Find a great value Minibus Rental Ireland deal. We offer cheap 9 seater car rental in destinations such as Dublin, Cork, Galway, Shannon, Knock, Kerry, Derry, Limerick, Belfast and more.
One of the greenest countries in the world, Ireland is a stunning country of natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of this wonderful island.
Minibus Hire Ireland
See it all with a low cost 9 seater minibus hire Ireland deal. Compare our 9 seater minivan rental rates.
Car & Minibus Hire in Ireland (Dublin, Cork, Shannon & Beyond)
Renting a car or minibus in Ireland is the best way to explore the country’s mix of wild Atlantic coastline, historic towns, and scenic countryside. Whether you’re collecting a small car in Dublin or a 9-seater in Shannon, most hire companies make pickup and drop-off quick and simple at all major airports and city depots.
Airport Pickup & Drop-off
Dublin Airport (DUB): Car hire desks are located in the arrivals halls of Terminals 1 and 2. Most providers operate free shuttle buses to their car compounds on the airport perimeter. Follow the green “Car Hire Return” signs when dropping off.
Cork Airport (ORK): Desks are just inside arrivals. Vehicles are parked a short walk from the terminal. Drop-off is clearly marked before the main roundabout on exit.
Shannon (SNN) & Knock (NOC): Both airports have compact layouts, so collection and return are usually within a minute’s walk of arrivals.
Vehicle Options
Compact Cars: Ideal for narrow rural roads — e.g. Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta.
Mid-size & SUV: Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson — good for longer journeys or small families.
7–9 Seater Minibuses: Ford Tourneo, Renault Trafic — perfect for group travel or golf tours.
Average Hire Costs
Economy car: £35–£60/day in low season; £75–£120/day in summer.
7–9 seater minibus: £110–£180/day low season; up to £240/day peak.
Prices include airport fees and VAT. Insurance extras vary between providers.
Fuel & Toll Roads
Petrol and diesel average around £1.45/litre. Ireland also offers E10 and diesel-hybrid fuel options.
Several motorways have tolls — notably the M50 around Dublin (toll by plate, pay online within 24 hrs) and the M7/M8 routes. Keep some coins or a contactless card handy for regional toll booths.
Driving Laws & Tips
Drive on the left-hand side of the road. Roundabouts go clockwise.
Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 100 km/h on national roads, 120 km/h on motorways.
Seatbelts are compulsory; mobile phone use while driving is illegal. Headlights must be on in poor visibility at all times.
Insurance & Deposits
Irish car hire usually includes basic CDW insurance with a high excess (£1,500–£2,500). You can reduce this to zero by purchasing Super CDW at the desk (£10–£18/day) or through your credit card provider.
Check if your card includes coverage — many premium cards (Visa, Mastercard) do in Ireland.
One-Way & Cross-Border Rentals
One-way rentals within Ireland are generally available with a £30–£60 fee.
Travelling into Northern Ireland is allowed with prior notice. Expect an additional insurance fee (£25–£35). Cars hired in the Republic cannot be taken into mainland Britain without special permission.
Popular Driving Routes
Dublin → Galway: 2.5 hrs via M6 motorway — easy direct route.
Cork → Killarney: 1.5 hrs through stunning countryside on N22.
Galway → Cliffs of Moher: 1.5 hrs scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way.
FAQ – Car & Minibus Hire in Ireland
What documents do I need to hire a car in Ireland?
A valid driving licence, passport, and a credit card in the driver’s name are required. UK and EU licence holders do not need an International Driving Permit.
Is car insurance included in Ireland?
Yes, but only basic CDW is included. This has a large excess. You can purchase Super CDW or use your credit card’s insurance to reduce your liability.
Can I drive into Northern Ireland?
Yes — most companies allow it if declared before pickup. You’ll pay a small cross-border fee and must carry proof of insurance.
Do I need to prepay motorway tolls?
Only the M50 near Dublin uses electronic tolling (“eFlow”). There are no booths — you must pay online by midnight the next day to avoid penalties.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, though manuals are more common. Automatics and SUVs are popular with international visitors — book early to secure one.
What is the minimum age to rent a car?
Most companies rent to drivers aged 25–75. Some allow ages 21–24 with a young driver surcharge and restrictions on vehicle size.
Is there a mileage limit in Ireland?
Most rentals include unlimited mileage. Some local firms may cap usage on larger vans or minibuses — check before booking.
Can I use a debit card instead of credit card?
Some Irish rental firms accept debit cards, but a credit card is strongly preferred for the deposit. Always confirm before you travel.
What happens if I get a fine or toll penalty?
The fine will be sent to the rental company, which will forward it to you and charge an admin fee (£25–£50). You can usually pay online to avoid escalation.
Do I need to return the car full of fuel?
Yes — most operate a full-to-full policy. Refuel at the nearest petrol station before returning to avoid premium refill charges.
