What kind of vehicle do you need? A large SUV for a big family? An eco-friendly compact car to zip around the city? Whatever you’re looking for, Avis car hire in Northern Ireland will have you covered. Our vehicles offer practicality, performance and comfort, so you can enjoy your trip as much as possible. Get in touch for more information about the exact models that are available.

Belfast

One hundred years ago, the ocean liner RMS Titanic left the city shipyards to embark on its maiden voyage. Today, many of the city’s attractions centre around this ill-fated but iconic feat of engineering.

The city’s Titanic Quarter is a waterfront regeneration project housing the newly opened Titanic Belfast attraction. The exhibition gives visitors a unique insight into the history and building of the ship, which was twice the size of Belfast City Hall. Galleries include The Launch of Titanic, showcasing the ship’s luxury interior; The Sinking, recreating the tragic end; and the Ocean Exploration Centre, explaining how technology is now used to understand the seabed’s behaviour for improved marine safety.

For a family day out back on dry land, take a trip to the city’s zoo on the slopes of Cave Hill. Home to more than 1000 animals, this is one of the country’s oldest and best-loved visitor attractions. Among the more exotic residents are the Malayan sun bears, crowned sifakas and Goodfellow's tree-kangaroo.

Knowing the driving rules in Northern Ireland will help to keep you safe and minimise the risk of any fines. We’ve put together a handy guide of some of the most common road regulations in Northern Ireland – from which side of the road to drive on, to speed limits – so you can feel confident behind the wheel.

Which side of the road?
In the United Kingdom, please drive on the left side of the road.

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device
• There is a congestion charge payable when driving in London

• Use the outside lane to overtake on motorways and dual carriageways
• Zebra crossings (black and white stripes on the road) give pedestrians right of way to cross the road

Speed Limits

All speed signs will be in mph.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:

• Urban areas: 30 mph (48 km/h)
• Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h)

• Rural areas: 60 mph (96 km/h)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt

• Children aged under 12 or less than 135cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size

Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the
child seat.

This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.

Car hire in Northern Ireland is the ideal way to explore this magical destination.  Driving through the emerald green landscapes and across the mountainous interior to the wild coastlines, you’ll find a tapestry of incredible road trips. And they’re all within easy reach of the lively capital city of Belfast.

Stretching 195 miles along the glittering Antrim Coast between Belfast City and Londonderry, the Causeway Coastal Route is rated as one of the top road trips in the world. Besides having miles of stunning coastline, this area of Northern Ireland is notable for its rugged cliffs, charming villages and ancient archaeological sites. There are many worthy attractions to stop at along the route, including the 12th century Carrickfergus Castle, the sheer Gobbins cliff walk, and Glenarm Castle and Gardens.

This is a destination that has inspired countless fables, fairy tales, and other beloved works of fiction. Nestled in the foothills of the Mourne mountain range, Tollymore Forest Park is said to be the inspiration behind C. S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia. Home to breathtaking views, winding rivers and gurgling streams, grottos and caves to explore, this unique woodland conjures up visions of adventure and fantasy. Then there are the hinterlands of Belfast, recognisable to many as major filming locations for HBO’s popular TV show, Game of Thrones. You can check out our recommended tours and locations for the ultimate Game of Thrones tour from Belfast here.

Is it worth hiring a car in Northern Ireland?

Hiring a car in Northern Ireland means you can travel from the historic capital city of Belfast out towards the picturesque countryside. With your Avis hire car in Northern Ireland, you can also benefit from easy access to the many smaller villages, valleys and rivers that cover this unique Irish landscape.

Can you hire a car by the day in Northern Ireland?

You can enjoy affordable rates when you book one-day car rental with Avis. Submit your trip details into the online booking form so you can see the available vehicles and their one-day car rental cost.

What is the best car to hire in Northern Ireland?

If you are staying in Belfast, you may feel more comfortable in a compact model that will be easy to park. Heading out of the city on a longer trip? Consider a snazzy convertible from our Prestige range or give your family a comfortable ride in an SUV or family-sized saloon.

What do you need to shift? Our van rental fleet spans small hire vans, perfect for that weekend DIY project; medium vans, well suited to hauling rolls of carpet, heavy floor tiles, or moving the kids to university; and large vans to accommodate some or all of your worldly goods.   
Discover Avis van rentals