Why rent from Budget at Belfast International Airport?

• Excellent choice of competitively priced cars available on fleet. 
• Trusted global brand with local expertise
• Friendly service from a team that knows Belfast and Northern Ireland
• Simple, reliable and great value. That's the Budget way.

Discover Northern Ireland with Budget Car Rental

Northern Ireland may be small in size, but its six counties offer an impressive variety of scenery, culture and experiences. Consisting of Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh, and Tyrone, Northern Ireland combines vibrant cities, breathtaking coastlines, rolling farmland, mountains, forests and inland waterways within a relatively compact area. One of the benefits of renting a hire car at Belfast International Airport is that nowhere is ever too far away, making it easy to explore multiple counties during a single trip.

Northern Ireland rewards travellers who navigate off the beaten path. You can spend the morning exploring Belfast, enjoy lunch beside the Atlantic coast and still find yourself watching the sunset over a mountain range or lakeside village later that evening. With a Budget hire car, you can discover Northern Ireland at your own pace and experience far more than the typical tourist trail.

County Antrim

County Antrim is home to Belfast International Airport and for many visitors provides their first introduction to Northern Ireland. The county contains some of the region's most famous attractions, from the Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge to the dramatic landscapes of the Glens of Antrim. It is also home to the Causeway Coastal Route, considered one of the finest scenic drives in Europe.

One of Antrim's hidden gems is The Gobbins, a dramatic cliff-side walkway built into the rock face above the Irish Sea. Further north, the road passes through picturesque towns and villages such as Cushendun, Ballycastle, Portrush and Portstewart, each offering their own unique character, coastal scenery and welcoming hospitality. Keep an eye out for the spectacular ruins of Dunluce Castle perched on the edge of the cliffs.

County Antrim rewards those who slow down and explore. Stop for fresh fish and chips overlooking the sea, walk through Glenariff Forest Park, often known as the Queen of the Glens, or spend time discovering the stories and legends behind the Giant's Causeway. With a Budget hire car, you can experience the county at your own pace and enjoy some of the most memorable scenery anywhere in Ireland.

County Down

County Down is best known for the Mourne Mountains, a landscape of granite peaks, that inspired C.S. Lewis's vision of Narnia. The coastal town of Newcastle provides a popular base for exploring the area, while nearby Silent Valley Reservoir offers some of the finest scenery in Northern Ireland. 

Down is also closely associated with Saint Patrick. Visitors can explore Downpatrick, where Saint Patrick is believed to be buried, along with attractions such as the Saint Patrick Centre and nearby Down Cathedral. The county offers a fascinating mix of history, nature and coastal scenery, all within easy reach of Belfast.

Northern Ireland became internationally recognised as one of the principal filming locations for Game of Thrones, with many scenes filmed across County Down and neighbouring counties. Fans can visit the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, home to original sets, costumes, weapons and behind-the-scenes exhibits from the series. Locations such as Castle Ward, which doubled as Winterfell, and the shores of Strangford Lough continue to attract visitors from around the world, making County Down a must-visit destination for many fans of the show.

County Armagh

Known as the Orchard County, Armagh is famous for its apple-growing tradition and produces many of the apples and ciders enjoyed across Ireland. Rolling countryside, small villages and quiet roads make it an enjoyable county to explore by car, particularly during autumn when the orchards come alive with colour.

Armagh City itself has a unique distinction. It is home to two cathedrals dedicated to Saint Patrick, one Roman Catholic and one Church of Ireland, reflecting the city's long religious history. Visitors can also explore the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Ireland's leading centre for astronomy and space science.

County Fermanagh

County Fermanagh offers a completely different side of Northern Ireland. Known as the Fermanagh Lakelands, the county is shaped by waterways, islands and lakes, with Lower and Upper Lough Erne dominating the landscape. The county town of Enniskillen sits between the two lakes and provides an excellent base for exploring the region.

Popular attractions include the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, where guided tours take visitors through an underground world of rivers and caves, and Devenish Island, home to one of Ireland's finest monastic sites. For travellers looking to slow down, enjoy nature and escape the busier tourist routes, few places in Northern Ireland reward exploration quite like Fermanagh.

For walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, Fermanagh is also home to the famous Stairway to Heaven trail on Cuilcagh Mountain. The boardwalk route climbs across blanket bog and upland landscapes before reaching panoramic viewpoints across the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, the views stretch across multiple counties, making it one of the most rewarding hikes in Northern Ireland. 

County Derry

County Derry combines dramatic coastal scenery with one of Ireland's most historic cities. Derry City is famous for its remarkably well-preserved 17th-century walls, which completely encircle the city centre and remain the only intact city walls in Ireland. Walking the walls provides excellent views of the city, the River Foyle and landmarks such as the Guildhall and Peace Bridge.

