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Car Hire Kerry

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Kerry Guide

Car Hire

If you imagine the Irish countryside, with ruins of medieval castles surrounded by rolling hills, deserted bays and glacier lakes, then you might as well be thinking of County Kerry. Kerry is a region located in southwest Ireland, in the western extremities of the British Isles. Due to this isolation, the Irish culture and language here have remained largely untouched by outside influences. Keery is a popular travel destination, partly because of the spectacular open country landscapes that make for great drives around the county.

Who to Book With
The offices of car hire companies in Kerry Country can be found in Killarney, Kerry County’s main tourist hub. Many are also located in Kerry Airport, near Farranfore and in Farranfore itself. Budget, Hertz, Sixt, Alamo, National, Avis and Irish Car Rentals are among the options, with booking online the best bet for discounts.

Best Time to Go
County Kerry enjoys temperatures milder than those of the rest of Northern Europe, with little variation throughout the year, making a visit at any time possible. It does rain a lot, however, but that also means vegetation remains green for most of the year. January temperatures average around 5°C, while summer temperatures can reach a balmy 28°C.

Need to Know Essentials
You will have to bring the following at the time of car hire collection:

- Printed booking confirmation (when possible)
- A credit card
- A full licence from your country of origin (or an International Driving Permit)
- Secondary ID with a photo

For more info read our FAQ's.

Driving
The many towns and centres of County Kerry are connected to each other by a comprehensive network of roads, some of which involve ferry crossings. Those driving from Clare or farther north from Galway can hop on car ferries to cross the Shannon Estuary. Most roads are well maintained and provide drivers with the most spectacular views along the way.

Our guide to driving in Ireland provides additional information for those wishing to drive a car rental in Kerry.

Transport

Public transport is sufficient for those staying in the cities and towns of Kerry or visiting the sites along the well-trodden tourist trail. Trains run from Mallow in Cork, west to Tralee, passing through Killarney. Buses have many connections in the region as well as to Cork and Dublin. Private taxi companies provide services within and on the outskirts of Kerry. For those wishing to visit the more scenic, rural and remote areas, driving your own car is advised.

Trains
The county is served by one rail line, run by Irish Rail. Running east to west, the line begins in Mallow in County Cork and passes through Banteer and Millstreet, also in Cork, continuing on to County Kerry and stopping at Rathmore, Killarney and Farranfore before terminating in Tralee. The Rathmore to Tralee one-way fare is about £14.

Taxis
Several private companies operate taxi cabs in County Kerry. Not only do these companies run services within the county, pick-ups can also be made at Cork Airport or even at Dublin Airport. From Cork Airport, the cab fare to Killarney is around £64.

Buses
Buses in County Kerry are primarily run by Bus Eireann. The network is comprehensive, with hubs in Killarney in the centre and Tralee in the north. Many buses are bound for Cork in the south or Limerick to the north, while some service the Kerry to Dublin route.

Exploring

It is not difficult to understand why County Kerry is a popular destination for those wishing to explore the rugged Irish countryside. It doesn’t take a lot for this unbelievably picturesque region to impress. Many of Kerry’s towns and sites are an easy drive away from each other.

Recommended Drives

Killarney - This is the main tourist town in the region and most probably the first stop for any visitor to the county. Its lake and surrounding mountains attract a lot of visitors, from those who wish to relax to the more active of vacationers who want to go biking or hiking.

The Ring of Kerry - This is perhaps one of the best drives in Ireland. This tourist route meanders through the main attractions of the region, which include the Torc Waterfall and several viewpoints, such as the Ladies View in Killarney National Park. The 6th century monastery of Skellig Michael, which is situated on an island, is also worth a stop. Boats from Portmagee make the connection here.

Ardfert - In Irish Ardfert means ‘hill of miracles’, a name that is quite apt for this historically religious centre. The place is home to many ecclesiastical sites, including Ardfert Cathedral, which, after the 1641 Irish Rebellion, now lies in glorious ruins. Other sites include the Talbot-Crosbie Memorial and Brandon House.

Practical information

  • Currency
    Euro
  • Driving direction
    Left
  • City speed limit
    50 km/h
  • Freeway speed limit
    100 km/h
  • Language
    English, Irish

What most people want to know

The following questions and answers are a selection of the most popular questions. If you do not find the answer to your question, have a look at the Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us.

Is Carrentals.co.uk the cheapest?

Yes, we offer a guarantee of the lowest price - because we compare various retailers, we can always offer you the best price in town.

What do I need to do when picking up a car?

To pick up your car, you will need your voucher, passport, driver's license and a credit card. It is very important that your driver's license and credit card are in the same name as the main driver. Keep in mind that the local rental company will reserve a certain amount on your credit card as a deposit. This requires the PIN code for your credit card. If your driver's license is foreign (for example, in Chinese), you must bring a translation with you. Only your original passport and driver's license will be accepted - a copy is not sufficient.

Are there any additional costs?

In general, our rates are all-inclusive. Should there be any additional costs, our booking department will get in touch with you before issuing the invoice. Should you object, you can always cancel your reservation with no obligations attached (at least 48 hours in advance).

What kind of insurance is applicable to my car rental?

In general, Liability Insurance, Fire Insurance, All-Risks Insurance and Theft Insurance are included in the cost of your rental car.

What is a worry-free label?

Only rental companies with a high level of customer satisfaction are eligible to be included in our Worry-Free selection. This rate includes excess cover and unlimited kilometres. Your vehicle will be provided and must be returned with a full tank of fuel. With a vehicle from our Worry-Free selection, you can travel with peace of mind and no hidden costs.

How can I change or cancel my reservation?

You can cancel your reservation through "My Account". We recommend contacting us by phone if your changes to your booking or cancellation takes place at short notice (48 hours or less).

When will I get a confirmation of my booking?

Most reservations will receive confirmation within minutes after payment takes place. We recommend contacting our Booking Department for last minute reservations (pick-up within 48 hours).