Car Hire Cork Airport

Why go Budget in Cork Airport?

• Great value car hire

• Desks in Cork Airport arrivals hall

• All cars located next to the airport building

• Wide choice of cars to suit city, coast and countryside driving. 

• Trusted global brand with local Irish expertise

• Friendly service from a team who knows Cork

• Simple, reliable and great value. That is the Budget way.

Discover Cork with Budget Car Rental

Cork is Ireland’s second city (although you may hear local debate on it being the real capital) and the heart of the southern province of Munster. Located at the mouth of the River Lee, Cork combines a lively city atmosphere with easy access to coastline, countryside and historic towns.

Cork City

Key landmarks include:

• Shandon Bells

• Cork City Hall

• Cork Opera House

• UCC Campus

For shopping, visit Patrick Street, a pedestrian‑friendly main street close to Grand Parade, a tree‑lined area home to many offices, cafés and restaurants. Cork is widely regarded as Ireland’s food capital, offering everything from award‑winning restaurants to casual local favourites like O'Flynns Gourmet Sausage Co. on Winthrop Street. Traditional pubs are easy to find, where you can enjoy live music and a pint of the local stout, Murphy’s.

County Cork

County Cork is the largest county in Ireland, with a long southern coastline and borders with Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford.

Just 8 kilometres north of Cork City is Blarney Castle, home to the famous Blarney Stone. According to legend, kissing the stone grants the gift of eloquence known as the "Gift of the Gab".

Further north, the town of Mallow lies close to Annes Grove Gardens near Castletownroche, a peaceful spot that is especially popular in spring and summer.

To the south east of the city is Cobh, a historic harbour town and the Titanic’s final port of call. Nearby, Fota Wildlife Park in Carrigtwohill is a popular attraction for families and visitors of all ages.

West Cork

Driving from Cork City along the N71 brings you into West Cork, one of Ireland’s most scenic regions. One of the highlights is the Caha Pass, a stunning mountain road that links County Kerry and West Cork between Kenmare and Glengarriff. As you pass through the tunnels and descend towards Glengarriff, the views open up across woodland, valleys and coastline, making this drive a favourite for visitors exploring the south west. With a hire car, you can take your time, stop along the way and enjoy one of the most memorable road journeys in Ireland before continuing on towards County Kerry.

Why hiring a car at Cork Airport makes your trip easier

With so much to see across Cork City, the county and the wider south of Ireland, hiring a car at Cork Airport gives you maximum flexibility.

You can:

• Explore beyond the city centre

• Reach coastal towns and rural attractions easily

• Travel on your own schedule

• Get more value from your trip by staying off the beaten track. 

With Budget, you can enjoy more of Cork and beyond, while keeping car hire simple and affordable.

Best time to visit Cork

Late spring and summer are the most popular times to visit Cork, thanks to longer daylight hours and festivals across the city and county. Autumn is ideal for scenic drives and coastal walks, while winter offers a calmer pace with fewer visitors. With a Budget hire car, you can plan your days around what suits you, not transport schedules.

What you need to hire a car at Cork Airport

To keep things moving smoothly at the desk, please bring the following when collecting your car 

1. Your valid driving licence

   1. An official translation or International Driving Permit if required

   2. UK licences must include both parts

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.

Ready to hit the road?

Hire a car at Cork Airport with Budget and enjoy more freedom, more flexibility and more life for your money across Cork and beyond.