Car Rentals in Galway, IRL

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Galway

Renting a car in Galway offers you the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions such as Eyre Square, Quay Street, and Galway Harbour, all located within the vibrant Galway City Centre. This flexibility is especially beneficial for those travelling with family or luggage, as it provides convenient transport for everyone and their belongings.

In addition to the city’s highlights, a car allows you to venture into the picturesque neighbourhoods like the Latin Quarter and Claddagh, where you can enjoy scenic views, culture, and local experiences. With your own vehicle, you can plan day trips to nearby areas without the constraints of public transport schedules. The scenic drives around Galway make for an enjoyable adventure, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking beautiful landscapes. Overall, renting a car in Galway enhances your experience by offering convenience and flexibility, making it easier to create memorable moments during your trip.

Most popular car hires in Galway

• Economy: This car type accommodates up to 5 travellers and offers space for 2 medium suitcases. The Economy option is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or small families looking for a budget-friendly solution. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate through Galway’s streets while providing the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
• Midsize: Perfect for couples or families, the Midsize car can hold up to 5 travellers and offers room for 3 large suitcases. This option strikes a balance between comfort and practicality, making it a great choice for those needing more luggage space. Renting a Midsize vehicle allows for an enjoyable travel experience while accommodating a bit more gear for your trip.
• Compact: The Compact car option, which fits 5 travellers and has space for 3 medium suitcases, is a versatile choice suitable for solo travellers, couples, or families. Its smaller dimensions lend themselves to easy parking and manoeuvring in urban areas, while still providing sufficient room for essentials. This makes the Compact a popular selection among those looking for a convenient and efficient way to explore Galway.

Top rated car suppliers in Galway

• Enterprise: With a rental location conveniently situated in Galway, Enterprise is an excellent choice for travellers seeking flexibility. The provider is particularly popular for its Economy and Midsize SUV options, allowing you to navigate both city streets and scenic routes comfortably. With a focus on customer satisfaction, Enterprise ensures a smooth and enjoyable car hire experience, making it easy to explore Galway and its surrounding attractions at your own pace.
• Budget: Renowned for its value, Budget operates a rental location within Galway, offering a range of vehicles that suit various needs. Most booked cars include Compact and Midsize options, ideal for manoeuvring through the city or enjoying day trips. Budget's commitment to affordability and convenience makes it a top choice for those looking to make the most of their travel budget while exploring the beautiful landscapes of County Galway.
• Europcar: With a dedicated rental location in Galway, Europcar provides an attractive selection of vehicles, particularly in the Economy and Compact categories. This supplier is favoured by travellers for its well-maintained cars and friendly service, making your journey around Galway and beyond a delightful experience. Europcar's emphasis on customer satisfaction ensures that you can focus on enjoying your trip without hassle.

Where to stay in Galway

• Galway City Centre: A vibrant neighbourhood, Galway City Centre is ideal for those seeking outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, and scenic views. It's renowned for its shopping areas, including a shopping mall and centre. Key landmarks like Eyre Square, a lively piazza, and Quay Street, a bustling thoroughfare, are easily accessible. The nearby Galway Harbour offers picturesque views, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. Additionally, there are various dining options, including breweries and pubs, for a taste of local cuisine.
• Claddagh: Known for its stunning outdoor scenery and family-oriented experiences, Claddagh is a delightful area to explore. Visitors can enjoy shopping areas and leisure activities, such as body treatments and arcade adventures. Attractions like Grattan Beach provide a beautiful seaside experience, while Eyre Square and Quay Street are close by for those interested in city culture. Claddagh also features numerous cafes and dining establishments, including breweries, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a relaxing meal after a day of exploration.
• Latin Quarter: The Latin Quarter is a lively neighbourhood perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. With a variety of shopping venues and golf options, there's plenty to engage visitors. The area's highlights include Eyre Square, Quay Street, and scenic parks, making it a charming place to explore. For dining, you'll find an array of breweries and bars that reflect the local culture, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for a meal or a drink after a day of sightseeing.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Galway

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economical vehicle for budget-conscious travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices tend to vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-size rentals offer a pleasing balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but this may be justified by the added convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and offers peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car hire insurance is straightforward when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Galway

The best value period for renting a car in Galway is November, when prices are lower and demand is typically quiet. October and November also offer slightly reduced prices with average demand. June tends to be a good option as well, with slightly lower prices but higher demand. However, August is the most expensive month, often accompanied by high demand. This makes it a busy time for car hires, especially as summer activities peak.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	42.6°F (5.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
February	42.8°F (6.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
March	44.1°F (6.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	47.5°F (8.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	51.8°F (11.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	56.5°F (13.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Slightly Low
July	58.8°F (14.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
August	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Slightly High
September	55.8°F (13.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
October	51.6°F (10.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
November	46.4°F (8.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly High