Irish presence.
• Strengths:
  • Great for airport pickups (especially Dublin and Shannon).
  • Offers premium cars and SUVs for countryside trips.
  • Easy online booking with clear cancellation policies.
• Price Range: €50–€80/day depending on location and car type.
• Tip: Their Gold Plus Rewards Program can save frequent travelers a good bit.

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3. Sixt Car Rental

• Why it’s great: Modern fleet and budget-friendly deals.
• Strengths:
  • Some of the newest cars in the market.
  • Often runs promotions (weekend deals especially good).
  • Wide choice of automatic vehicles compared to competitors.
• Price Range: €40–€65/day for economy cars.
• Personal Experience: I used Sixt in Cork, and the car felt almost brand-new. However, they did try to upsell extra insurance aggressively—something to be aware of.

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4. Avis/Budget Car Rental

• Why it’s great: Affordable and good for short-term hires.
• Strengths:
  • Great for city rentals (Dublin, Galway, Limerick).
  • Flexible with one-way rentals across Ireland.
  • Budget-friendly without compromising too much on quality.
• Price Range: €35–€55/day.
• Best For: Travelers who want value and don’t mind basic cars.

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5. Dooley Car Rentals (Irish Company)

• Why it’s great: Family-owned, Irish-based company with a personal touch.
• Strengths:
  • Competitive prices for tourists.
  • Often cheaper than international chains.
  • Knowledgeable staff who know Irish driving conditions.
• Price Range: €30–€50/day.
• Fun Fact: Many locals recommend Dooley because of its long-standing reputation in Ireland.

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6. Europcar Ireland

• Why it’s great: Strong presence and good airport service.
• Strengths:
  • Large fleet, including vans and luxury cars.
  • Good for families needing bigger cars.
  • 24/7 roadside assistance.
• Price Range: €45–€75/day.
• Note: Europcar often comes up in comparison sites like Kayak and Rentalcars.com, making it easier to check deals.

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7. Alamo

• Why it’s great: Good option for longer trips.
• Strengths:
  • Competitive rates for weekly rentals.
  • Simple booking process.
  • Partnered with Enterprise for strong customer support.
• Price Range: €40–€60/day.

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8. Irish Car Rentals (Local Company)

• Why it’s great: Affordable and straightforward.
• Strengths:
  • Transparent about fees.
  • Small company but reliable for Dublin/Shannon pick-ups.
  • No-pressure sales tactics compared to big chains.
• Price Range: €35–€50/day.

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Quick Comparison Table

Company	Best For	Price Range (€/day)	Fleet Quality	Locations
Enterprise	Customer service & trust	45–70	Excellent	Nationwide
Hertz	Premium cars & airports	50–80	Excellent	Nationwide
Sixt	Modern cars & automatics	40–65	Very Good	Nationwide
Avis/Budget	Budget-friendly rentals	35–55	Good	Cities & Airports
Dooley	Local touch & prices	30–50	Good	Airports
Europcar	Large families/groups	45–75	Very Good	Nationwide
Alamo	Weekly rentals	40–60	Good	Airports
Irish Car Rentals	Simple, no-frills deals	35–50	Good	Dublin, Shannon

FAQs

1. Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Ireland?
If you’re from the U.S., Canada, UK, or EU, you can use your domestic license. For other countries, an IDP may be required.

2. Is insurance really mandatory?
Yes. Unlike in many countries, CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) is required by law in Ireland.

3. Should I book in advance?
Absolutely—especially in summer (June–August) when demand skyrockets. Booking 2–3 months early saves money.

4. Can I drive into Northern Ireland with a rental?
Most companies allow it, but confirm in advance. Some charge extra.

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Conclusion

Renting a car in Ireland can be one of the best decisions you make for your trip. The freedom to explore hidden gems—from Dingle Peninsula’s rugged beauty to Connemara’s quiet lakes—makes every euro spent worthwhile.

From personal experience, I’d recommend Enterprise for reliability and service, and Dooley if you want a more affordable local option.

The key is to book early, read the fine print on insurance, and choose a car that fits Ireland’s unique roads.

Have you rented a car in Ireland before? Which company did you use, and how was your experience? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear them!