Imagine this: wind in your hair, breathtaking green landscapes, and adventure around every corner. Renting a car and hitting the open road is an exhilarating way to explore a new place, and Ireland is perfect for a road trip!
To turn this into reality, I’ve compiled a guide outlining the top five car rental companies in Ireland to simplify the rental process. By the end, you’ll have the inside scoop on finding the ideal rental car for your unforgettable Irish adventure.
Keep reading – the perfect rental car for your trip is just around the corner!
How much do car rental services cost in Ireland?
On average, car rental services in Ireland cost around $37 per day. The average weekly cost for longer rentals is approximately $226, about $32 per day.
How We Chose
1. My Irish Cousin
My Irish Cousin offers a hassle-free car rental experience in Ireland, emphasizing customer convenience, transparent pricing, and comprehensive coverage. They aim to make travelers feel at ease with their no-deposit policy, full roadside assistance, and true full-coverage insurance.
Unlike many rental companies that claim to offer “full insurance” but still leave customers vulnerable, My Irish Cousin provides true full coverage. This includes tyres, glass, and accident coverage without surprise charges.
Renters don’t have to worry about excess fees or deductibles, eliminating the risk of unexpected out-of-pocket costs in case of damage or an accident.
Many car rental companies require hefty deposits or place a hold on credit cards, which can be inconvenient. My Irish Cousin removes this barrier, making the process stress-free.
Travelers can freely cross between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland without incurring additional fees or restrictions, a convenience that is not always guaranteed with other providers.
The company manages the documentation process, removing the need for customers to take photos or videos when collecting or returning their rental, saving time and effort.
Unlike some competitors that cancel rental contracts after an accident, My Irish Cousin ensures that customers receive a replacement vehicle without hassle or extra charges.
Customers benefit from complete roadside assistance at no extra cost, providing added security in case of breakdowns or emergencies.
Pros
- Comprehensive Coverage with No Hidden Fees
- No Excess or Deductible
- No Deposit or Credit Card Hold
- No Extra Charges for Northern Ireland Travel
- No Need for Photos or Videos at Pickup/Return
- Guaranteed Replacement Car in Case of an Accident
- Full Roadside Assistance Included
Cons
- Advanced Booking is Recommended
Easy and quick time at the airport picking up our rental
“My Irish Cousin provided excellent customer service and support before and during our recent trip to Ireland. We were contacted directly by phone call weeks before we left by a welcoming employee to answer any questions and confirm our details. We had an easy and quick time at the airport picking up our rental. Fortunately, we had no road incidents on our trip. We were mistakenly charged a deposit by the airport rental company as we were helped by a new employee who was not completely aware of the process, but with the help of My Irish Cousin, this amount was refunded to our credit card before we even landed back at home. We definitely recommend My Irish Cousin to anyone traveling to Ireland and in need of a car rental.”
Pricing is fair and transparent
“Renting a car with My Irish Cousin was hands down the best decision I made for my trip to Ireland. From the very beginning, the process online with booking and getting a quote was smooth, easy, and completely stress-free. One thing that really stood out was how convenient it was to pick up the car—they have multiple locations, which made everything so much easier.
Their pricing is fair and transparent—no surprises, no hidden fees, just an honest rate that made me feel like I was dealing with a company that truly values its customers. Every interaction I had with their team was warm, friendly, and incredibly responsive. It honestly felt more like getting help from a trusted friend than dealing with a rental company.
The car itself was perfect for my needs—clean, comfortable, and reliable. Whether I was driving through the countryside or navigating city streets, I always felt safe and at ease.
I can’t recommend My Irish Cousin enough. It’s rare to find a company that makes the rental experience this enjoyable, but they’ve absolutely nailed it. I’ll never rent a car from anyone else in Ireland—they’ve earned a lifelong customer!”
2. Europcar
Europcar has a great selection of rental locations throughout the country, which made it super convenient for me to pick up my car at Dublin Airport and drop it off at a different location as I traveled around.
I chose compact cars, vans, and luxury vehicles like the BMW Series 5. This allowed me to find a car that suited my budget and my needs.
Booking online was a breeze. I appreciated being able to reserve my vehicle in advance, which gave me peace of mind knowing that I had a car ready for me upon arrival.
Most of the quotes I received included VAT, Collision Damage Waiver, and options for limited or unlimited mileage. This transparency helped me understand the upfront cost, reducing the likelihood of unexpected charges later.
Europcar’s loyalty program, which offers points towards future rentals, also caught my attention. It’s a great incentive for frequent travelers and rewards returning customers with discounts and perks.
