Find the perfect car hire in the Republic of Ireland
Our car rental desks are easy to find at all major airports across Ireland, and we also have posts in Dublin City Centre and Heuston Station. Whether it’s in the capital or elsewhere, our team will be on hand to check you in quickly and efficiently, so you can get on explore Ireland’s wild green landscapes and historic sights.
Renowned for the friendliness of its people and its rich culture, with its wealth of folklore and proud literary tradition, Ireland makes for a fascinating and rewarding travel destination. Away from its towns and cities are the plains, mountains and dense abundant grasslands that give Ireland its nickname, “The Emerald Isle”, as well as abbeys, castles and World Heritage Sites such as Brú na Bóinne and the Giant’s Causeway.
Popular airport locations in Ireland
Avis services in Ireland
Our Irish locations offers a quality fleet for every kind of trip. A compact car is ideal for narrow country lanes and small harbour towns, while an estate or SUV gives you extra space for longer journeys along the coast. For families, a people carrier gives everyone room.
Add the extras you need when you book, including GPS navigation, child safety seats and additional driver cover. Our friendly team is on hand to help you choose the right car for your plans.
Ireland car rental FAQs
What are the age requirements for hiring a car in Ireland?
The minimum age depends on the country and the car group you choose, and a young driver surcharge may apply to drivers under 25. Check the rental terms shown during booking for the exact requirements. Drivers also need a full, valid driving licence, so bring yours when you collect the car.
Can I pick up my hire car in Ireland and return it to another location?
Yes. One-way rental with Avis lets you collect your car in Ireland and return it to another Avis location. Availability and any one-way fee depend on your route, so check when you book. Many Avis locations also offer 24-hour drop-off, which makes one-way trips more flexible.
Is it worth hiring a car in Ireland?
Yes. Ireland's best scenery, from the Wild Atlantic Way to the Ring of Kerry, lies away from the main cities, and public transport to smaller villages is limited. A car lets you stop wherever the view takes your fancy.
What is parking like in Ireland?
Cities such as Dublin and Cork have pay and display parking and car parks, while smaller towns and villages generally have easy parking close to the centre. Look out for signs and payment instructions, as rules can vary from one area to the next.
What type of car should I hire for Ireland?
A compact car is a good choice for narrow country roads and small towns. For longer trips with luggage or family, an estate or SUV is more comfortable. You can choose your preferred car group and add any extras you need when you book.
Tips for driving in Ireland
- Cars drive on the left side of the road.
- On roundabouts, yield to traddic approaching from your right. Use the left lane for the first exit or going straight, and inner lanes for turning right or going around further.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
- Mobile phones are strictly banned while driving (hands-free Bluetooth is allowed, but both hands must stay on the wheel), and radar/speed-camera detectors are not allowed.
Want a quick guide to the rules of the Irish roads? We've unlocked them for your journey.
Explore Ireland with your hire car
Despite its relatively small size, Ireland has a big reputation. In its relative isolation in the North Atlantic, the country has developed a strong and distinct indigenous culture, which is expressed today through traditional music and dance, Gaelic sport and the Irish language. In the field of literature, Ireland’s contribution is extensive, and this writing tradition is clear to see in the many monuments, pubs and road names celebrating writers such as James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw and William Butler Yeats.
It’s Yeats who gives his name to the area comprising Sligo and parts of Leitrim and Galway. The romantic landscape of Yeats Country, largely untouched by human hands, is home to the serene Glencar Waterfall and Ben Bulben mountain, as well as the high caves where, according to tradition, the lovers Diarmuid and Gráinne took refuge from a vengeful warrior. The Gleniff Horseshoe Drive, a breath-taking 8km loop of single-lane road, lies to the east, deep in the heart of the Dartry Mountains.
Road trips from Ireland
Beginning north of Sligo, and running along the entire west coast of Ireland, is the 2,600km Wild Atlantic Way, one of the longest coastal driving routes on Earth. It is a matchless drive. From the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, the route winds down past picturesque villages, rugged seascapes and lush countryside, ending in Kinsale, County Cork, in the south. The narrow roads snake through nine Irish counties where drivers can stop to visit castles, such as Ballynahinch in County Galway, hike in the hillsides or fish in rich waters like those of the Dingle Peninsula.
Equally rewarding experiences can be had on the other side of the country where, south of Dublin, County Wicklow is home to the arresting Glendalough glacial valley. Here, you’ll find an ancient monastic settlement and vast blue lakes hidden among hillsides and rocks. It’s a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the capital, and a fitting place to spend a few a days in tranquillity.
Elsewhere in Ireland, the mighty Cliffs of Moher and Ring of Kerry remain popular with visitors, as does the jigsaw landscape of The Burren and the Skellig Islands. What’s certain is, with its wild and striking landscapes, rich culture and a mild climate that makes it suitable to visit year-round, any time spent in Ireland will be an enriching and satisfying experience.
Hire a car with Avis in Ireland to discover its exquisite natural beauty, traverse its wild coasts and explore its lively towns and villages.
Why choose Avis for your Ireland hire car?
Avis helps you start your Irish road trip the easy way. Book direct and you get the benefits below, whatever the length of your trip.
- Fully flexible
Enjoy fee-free flexible booking with full cash refunds and no vouchers.
- Savings on coverage
When you choose Avis Inclusive you can experience total peace of mind with no extras or surprises. Pay one upfront price for free Roadside Assistance Plus and 25% discount on comprehensive zero-excess cover.
- Loyalty benefits
Join our free loyalty programme Avis Preferred, and benefit from priority service, discounts and more.
- Faster collection
Save time at the counter by registering your details in advance with our simple and free QuickPass. You could be on the road sooner than you think.