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Experience seamless car hire service in Northern Ireland with our dedicated and friendly customer support. Whether you're exploring the picturesque Giants Causeway or touring the historic city of Belfast, our team is available to assist with all your travel queries. Our regional knowledge makes your journey truly unique and smooth.

Car Hire in Northern Ireland

Discover the Stunning Landscapes and Fascinating Attractions of Northern Ireland by Car

City car on a route, passing by typical Northern Ireland scenery with sheep, stone walls and distant hills.

Northern Ireland, an integral part of the United Kingdom, is abundantly graced with breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and some of the most stunning coastlines. The country is known for its compact size, making it a perfect destination for a road trip. Travelling by car will allow you ample opportunity to explore iconic sights at your own pace, such as the captivating Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering awe-inspiring geology over 60 million years old.

There's the walk along the historic castles telling the tale of centuries or the jaw-dropping beauty of the Dark Hedges, recognized globally through the TV series Game of Thrones. Every corner of Northern Ireland has something to offer, the cosmopolitan city of Belfast with its Titanic Museum, Derry, known for its intact city walls and Londonderry, the second-largest city abuzz with history and culture.

Driving in Northern Ireland comes with the advantage of short distances. Typically, the journey from Belfast to the Giant's Causeway takes around an hour and a half by car, offering stunning views of the north coast along the way. Northern Ireland’s well-maintained motorways and clear signage aid even the inexperienced traveller, making this country a delightful destination for a car trip.

Northern Car Hire Reviews

Rosie

Belfast – 02-01-2024. I don't usually write reviews, but the staff at this car hire in Belfast made the experience oh so simple and delightful. When renting a car in Northern Ireland, the last thing anyone needs is to get stuck with paperwork. This experience was far from it; efficient, friendly and smooth. Pricing was quite reasonable, especially for the quality of the vehicle we hired. Will definitely use their services again!

Ewan

Derry – 16-09-2023. Quality service at a top-notch price! The car we hired was in excellent condition and the staff were extremely helpful. Located right in the heart of Derry, finding them was an easy feat. Child friendly which was a big plus for us as it isn't always easy travelling with young ones. I'd highly recommend their services.

Moira

Belfast – 02-08-2023. Needed to hire a car for a day trip to the Giant's Causeway. From booking to return, the process was smooth and hassle free. Car was clean, well-maintained and fuel efficient. Their location in Belfast was very convenient. Delighted with their cost-effective prices. Great service all around. I would return.

Finley

Downpatrick – 25-06-2023. I hired a car from this company during a trip to St Patrick's country, Downpatrick, and was madly impressed with their service. The staff were helpful and the car was super comfortable. Lovely drive around the place. Return was easy, and the price was fair. Would use them again for sure.

Olive

Belfast – 02-04-2023. Hands down the best car hire company in Belfast! Their staff are so knowledgeable about the city and suggested some hidden gems to explore. The car was top-notch and prices extremely competitive. They made the whole experience easy and comfortable. Will surely be returning here for our next Northern Ireland adventure!

Duncan

Londonderry – 06-02-2023. Had a great time driving around Londonderry with one of their cars. The car was clean, reliable, and handled the local roads beautifully. Not to mention the fantastic price point for such a service. Kudos to the team for making it a stress-free experience. I'll definitely be hiring from them again.



Northern Ireland Cities

Impactful Cities in Northern Ireland

  1. Belfast: It's the capital and largest city, known for its vibrant culture and rich history.
  2. Derry: Famous for its intact city wall, a place of rich history and culture.
  3. Lisburn: It's known for its well-preserved Georgian architecture and outstanding beauty.
  4. Newtownabbey: It's a major urban area north of Belfast, recognised for its scenic beauty.
  5. Bangor: A coastal city known for its idyllic seaside views and marina.
  6. Craigavon: Known for its leisure facilities and beautiful parks.
  7. Newry: A vibrant city with popular shopping centres. You can hire quality cars here for travel purposes.

Northern Ireland Road Connections

Main Road Connections for Car Hire in Northern Ireland

  1. Belfast to Giant's Causeway: A drive of about 97km that takes approximately 1h 30 minutes on M2 and A26. The roads are in good condition, offering stunning landscapes en route.
  2. Belfast to Derry: It's a distance of 113km and approximately 1h 35 minutes to drive via A6. The roads are well-maintained.
  3. Derry to Giant's Causeway: 60km with a drive time of approximately 50 minutes on A2. You'll drive along the Northern Ireland's northern coast.
  4. Belfast to Newry: A 57km distance covered in around 50 minutes via A1. The roads are generally in good condition.
  5. Newry to Armagh: A quick 34km drive of about 28 minutes using A28/A3. The route offers pleasant views of the countryside.
  6. Armagh to Enniskillen: 76km journey taking about 1h 17 minutes via A4. The roads are usually traffic-free and offer great scenic views.
  7. Belfast to Larne: Covering a distance of 34km in approximately 35 minutes using M2. This route is ideal for reaching the ferry port.

Driving in Northern Ireland

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which side of the road do we drive on in Northern Ireland?

In Northern Ireland, you must drive on the left-hand side of the road.

2. What are the speed limits?

Speed limits vary, usually 30 mph in built-up areas, ranging up to 60 mph on single carriageway roads and 70 mph on motorways.

3. Are there many speed cameras?

Yes, Northern Ireland has both fixed and mobile speed cameras.

4. What kind of driving licence do I need to hire a car?

Usually, a full and valid driving licence from your country of residence is required. It must be held for at least one year prior to your hire.

