Car Rental in Ireland: Dublin, Shannon, Cork, Kerry and Belfast Airports
Quick summary: A rental car is the easiest way to explore Ireland if you’d rather stay in B&Bs, hotels or country houses than travel in a campervan. Most visitors collect a car at Dublin Airport, around 10 km north of the city, while Shannon suits the west coast and Cork and Kerry airports suit the south-west. Belfast’s two airports and Derry cover Northern Ireland. A compact car is easiest on Ireland’s narrow rural roads.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Main pickup | Dublin Airport, Terminals 1 and 2 |
| West coast | Shannon Airport, near the Cliffs of Moher |
| South-west | Cork and Kerry airports |
| Northern Ireland | Belfast International, Belfast City, Derry |
| Drive on | The left |
| Tours | Featured tours |
Compare car rental at Dublin Airport
Where can you pick up a rental car in Ireland?
| Pickup | Best for | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin Airport | International arrivals and trips anywhere | Dublin Airport |
| Dublin city | Starting after a few days in Dublin | Dublin city |
| Shannon Airport | Clare, the Cliffs of Moher, Galway | Shannon Airport |
| Cork and Kerry airports | Cork, Kerry and the Ring of Kerry | Cork and Kerry airports |
| Belfast and Derry | The Causeway Coast and the north | Belfast and Derry |
Smaller regional airports, including Knock, Sligo, Donegal and Waterford, also have rental options.
Compare car rental at Knock Airport
What do you need to rent a car in Ireland?
A full driving license held for the period the company requires, a credit card in the main driver’s name and your passport or ID. The minimum age is usually 21, with extra fees or vehicle limits for younger drivers. If your license isn’t in English, you may need a certified translation or an International Driving Permit. Check your booking for the exact terms.
Which car suits Irish roads?
A compact or mid-size car is easiest on narrow, walled country lanes and in village streets. Manual gearboxes are common, so choose an automatic in advance if you need one.
What should you know about driving in Ireland?
You drive on the left, motorways have tolls in places, including Dublin’s barrier-free M50, and rural roads can be narrow with farm traffic. See driving in Ireland.
Should you choose a car or a campervan?
A car is cheaper to run, easier to park and more comfortable in cities, while a campervan combines transport and accommodation. See campervan or car.
Compare car rental in Dublin city
Frequently Asked Questions
Dublin Airport for most visitors, Shannon for the west coast, and Cork or Kerry for the south-west.
Usually 21, with extra fees or limits for younger drivers.
Only if your license isn’t in English, in which case a certified translation may also work.
Motorways are easy, but rural roads are narrow and you drive on the left.