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

Renting a car in Ireland is one of the best ways to explore the country’s rugged coastlines, rolling green hills, and charming small towns. While public transport works well in Dublin, Cork, and Galway, it doesn’t cover many of Ireland’s hidden gems like the Ring of Kerry, Connemara, or the Causeway Coastal Route. That’s why most international visitors end up considering a car rental.

But how much does it really cost to rent a car in Ireland? The answer depends on several factors—car size, season, insurance, rental company, and even whether you book early or last-minute. As someone who has rented cars in Dublin and Shannon airports and driven both small hatchbacks and mid-sized SUVs, I can tell you: the sticker price on a booking site rarely reflects the final cost.

This article breaks down the real costs, hidden fees, and tips to help you budget for car hire in Ireland.

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Why Understanding Car Rental Costs in Ireland Matters

Ireland is famous for scenic drives like the Wild Atlantic Way, but it also has some of Europe’s trickiest rental policies. Travelers often report being surprised by mandatory insurance charges, high fuel costs, and added fees. According to Fáilte Ireland (Ireland’s tourism body), about 30% of visitors use a rental car during their stay—so knowing what to expect can save you stress and money.

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Average Cost of Renting a Car in Ireland

Base Rental Rates (2025 Estimates)

Car Type	Average Daily Rate (Low Season)	Average Daily Rate (High Season)
Economy (small hatchback, e.g., VW Polo)	€30–€50	€70–€100
Compact (e.g., Ford Focus)	€35–€60	€80–€120
SUV (e.g., Nissan Qashqai)	€50–€90	€110–€160
Luxury (e.g., BMW, Mercedes)	€120+	€200+

• Low Season: November–March
• High Season: June–August (peak summer travel)

Personal insight: I rented a compact car from Shannon Airport in November for €42 per day, but a similar rental in Dublin in July cost €110 per day. The difference was purely seasonal.

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Insurance Costs – The Big Surprise

One of the most confusing (and expensive) parts of renting in Ireland is insurance. Unlike in many countries, most credit card coverages do not apply in Ireland.

Here’s a breakdown of common options:

• CDW (Collision Damage Waiver): Usually mandatory, adds €15–€30 per day. Covers damage but comes with a high excess (€1,500–€3,000).
• Super CDW (Excess Reduction): Reduces or removes excess, adds €20–€40 per day. Highly recommended for peace of mind.
• Third-Party Liability: Typically included, but check your contract.
• Theft Protection: Usually bundled with CDW.

My experience: On one trip, I skipped Super CDW to save money, only to get charged €400 for a small scratch when I returned the car. Since then, I always take the extra coverage—it may double the cost of the rental, but it saves stress.

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Additional Costs to Expect

• Fuel: €1.70–€1.90 per liter (€6.50–€7.20 per gallon).
• Tolls: The M50 around Dublin uses an e-toll system (€3.20–€3.70). You must pay online before 8 pm the following day.
• One-Way Rentals: Dropping off at a different airport can cost €40–€80 extra.
• Young Driver Surcharge: Under 25? Expect an extra €25–€40 per day.
• GPS Rental: €10–€15 per day (tip: use your phone with offline maps).
• Child Seats: €10–€15 per day, mandatory for kids under 150 cm.

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How to Save Money on Car Rentals in Ireland

1. Book Early: Prices rise closer to travel dates, especially in summer.
2. Pick a Smaller Car: Easier on rural roads and cheaper to rent/fuel.
3. Check Credit Card Coverage: A few premium cards (like Chase Sapphire or AmEx Platinum) sometimes cover Ireland, but confirm before relying on it.
4. Skip Add-Ons: Bring your own GPS or child seats if possible.
5. Refuel Yourself: “Prepaid fuel” options are rarely good value.
6. Compare Pickup Locations: Airport rentals can be more expensive than city ones.

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Real Example: 7-Day Rental Cost Breakdown

For a compact car in July, booked at Dublin Airport:

• Base rate: €490
• CDW: Included
• Super CDW: €175
• Fuel: €140 (approx. 800 km trip)
• Tolls: €15
• Extras (GPS + child seat): €105
• Total: ~€925 for one week

In November, the same trip cost me just under €500.

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Expert Insights

• AA Ireland recommends choosing full insurance coverage to avoid financial headaches.
• The Irish Times has reported that rental disputes are among the most common tourist complaints in Ireland, mostly due to unclear insurance terms.
• Travel experts generally suggest budgeting double the base rental price once insurance and extras are included.

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FAQs About Renting a Car in Ireland

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

• If you’re from the U.S., Canada, EU, UK, or Australia, your regular license is valid. An IDP is rarely required.

Is it cheaper to rent outside Dublin?

• Sometimes yes. Renting from Shannon or Cork can be cheaper than Dublin Airport.

Can I rent a car if I’m under 25?

• Yes, but expect higher surcharges and limited vehicle options.

What about automatic cars?

• Automatics are limited and often €15–€30 per day more expensive. Book early if you can’t drive manual.

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Final Thoughts

Renting a car in Ireland gives you the freedom to explore breathtaking landscapes, small villages, and historic sites at your own pace. However, the costs can add up quickly if you’re not prepared.

On average, expect to pay €60–€100 per day in summer once insurance and fuel are factored in, or €40–€70 in winter. To avoid surprises, read your rental agreement carefully, budget for insurance, and always check the car for damage before driving off.

If you’ve rented a car in Ireland before, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you find the costs reasonable, or were you surprised by hidden charges? Share your thoughts—I’m happy to answer more questions and help future travelers plan better.