I was also glad to find both automatic and manual transmission vehicles available. Since I prefer driving automatics, this made my rental experience more comfortable and enjoyable, especially while navigating the winding roads of Ireland.
One downside I encountered was that Europcar’s rental prices were notably higher than other companies. While the service was excellent, budget-conscious travelers might struggle to justify the extra expense.
My experience with customer service was mixed. While some staff members were friendly and helpful, I encountered a few who seemed overwhelmed during peak times, leading to wait times at the counter longer.
In conclusion, my experience with Europcar was positive, with a focus on convenience, vehicle selection, and a secure booking process.
However, the higher prices and occasional customer service inconsistencies are worth considering if you’re looking for budget-friendly options.
Pros
- Loyalty Program
- Secure Booking Process
- Transparent Pricing
Cons
- Higher Rental Prices
- Customer Service Variability
- Limited Availability of Certain Models
Reliable and Helpful in Roadside Emergencies
“I rented a car from these guys, and the tire burst a few hours before my flight. They told me to take a taxi, but as I had insured the car, they paid me for the taxi and even paid me the fuel deposit. They are extremely reliable; just don’t forget to insure the car fully with them .”
– Kourosh M, Google Reviews
Friendly Staff Who Go the Extra Mile to Help
“My family and I rented a car from Europcar by Dublin Airport, and we had an amazing experience. Leah was very helpful and extremely patient with a mixup in our paperwork. I also forgot a personal item; she ensured it was secured and available for pick up when I returned the car. The car itself was excellent and suitable for our needs. Thank you, Leah, for all your help.”
– Meagan Dunfee, Google Reviews
3. Budget Car Rental
I recently had the pleasure of renting a car from Budget Car Rental, and the name truly lives up to its reputation. The prices were incredibly competitive, and I managed to secure a compact vehicle for around €17 per day.
One of the things I appreciated most about the rental package was the inclusion of essential features like insurance, 24-hour breakdown assistance, and unlimited mileage. That peace of mind while driving through remote areas of Ireland was invaluable.
I was pleasantly surprised to receive a complimentary map of Ireland with every rental. This thoughtful touch was useful, especially in rural regions with weak GPS signals.
Budget’s wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to spacious vans and luxury SUVs, impressed me. This variety ensured I could choose a car that suited my travel needs, whether driving solo or with a group.
For environmentally-conscious travelers, Budget provides options for hybrid and electric vehicles, an appealing feature for those looking to minimize their carbon footprint.
One thing to note is that prices can significantly increase during peak tourist seasons, so if you’re planning to visit during the summer months, booking well in advance is essential to secure the best rates.
While my experience was overwhelmingly positive, I did notice that customer service availability was limited during certain hours. If you encounter a problem outside of regular business hours, it might be challenging to get immediate assistance.
Despite a few areas for improvement, such as customer service availability and insurance clarity, I recommend Budget to anyone looking for a cost-effective car rental option in Ireland.
Pros
- Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
- Comprehensive Rental Package
- Free Map of Ireland
Cons
- Higher Prices During Peak Seasons
- Wait Times for Pick-Up
- Limited Customer Service Availability
Clean, Well-Maintained Cars
“Recently (March 24), I rented a car from Budget Car Rental in Dublin Airport for 11 days, which I extended by three days. The staff members carried out the transactions at the desk smoothly, efficiently, and pleasantly. I have experienced harassment at so many locations around Europe and beyond to take out extra expensive insurance ( even though I have annual car hire insurance ); it was such a pleasure to be dealt with courtesy. The staff at Returns were great, too.
There were no issues with the car either—it was clean, well-presented, and performed fine. Thank you, Budget!”
– Tony Fahy, Google Reviews
Top-Quality, Clean, and Modern Vehicles
“Just a quick note: I always have the best experience with this group/people (Paul/Danny). Very slick, quick, straight to the point with service, and the quality of vehicles are always top-notch, clean, fresh, modern cars. Even the bus from drop off is often used, so there are never delays. I would highly recommend them. Keep up the good work, all.”
– Desmond Mackin, Google Reviews
4. Dollar Car Rental
I wanted to share my experience with Dollar Car Rental because I was genuinely impressed with their budget-friendly options. Their rates were quite competitive, especially compared to other rental companies.
What I appreciated the most was the transparent pricing. The quote included essential features like insurance and unlimited mileage, making budgeting for my trip much easier.
One of the standout features of renting with Dollar is their Express Rewards System. I signed up for the program, which allowed me to earn points towards free rental days and enjoy perks like a free additional driver and priority counter service.
