Car hire in Cork, Ireland

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Choose from 29 pick-up spots

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There are 29 car hire providers in Cork. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Cork

Hiring a car in Cork: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyBudget
Most popular carCompact, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceRs17,562
Best time to book2 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Cork

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Cork car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Cork

  • Grab a cheap rental car in Cork and start your adventure for around Rs17,562 a day. From solo getaways to family escapes, we'll help you find a rental that suits your trip.

  • The cheapest daily price for a rental in Cork is Rs4,625.

  • For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from Rs19,306 and pack in more adventures.

  • If you want to time it just right, book about three weeks ahead to grab the best price on a Cork car hire.

  • Get behind the wheel with Easirent, Budget or Carhire. They're some of the most trusted providers in the city.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Cork car hire policy, whether you go with Easirent or a different supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.

  • Booking one-way could snag you a bargain on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Cork.

  • Avoid any unexpected charges by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.

  • Want to explore more without worrying about how many miles you rack up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra costs.

Best value car hire options right now

  • Coming out on top for value is this company, with average prices of Rs18,495 a day.

  • Coming in second, this provider offers daily rates of around Rs18,133.

  • The third option also makes the list of budget-friendly suppliers. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly Rs16,157 a day.

  • The Compact rental category is a dependable pick if you're not sure what kind of wheels you need. It's also the most commonly booked car type in Cork.

Flying to Cork? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Make arrival day easier by picking up a car hire at Cork Airport. If you're flying to Cork through this hub, simply collect your ride after landing and be on your way. The drive to the city centre is about 8 kilometres and takes around 15 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Cork

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Cork makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These compact, fuel-efficient cars are ideal for short trips and city driving.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a reliable pick for most journeys.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to fit it all in without a hassle. Ideal for long-distance trips, this Cork car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV is ready to roll. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for backroads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and improved safety features.

  • Van: Select this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Cork that makes light work of heavy loads. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's supplies, luggage or a bunch of your favourite people.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but it's worth considering. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different Cork car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.

  • Travel smarter when you rent a car in Cork by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a car in Ireland is typically 21 years old. However rules can vary by provider, so check your rental company's terms to make sure you meet the requirements.

  • Add a car seat to your Cork car hire reservation if you're bringing the kids. Rules change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest choice.

  • You'll need to hand over a few things when picking up your rental car: an official driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds to pay the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Your booking will flag any other must-haves.

  • Spend a moment familiarising yourself with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stick to the left side of the road in Ireland.

  • Local speed limits may vary, but it's usually around 45kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always follow the posted signs.

  • A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Ireland. The most reliable way to be safe to drive is to avoid drinking completely.

  • Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

  • You'll be using the euro (EUR) for all your purchases here. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cards and cash so you always have a backup option.

  • The language most often spoken in this country is English.

Best hotels in Cork for drivers

  • Offering accessible parking, Radisson BLU Hotel & Spa, Little Island Cork adds extra convenience to your stay. This hotel is about 8 kilometres from central Cork and also comes with a spa and a ticket office.

  • The Kingsley Hotel makes things simpler with parking and features such as express check-out and internet access. It's roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Need more places to choose from? Browse the lineup of hotels in Cork. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If your car's electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.

  • You're ready to start exploring now you've locked in a car hire deal in Cork and your hotel. From Blarney Castle to Blarney Castle House(Teach Caisleán na Blarnan) and Blarney Stone, you'll find plenty to fill your days here.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Cork

  • Tralee has to be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Siamsa Tíre, National Folk Theatre and St. Brendan's Oratory (Teampaillin Breanainn). This city is about 97 kilometres northwest of central Cork.

  • Reliable accommodation options with parking in Tralee include Meadowlands Hotel and The Rose Hotel.

  • Or pick up your cheap car hire in Cork and then set out for Shannon. About 97 kilometres north of Cork, View Point Bunratty Castle and Atlantic Air Adventures are top attractions that are worth going out of your way for.

  • Shannon Springs Hotel and Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport are comfortable places to stay in Shannon if you're hanging around for a while. Go for one of these and enjoy an easy pull-up-and-check-in experience.

  • Why slow down now? Set out for Waterford, about 97 kilometres northeast of Cork. From Bishop's Palace to Christ Church Cathedral, it's the perfect finale to your trip.

  • Book a room at Waterford Viking Hotel or Granville Hotel. Make one of them your base and enjoy everything Waterford has to offer. They also offer parking.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Cork will set you back around Rs17,562 per day or Rs19,306 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Cork is a compact SUV. The most popular is Compact, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Cork are currently Dollar and Thrifty.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Cork is currently March.
On average, around Rs19,306. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Cork is Rs19,306.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Cork for a whole month is Rs259,813. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Cork, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Cork that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Cork.
Most places – Cork included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is Rs5,563 per day. The average price per day is around Rs14,210.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Budget, Thrifty and Easirent offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Europcar as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Cork.