Europe > 🇮🇪 Ireland
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Ireland can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Ireland; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Ireland?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Ireland?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Ireland
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Bantry | BYT | |
| Cork | ORK | |
| Dublin | DUB | |
| Kerry | KIR | |
| Knock | NOC | |
| Shannon | SNN | |
| Waterford | WAT |
Should You Rent a Car in Ireland? 🚗🌿
Ireland is world-famous for its green landscapes, coastal cliffs, castles, and charming villages. While major cities are well-connected by public transport, many of Ireland’s most scenic locations lie in rural areas where buses are infrequent. So, should you rent a car in Ireland? In most cases, yes—especially if you want to explore the countryside beyond Dublin.
On the face of it, Ireland may seem easy to navigate without a vehicle since Dublin is a popular city break destination with excellent public transport. However, some of the country’s most iconic attractions—like the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and the Wild Atlantic Way—are best explored by car. Therefore, the car or no car decision is not as obvious as it might look.
🚆 When You Don’t Need a Car
If you are visiting cities or joining organised excursions, you can comfortably avoid driving.
| Destination | Why a Car Isn’t Needed | Best Transport Option |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin | Compact, walkable, excellent public transit | Tram (Luas), bus, walking |
| Cork & Galway (city centre) | Easy to explore on foot | Walking, local bus |
| Cliffs of Moher (tour) | Guided tours include transport | Tour bus |
| Belfast (in Northern Ireland) | Good urban transport | Bus, train |
➡ Ideal for travellers who prefer a structured itinerary or city-based trip.
🚗 When Renting a Car Is the Best Option
To experience Ireland’s legendary landscapes and coastal drives, renting a car offers unrivalled flexibility.
| Benefit | What You Can Explore |
|---|---|
| Scenic freedom | Drive the Wild Atlantic Way |
| Cultural stops | Visit villages, pubs, and historic ruins |
| Coastal access | Reach hidden beaches and cliffs |
| Flexibility | Explore national parks and countryside trails |
🌄 Popular Self-Drive Routes
| Route / Region | Highlights | Driving Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ring of Kerry | Mountains, coast, villages | Narrow winding roads |
| Wild Atlantic Way | Cliffs, beaches, seascapes | Long scenic drive |
| Connemara | Lakes, bogs, stone walls | Quiet rural driving |
| Causeway Coast (Northern Ireland) | Giant’s Causeway & castles | Stunning coast route |
🚦 Driving in Ireland – What to Expect
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You drive on the left-hand side
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Roads in rural areas can be narrow with stone walls close to the edge
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Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour
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Roundabouts are common, and drivers yield to the right
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Fuel stations are easy to find near towns
Car Rental Information
Car rentals are widely available at Dublin, Cork, Shannon, and Belfast airports. Companies include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Enterprise, and local agencies. Automatic cars are available but often cost more, so booking in advance is recommended.
🚕 Alternatives to Renting a Car
| Transport Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Train (Iarnród Éireann) | Intercity travel | Scenic but limited routes |
| Bus (Bus Éireann) | Rural connections | Serves most towns |
| Guided tours | Day trips to major attractions | Transport included |
| Taxi | Local travel only | Expensive for long distances |
🧭 Conclusion
Renting a car in Ireland is the best way to see the country’s natural beauty, especially if you want to explore the coast, countryside, and small villages independently. If your visit is mainly focused on Dublin and organised day trips, you can easily travel without driving. Ultimately, the decision depends on whether your trip is centred around urban sightseeing or rural exploration.