5. Are there toll roads in Northern Ireland?

No, there are no toll roads in Northern Ireland.

6. Are service stations readily available?

Yes, service stations are reasonably distributed throughout the road network.

7. Are there certain driving rules I should be aware of?

Yes. For example, it is forbidden to drive when the vehicles are not roadworthy, failing to stop for a school patrol, or unauthorised driving in pedestrian zones.

8. What about the condition of roads in Northern Ireland?

The main roads in Northern Ireland are generally in good condition.

9. Is it safe to drive in Northern Ireland?

Yes. However, as with driving in any country, it is always necessary to drive safely, follow the rules and be aware of conditions.

10. Is it mandatory to have a car insurance in Northern Ireland?

Yes, car insurance is mandatory. Most car hire companies provide it.

11. Are roundabouts common in Northern Ireland?

Yes, there are many roundabouts in Northern Ireland. Remember to give way to the right on these.

12. What to do in case of a car breakdown?

Most car hire companies provide 24/7 breakdown assistance. Otherwise, you should contact a local breakdown service.

13. What are the rules regarding child safety in cars?

Children under 12 years old or 135 cm tall must be secured with appropriate child restraint.

14. What should I do in case of a car accident?

Call the emergency services and inform them of your location and any injuries. Do not admit liability and report the incident to your car hire company as soon as possible.

15. What are the peak traffic times?

Noon to 2pm and 5pm to 7pm are the peak traffic times on weekdays.

Top Northern Attractions

Must-see spots for car hire tourists

  1. Giant's Causeway: UNESCO World Heritage Site, formed by hexagonal basalt stones from volcanic activity.
  2. Titanic Belfast: An iconic museum chronicling the history, construction, and fateful voyage of the Titanic.
  3. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: A historical rope bridge offering exhilarating coastal and island views.
  4. The Dark Hedges: A beautiful, atmospheric tree-lined road, made famous by TV show, Game of Thrones.
  5. Mourne Mountains: Stunning mountain range ideal for hiking, photography, and nature exploration.
  6. Dunluce Castle: Enchanting medieval ruins overlooking the sea, sure to capture your imagination.
  7. Ulster Museum: Home to a vast treasure trove of art, history and natural sciences.
  8. The Glens of Antrim: Features picturesque glens, invigorating walks, stunning landscapes and charming villages.

Discover Northern Ireland

Top Road Trips

  1. Causeway Coastal Route: A 190 km long breathtaking journey from Belfast to Londonderry offering stunning seascapes and unique attractions including Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
  2. Mourne Scenic Route: A picturesque 202 km long road trip embracing stunning natural beauty of Mountain of Mourne and Strangford Lough, dotted with charming towns and villages.
  3. Glens of Antrim: Beautiful 150 km scenic drive through an area of stunning natural beauty, quaint villages, nine impressive glens and stunning coastal scenery.
  4. Lough Neagh Route: A 128 km circumnavigation of the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, with a variety of wildlife and a range of historic sites.
  5. Sperrins Route: Starting and ending in Cookstown, this approximately 122 km road trip takes you through the heart of the Sperrin Mountains, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
  6. Ards Peninsula: Explore the rich maritime history, spectacular scenery and more over a 190 km coastal drive circling the beautiful Ards Peninsula.
  7. Fermanagh Lakelands: A 158 km journey through the serene beauty of the Fermanagh Lakelands, rich in history and filled with breathtaking views.

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Car Hire in Northern Ireland

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to hire a car in Northern Ireland?

Car hire costs in Northern Ireland can vary depending on the model and duration of the hire period. Rates usually start at around £20 per day for a standard car. For a more luxury vehicle, you can expect to pay significantly more. Make sure to check different car hire services for the best price.

2. What car model is most commonly hired in Northern Ireland?

Compact cars are most commonly hired in Northern Ireland, due to their suitability for the country's varied terrain, both urban areas and rural landscapes.

3. Where are the most popular locations to hire a car in Northern Ireland?

The majority of people hiring a car in Northern Ireland do so in major cities such as Belfast or Derry. Many also hire cars through services offered at airports upon arrival.

4. Is there a 24-hour pick-up and drop-off service?

Some car hire companies offer 24-hour pick-up and drop-off services, particularly at airports, but you should check the specific policies of the company you're considering.

5. Is there a minimum hire period?

Most car hire companies require a minimum one-day hire, but it’s always worth checking this with your chosen company prior to making a booking.

6. What is the minimum age requirement to hire a car in Northern Ireland?

The minimum age to hire a car in Northern Ireland is generally 21 years old. However, some companies may ask for a surcharge for drivers under 25 or require that any driver under 25 have a full licence for at least two years.

7. What documents do I need to hire or drive a car in Northern Ireland?

When hiring a car in Northern Ireland, you will need a valid driver's licence, a valid ID or passport, and a credit card. International visitors should also have an International Driving Permit (IDP).

8. When is the best time of year to visit Northern Ireland by car?

The best time to visit Northern Ireland by car would be during late spring and early autumn when the weather isn’t harsh and the roads are less busy. This gives you the opportunity to explore the scenic routes at your own leisure.

9. What are Northern Ireland's main airports?

Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport are the two main airports in Northern Ireland, with many car hire companies operating from these locations.

10. Can I pick up the car in one city and drop it off in another city in Northern Ireland?

Yes, most car hire companies in Northern Ireland offer one-way rentals, meaning you can pick up the car in one city and drop it off in another. An additional fee may apply, however.