Beyond the city, the county is home to Downhill Demesne and the iconic Mussenden Temple, perched dramatically on a cliff edge overlooking the Atlantic. Literature lovers may also wish to explore the landscapes associated with Nobel Prize-winning poet Seamus Heaney, whose work was deeply influenced by this part of Northern Ireland.

In recent years, Derry has gained international recognition as the setting for the hit comedy series Derry Girls, which introduced audiences around the world to the city's humour, character and unique identity. Together, the city's rich history, vibrant culture and warm welcome make Derry a rewarding destination to explore in Northern Ireland.

County Tyrone

Often overlooked by visitors, County Tyrone rewards those willing to venture beyond the main tourist routes. The county is home to the Sperrin Mountains, a peaceful upland region of rolling hills, quiet roads and panoramic viewpoints. Traffic is often sparse here, making it one of the most enjoyable areas in Northern Ireland for a leisurely drive.

One of Tyrone's most popular attractions is the Ulster American Folk Park near Omagh, which tells the story of Irish emigration to North America through reconstructed buildings and immersive exhibits. Combined with forest parks, walking trails and archaeological sites such as the Beaghmore Stone Circles, Tyrone offers a glimpse of a quieter and more rural Northern Ireland.

Best time to visit Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland can be enjoyed year round, with each season offering something different. Late spring and summer are particularly popular thanks to longer daylight hours and generally milder weather, making it an excellent time to explore the many walking trails found across the region.

Autumn brings colourful landscapes and quieter roads, particularly in counties such as Armagh, where orchards come alive during the harvest season, and Fermanagh, where forests and lakes take on rich autumn colours. It is also a great time for scenic drives, with fewer visitors at many of the region's most popular attractions.

Winter offers a different perspective on Northern Ireland. Belfast comes alive with festive events and Christmas markets, while the dramatic Atlantic coastline often feels at its most atmospheric. Crisp winter days can provide spectacular views across the Antrim Coast, the Sperrin Mountains and the Fermanagh Lakelands. Whatever the season, having a hire car gives you the flexibility to experience Northern Ireland on your own schedule

Book your Northern Ireland Car Hire Today

Budget Northern Ireland Car Rental FAQs

What do I need to bring with me to rent a car from Budget in Northern Ireland?

1. Your valid driving licence

   1. UK residents only need to present the Photocard Driver's Licence but may be asked to agree to provide access to their licence records as needed.

   2. Northern Ireland Photocard Driving Licence must provide both the Photocard and it's paper counterpart.

   3. An official translation or International Driving Permit if your licence is not in English

2. A credit card in the main driver's name. If using a debit card, you must waive the full excess with our excess reduction policy.

3. Passport or National ID Card.

What age can I rent a car from Budget in Belfast?

You must be 23 years or older to rent a car from Budget in Northern Ireland. A young driver surcharge applies to drivers under the age of 25. Drivers must also have held a full driving licence for a minimum of two years. Drivers aged 23 and 24 are restricted to selected smaller car groups.

Can my friend drive my rental car?

Additional drivers can be added when collecting your vehicle. An additional driver charge may apply. Please refer to our terms and conditions or speak with a member of our team for the latest pricing and eligibility requirements.

Can I use a debit card?

Yes. If using a debit card, you must purchase our Excess Reduction product to reduce your financial responsibility to zero in the event of vehicle theft or damage.

PIN-enabled cards will require your PIN for authorisation. Prepaid and stored-value payment cards are not accepted. We do not accept contactless payments.

Can I drive a Budget hire car into the Republic of Ireland?

Yes. If you wish to drive your rental vehicle into the Republic of Ireland, a cross-border coverage fee applies. This fee covers cross-border vehicle retrieval in the event of a breakdown.

Budget vehicles rented in Northern Ireland may only be driven within Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Can I take a Budget car from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK?

No. Budget vehicles rented in Northern Ireland may only be driven within Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and may not be taken to Great Britain.

Is Northern Ireland part of the United Kingdom?

Yes. Northern Ireland is one of the four nations of the United Kingdom. Distances, speed limits and road signs are displayed in miles, and drivers travel on the left-hand side of the road.

If you cross the border into the Republic of Ireland, distances and speed limits are displayed in kilometres rather than miles. Drivers continue to drive on the left-hand side of the road in both jurisdictions.

What currency is used in Northern Ireland?

The official currency of Northern Ireland is Pound Sterling (£ / GBP). While some businesses in border areas may accept both Pounds Sterling and Euros, this is not common across the wider region.

If you plan to travel into the Republic of Ireland during your trip, it is worth remembering that the official currency there is the Euro (€).