Northern Ireland Car Hire

What car types are on offer and how do I compare them?

Choosing the right hire car for your Northern Ireland trip depends on the requirements of your travel group and what you’ve got planned for the duration  ̶  for instance, a small vehicle might be perfectly fine for running around city streets in Belfast or Derry, but if you’re also throwing road trips into the mix, you might prefer something like a rugged SUV. Whatever your needs, you’ll find a ride that’s just right from our deep and diverse collection  ̶  here’s the lowdown on the vehicle types at your fingertips:

Mini

Small yet mighty, mini-sized vehicles are ideal for nipping from your home base to the shops or zooming from town to town while taking in the sights. A great choice if you’re taking a Northern Irish sojourn on your own, as a couple or a family group with a couple of young kids, mini type vehicles include models like the fiery Kia Picanto.

Economy

When you want price-focused car hire in this part of the UK, an economy car like a Vauxhall Corsa is a great choice  ̶  these types of cars tend to be small or medium but they’re robust, reliable and a fab choice for exploring scenic spots like the Fermanagh Lakelands.

Compact

Some of the most popular car hire choices in this part of the world, compact cars like the Vauxhall Astra are often surprisingly roomy inside and are therefore a savvy choice for a family group with growing kids. If you want to take a Game of Thrones road trip through County Antrim, County Down, Londonderry and Fermanagh, this car type is the very dab.

Standard

A step-up in size from compact models, standard cars have plenty of room and they’re a comfortable ride for longer road trips or for family members who need more space wherever you’re heading. The Peugeot 508 is a good example of this type of car, with its saloon silhouette and ample legroom.

Intermediate & full-sized

Want to take a winding road trip through the dramatic Sperrin Mountains? You might feel more confident in a vehicle that’s large enough to drive defensively, without it feeling unwieldy. Enter the intermediate car type and models like the Skoda Octavia and Seat Ateca  ̶  with these types of reliable vehicles you can head off on any rural road trip with peace of mind.

Minibus, 7-seater & 9-seater

The best type of vehicle for a large group of family members, friends or colleagues, 7-seaters and 9-seaters allow you to get to your holiday hotspots together, without the expense of hiring separate vehicles or the hassle of shelling out for taxis or bus tickets. Whether you’re touring the Mourne Mountains or circumnavigating Lough Neagh, hiring a self-drive minibus-type vehicle turns an ad hoc road trip into a real holiday experience.

Top Tips for Northern Ireland Car Hire

If you’ve not driven in Northern Ireland for a wee while or you’re from elsewhere in the UK and it’s your first time on the road here, take a couple of minutes to absorb some useful tips on driving and car hire in this terrific part of the world:

• Just like the rest of the UK, you drive on the left here. There are part-time 20mph speed limits around several schools here, otherwise the limits are 30 mph in cities, 60mph on open roads, and 70mph on motorways.
• Petrol stations are typically open from 7am to 7pm although some are open until later at night and you’ll find 24/7 petrol stations in bigger towns and cities.
• There are no toll roads in Northern Ireland and in terms of parking, you’ll find enclosed and open-air parking as well as kerbside parking which is pay & display.
• One-way car hire is available from some providers between predetermined locations. This can be a good option if you’re not starting and ending your trip in the same base.

So there you have it  ̶  everything you need to know about car hire in Northern Ireland and a bit more besides. As you can see, there’s so much to discover in this small but spectacular country.

Whenever you need to get behind the wheel in NI, trust Enjoy Travel for car hire that’s fast, easy and affordable.