How to find a cheap car hire deal in Galway
Whether you need a small car for zipping through the city streets or an SUV for a road trip, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Galway. Pick from options averaging $1,407 a day and go where you want for less.
$150 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Galway.
Staying a little longer and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? $1,045 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
Book early to snap up the best price for a Galway car hire. Besides saving money, you'll have a wider range of options to pick from.
Enterprise, Budget and Carhire are some of the most popular providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
The coverage Enterprise or another supplier offers for your Galway car hire can vary, so be sure to read the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Find the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any unexpected fees by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average $630 a day.
Next up is [this provider](this provider), offering daily rates of around $437.
The third option also keeps costs reasonable. Expect to pay roughly $452 a day for one of their rentals.
The Intermediate rental category is a dependable choice if you're unsure what kind of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most in Galway.
Compare car hire types in Galway
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Galway makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These compact, fuel-efficient cars are ideal for short trips and city driving.
Medium: A reliable pick when you want something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra space compared to smaller cars.
Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for longer drives, this Galway car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or zipping along smooth highways, many offer all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Galway that makes light work of heavy loads. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's equipment, luggage or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something you should consider. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying an expensive excess fee. Different Galway car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
Level up your ride with nifty extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. These add-ons can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Galway.
Good to know
To rent a car in Ireland, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may rent vehicles to younger drivers for an extra fee, so always go over the policies before confirming your booking.
Add a car seat to your Galway car hire reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Regulations change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest option.
Come prepared to make pick-up as quick as possible. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no digital copies) plus another photo ID. Also bring along a credit card with room for the security hold. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
If you haven't driven before in Ireland, remember that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's normally around 45kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always obey the road signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Ireland. The most reliable way to be safe to drive is to avoid drinking completely.
Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a faster run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) here. In addition to your bank cards, have some cash handy for smaller purchases.
Best hotels in Galway for drivers
Pull in, drop your bags, and start relaxing at The House Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member. Offering accessible parking as well as a laundry and a golf course, this hotel is around 0.32 kilometres from central Galway.
Villa de Porres gets the details right with parking and features like a 24-hour front desk and Wi-Fi. It's roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the full range of hotels in Galway for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find exactly what you're after. You can even use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Galway and the right hotel, all that's left is deciding where to explore first. Get started with popular attractions such as Galway Cathedral, The Medieval City Walls and The Long Walk.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Galway
Navigate your way to Ennis. Around 48 kilometres south of central Galway, it's home to must-sees like Glor Irish Music Centre and Ennis Friary.
Hotel Woodstock Ennis and Great National Temple Gate Hotel are popular accommodation options with parking in Ennis.
Add Athlone to your holiday plans too. Grab your cheap car hire in Galway and drive around 72 kilometres east to explore main draws such as Adamson Castle and Franciscan Abbey and Graveyard.
Athlone has some comfortable places to stay such as Sheraton Athlone Hotel and Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.
Next on your itinerary is some serious shut-eye. Plaza Hotel Tallaght and Glashaus Hotel have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Tallaght.
