How It Works

BEST RATE – BASIC VS. INCLUSIVE – WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW – FAQ

Best Rate – Our system returns a free no obligation quote from multiple major car rental companies who directly compete to give you the best rate VisitIreland can offer. With one easy click you receive automatic results from multiple leading companies in seconds who compete for your business. While numerous quotes are returned the results are filtered so only the very best offers are displayed. Completing your booking is a simple, secure 3 step process.

By creating a direct bidding process prices are discounted and almost always lower (and guaranteed to never be higher) than the car rental supplier’s direct rate*. Because rates can be discounted by 30% (or more) the car rental companies name is not disclosed until the booking is completed for confidentiality reasons. However we can tell you that our partners include leading national and international car hire companies including Alamo, Budget, Europcar, National, Thrifty and 353 to name just a few.

Rental Car Supplier - After your booking is submitted and confirmed a voucher will be automatically emailed to you listing the car rental supplier along with complete information on the rental car company including phone number, location and hours of operation, as well as, your specific car rental details. Simply print your voucher and submit it to the rental company listed at the location you selected at time of vehicle pickup.

Location – Once you select your desired car rental by clicking the “BOOK” button in step 2 you will automatically move to step 3 “confirmation”. The location of your car rental depot will be listed at the top of confirm screen (step 3) and can be viewed prior to the entry of your personal information and formal confirmation of your booking. The location of your car rental pickup and drop off will also be listed on your car rental voucher along with contact information and hours of operation of the facility. Your car rental voucher will be automatically emailed to you once your booking is confirmed.

Save Time – Our system simultaneously searches up to 10 (or more) car companies and provides custom tailored results. Once your reservation is confirmed, an email will be sent to you containing a convenient e-voucher for your rental.

Best Locations And Selection – Because our system includes so many major car rental companies we can offer more locations and the most comprehensive range of vehicles.

Best Service And Vehicles – There is absolutely no difference in the quality of service or vehicles provided. This system operates much like those for booking airfare. The person sitting next to you could pay 40% or more for their flight. However, there is no difference in the product or level of service provided.

Free No Cost Service – This is a free no cost service for you. There are no hidden fees or additional costs.

Basic vs Inclusive Car Rental – To avoid additional fees, higher costs and possible billing disputes, VisitIreland always recommends Inclusive car rental bookings. If you elect to book a “Basic” rental, additional service fees, taxes and required insurance will be charged at the time of vehicle collection (and often result in a higher overall rental cost than that of an inclusive booking – sometimes by 50% or more). Furthermore, rental car insurance coverage (if provided on your personal car insurance and/or offered by certain US and Canadian credit cards) is often rejected by Irish rental car suppliers. All bookings are subject to the actual terms and conditions of the supplier. VisitIreland will not become involved or assist in any way in issues that arise from “Basic” car rental disputes.

Inclusive car rentals typically include*
Airport/Premium Location Fees
Processing Fees
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)**
Theft Protection Insurance*
Third Party Insurance
13.5% VAT
Road Fund Tax (RFT)
Unlimited Mileage
Road Side Assistance
Breakdown Cover

* Inclusions vary by supplier
** Standard deductibles apply

What You Should Know:

• Vehicles in Ireland are generally smaller than those in North America.
• If you are from any part of the world where it is standard to drive on the
right (Including North America and Continental Europe) while in Ireland you will be driving on the opposite side of the road.
• If you select a manual shift vehicle you will be using your left hand to
switch gears. The foot pedal arrangement will be the same.
• The roads in Ireland may be narrower than which you are accustom. This is
especially true in rural areas; as well as, small towns and villages.
• If you are from the United States or Canada expect to pay 2 to 3 times
more for fuel.

We highly recommend packing light and using soft sided bags and suitcases to maximize luggage space.
For groups of five or more it may be less expensive to book two cars instead of one van.
Additional useful information and links are located at the the bottom of the main car rental page?