Dollar offers a diverse fleet of vehicles, from compact cars like the Citroen C1 to larger SUVs like the Renault Scenic. Choosing a vehicle that fit my needs was easy, whether I wanted something small for city driving or a more spacious option for longer journeys.
With several depot locations throughout Ireland, picking up and dropping off my rental car was incredibly convenient. I started my journey in Dublin and was able to drop off the car in Galway without any hassle.
One detail that I particularly appreciated was that all Dollar vehicles are smoke-free. Dollar also provides automatic and manual transmission vehicles, a huge plus.
While there was a great selection, I noticed that certain models were often unavailable during peak tourist seasons. It’s essential to book early if you have a specific vehicle in mind, as demand can quickly outstrip supply.
I did have some mixed experiences with customer service. Some staff members were friendly and helpful, while others seemed rushed and less attentive.
Like most rental companies, Dollar required a security deposit on my credit card, which was slightly higher than expected. It’s crucial to ensure your card has enough credit to cover this deposit, as it can take several days to be released after returning the vehicle.
The 24-hour breakdown assistance coverage was somewhat limited. If you venture into more remote areas, it’s wise to have a backup plan in emergencies, as response times may vary.
While there are areas for improvement, such as customer service consistency and clarity around insurance, I recommend Dollar to anyone looking for a budget-friendly car rental option in Ireland.
Pros
- Dollar Express Rewards System
- Smoke-Free Vehicles
- Automatic and Manual Transmission Options
Cons
- Inconsistent Customer Service
- Deposit Requirements
- Limited Roadside Assistance
Helpful and Informative Staff
“We have had a very good experience with this branch of thrifty.
Mark was very efficient and kind; I highly recommend using these guys for car hire, as their advice on where to park and safety was paramount.
The cars they offer are great and tidy; driving is the best way to see Ireland.”
– Ricky, Google Reviews
Clear Explanations, Good Vehicles, and Helpful Staff
“Amazing service. Renting was a seamless process. The car was good. The guy at the desk was very helpful in explaining the rates and inclusions. I would recommend it.”
– Sweta Barnwal, Google Reviews
5. Thrifty Car Rental
Thrifty Car Rental has an impressive presence in Ireland, with more than 100 locations, including a convenient pick-up point at Dublin Airport. This was a major plus as I could kick-start my road trip immediately after landing.
One aspect that stood out to me was Thrifty’s accommodating rental policies. These policies allowed me to change my drop-off location without incurring additional charges.
Thrifty offers competitive rates for long-term rentals, starting at around £370 per month. I was also pleased with the diverse range of vehicles in Thrifty’s fleet, which includes everything from compact cars to luxury models and 4x4s.
The availability of both automatic and manual transmission vehicles was a huge benefit. Since I prefer driving automatics, having that option added to my comfort and enjoyment during the trip.
I found Thrifty’s pricing fair and transparent, with no hidden fees. This was reassuring, especially after hearing about unexpected charges from other rental companies.
While the Dublin Airport location was convenient, I discovered that some rentals required an off-site pick-up involving a shuttle bus.
Although I opted for coverage, I later discovered that it was a third-party policy, which could complicate matters in case of an incident. I recommend clarifying insurance details upfront to avoid any surprises.
During pick-up, I noticed insufficient staff members at the desk, resulting in longer wait times. Returning the car was somewhat chaotic due to unclear signage at the airport.
Although the staff was helpful, I had to navigate to find the right location, which could be improved for a smoother experience. Like many rental companies, Thrifty required a significant deposit on my credit card, tying up funds during my trip.
My experience with Thrifty was largely positive, with several standout features that made my road trip enjoyable. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly regarding pick-up logistics and customer service during busy periods.
Pros
- Convenient Locations
- Flexible Rental Policies
- Automatic and Manual Options
Cons
- Off-Site Pick-Up for Some Rentals
- Limited Staff During Peak Times
- Deposit Requirements
Quick, Easy, and Informative Rental Process
“Thank you, Mary, so much for your help and assistance. It’s been a pleasure getting a rental …. Simple, quick, and easy; she helped us with the insurance options and type of rental we preferred and requested…. Highly recommended”
– Yakuza Blade, Google Reviews
Convenient and Hassle-Free Rental Experience
“Very good experience with Thrifty! The car was nice and convenient, the process online and at the desk was smooth and trouble-free, and dropping the car was a breeze. The only little thing we did not like was the distance between the terminal and the car rental parking area, but with the free shuttle bus, it was a question of 5 minutes. Next time, we will be renting with this company!”
– Unai Ramos, Google Reviews