This guide helps you navigate the car rental process in Ireland with ease, addressing all common concerns and providing practical tips for a memorable journey.
Yes, Austrian travelers can rent and drive cars in Ireland as foreign renters, provided they meet the licence, document, age, and payment requirements set by the rental company.
Form of ID:
Foreign renters must present a valid passport at the rental counter.
Driving licence:
Accepted driving licence include:
• EU/EEA Driving License (Austrian and other EU/EEA licences are valid for car rental across the EU/EEA, as well as in Switzerland and the United Kingdom).
Accepted cards:
Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards may include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, and JCB, depending on the specific rental offer. E‑vouchers or printed vouchers are accepted where stated.
Age requirements:
Depending on vehicle category and offer, the permitted driver age generally ranges between 21–90 years. Common bands include 21–80, 22–90, 23–75, 25–80, and up to 27–75 or 27–74 for some vehicles. For certain offers, drivers aged 21–24 are classed as young drivers and drivers aged 75–80 as senior drivers; both groups may be subject to additional fees, noted as “To be confirmed” and payable at the counter.
Requirements may vary between rental companies. Always confirm details when booking.
Discover reliable car rental options in Ireland that cater to travelers from Austria. Choose between well-known international chains or local providers to suit your travel needs.
Global Chain Companies
Local Brands

Hertz
Locations:
39Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Europcar
Locations:
125Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Leisure travelers and corporate rentals
SIXT
Locations:
47Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking quality and flexibility
Hertz
Locations:
25Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Enterprise
Locations:
139Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Leisure travelers and business trips
Hertz
Locations:
62Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Keddy by Europcar
Locations:
80Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
PAYLESS
Locations:
21Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
FLIZZR
Locations:
13Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and those seeking flexibility
Easirent
Locations:
7Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and familiesChoosing the right rental car can make your journey in Ireland more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Consider your travel group, the destinations on your itinerary, and the type of driving you'll be doing. With QEEQ, you can compare various car types and policies to find the one that suits your needs best.
Consider your travel group size and luggage needs
Economy cars (2-4 people, 1-2 suitcases)
Perfect for city driving and short trips
Compact cars (4-5 people, 2-3 suitcases)
Good balance of space and fuel efficiency
Mid-size cars (5 people, 3-4 suitcases)
Comfortable for longer distances
Full-size/SUV (5-7 people, 4+ suitcases)
Ideal for families and group travel
Choose between automatic and manual transmission
Automatic transmission
Easier for city driving and traffic, more common in Europe
Manual transmission
Often cheaper, better fuel economy, more control
Consider your comfort level with left-hand driving in Ireland
Check what insurance coverage comes with your rental
Basic liability
Covers damage to other vehicles and property, usually included
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Covers damage to your rental car, often optional
Theft protection
Protects against car theft, may be included or additional
Personal insurance
Check if your Austrian insurance or travel insurance covers rentals
Understand booking flexibility and fees
Free cancellation
Usually available up to 24-48 hours before pickup
Prepaid vs. Pay-at-counter
Prepaid often cheaper but less flexible
Change fees
Cost to modify dates, locations, or car type
Travel insurance
Consider coverage for trip cancellations or delays
Check distance restrictions and additional charges
Unlimited mileage
Best for long road trips and cross-country travel
Limited mileage
Cheaper daily rate but extra charges for excess miles
Consider your planned route distance and potential detours
Factor in mileage costs when comparing total rental prices
Understand fuel requirements and costs
Full-to-Full
Return with the same fuel level, most economical option
Full-to-Empty
Pay upfront for a full tank, convenient but often more expensive
Same-to-Same
Return with the same level as pickup, fair pricing
Pre-purchase fuel options
Compare costs with local gas station prices
Quick Decision Guide
Compact/Economy car with automatic transmission, full-to-full fuel policy
Dublin, Cork, GalwayMid-size/Full-size car with unlimited mileage, flexible cancellation
Ring of Kerry, Causeway Coastal RouteConvertible/SUV with comprehensive insurance, prepaid fuel option
Wild Atlantic Way, Dingle PeninsulaCompare with Confidence on QEEQ
Ireland, with its lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers travelers a range of exciting destinations. Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of Dublin, the scenic Wild Atlantic Way, or historic cities like Cork and Galway, there's something for everyone. With convenient car rental options, you can easily navigate between these iconic locations to fully immerse yourself in Ireland's charm.
To legally drive in Ireland and for peace of mind, it’s essential to have the right car rental insurance. The options vary, so understanding your coverage needs is crucial for a worry-free journey.
Covers damages to the rental car due to collision or accidents.
Provides coverage against theft of the rental vehicle.
Covers damages or injuries caused to others or their property.
Covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers in case of an accident.
Perfect for travelers who want comprehensive protection without the complexity. One price covers everything, and AXA's trusted network ensures reliable claims processing throughout Ireland. Get comprehensive coverage online for about 50% less than counter rates.
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Smart strategies to save money when renting a car in Ireland for travelers from Austria. Prices can vary based on booking timing, location, and availability, so planning ahead is critical.
Important considerations and potential issues to watch for when renting a car in Ireland.
Being prepared and knowing what to expect can save you hundreds of dollars and prevent stressful situations. Take time to understand all terms and inspect your rental thoroughly.
Austria and Ireland have distinct traffic regulations regarding signage, speed limits, priority rules, and alcohol consumption. Familiarizing yourself with these differences is crucial for a safe driving experience.
Speed Limits
Generally lower, with limits of 50 km/h in urban areas and 120 km/h on motorways.
Urban areas are 50 km/h, but motorways allow up to 130 km/h.
Priority Rules at Roundabouts
Yield to traffic inside the roundabout.
Priority varies; sometimes incoming traffic has priority.
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Limit
Strict at 0.05% BAC.
Stricter at 0.02% BAC for novice drivers.
Road Signage
Uses English for signage.
Uses German for signage.
Mobile Phone Usage
Permitted only hands-free.
Permitted only hands-free.
Seatbelt Mandates
Mandatory for all passengers.
Mandatory for all passengers.
Parking Regulations
Parking is regulated with clear signs and rules.
Similar parking rules apply with regulated zones.
Common questions for travelers from Austria renting a car in Ireland