Yes, you can absolutely rent an automatic car in Ireland. While manual transmission vehicles are more common and often cheaper, every major international and local car rental company in Ireland offers a selection of automatic cars. The key is to book well in advance, as the supply of automatics is more limited. Expect to pay a premium, often 30-50% more than for a comparable manual car, due to higher demand from tourists and the lower availability.
Booking an automatic transmission car requires specific action. You cannot simply book a car category and hope for an automatic; you must select the specific vehicle category labeled "Automatic." These are usually clearly marked on rental company websites. Categories like "Automatic Compact" or "Automatic Intermediate" are common. During peak tourist season, these vehicles sell out quickly, so early booking is crucial.
The main challenge for many visitors is the cost. The higher rental rate is due to market factors. Manual transmissions are the standard in Ireland and across Europe, making automatics a specialized fleet option. Below is a sample comparison of weekly rental rates for a similar car class from Dublin Airport to illustrate the typical price difference.
| Rental Company | Car Class (Manual) | Weekly Rate (Manual) | Car Class (Automatic) | Weekly Rate (Automatic) | Price Difference |
|---|
| Company A | Economy | €250 | Automatic Compact | €380 | +52% |
| Company B | Compact | €280 | Automatic Intermediate | €410 | +46% |
| Company C | Intermediate | €320 | Automatic Full-Size | €470 | +47% |
| Company D | Full-Size | €370 | Automatic Premium | €540 | +46% |
| Company E | SUV | €450 | Automatic SUV | €620 | +38% |
When you pick up the car, always double-check the transmission type before leaving the rental lot. It's also essential to understand the insurance options. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is standard, but consider excess reimbursement insurance from a third party to avoid high out-of-pocket costs in case of damage. Be prepared for narrow rural roads; even a compact automatic car will be easier to maneuver than a larger vehicle.
