Hertz has established itself as Ireland’s leading car hire provider. This global icon, with deep roots in the Irish market, has been crowned Car Hire Provider of the Year for the eleventh year in a row at the Irish Travel Industry Awards, organised by the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA), winning against a shortlist that included Enterprise, Avis, and Sixt, yet its consistent performance, extensive fleet, and trade-focused support continue to set it apart for Irish agents and travellers alike.
Hertz’s activities in Ireland centre on serving both inbound tourists and outbound Irish holidaymakers who require reliable vehicles for exploring the island or venturing abroad. With over 30 locations nationwide, including major airports at Dublin, Shannon, and Cork, as well as city-centre outlets in Belfast, Galway, Killarney, and Limerick, the company provides seamless pick-up and drop-off options. Its fleet ranges from compact economy cars ideal for city breaks to spacious SUVs and people carriers suited for family adventures along the Wild Atlantic Way, Ring of Kerry, or Causeway Coastal Route. Premium options, including luxury models and electric vehicles, cater to business travellers and those seeking eco-conscious choices.
The company’s strength lies in its partnerships with the Irish travel trade. Hertz works closely with agents, tour operators, and online platforms to offer competitive rates, low-deposit bookings, and exclusive commissions. Agents benefit from a dedicated trade portal featuring real-time availability, detailed vehicle specifications, and promotional campaigns for peak seasons. These tools enable quick, accurate quotations for package holidays that include car hire, a popular add-on for self-drive tours of Ireland or European road trips starting from ferry ports or airports. Hertz’s inclusion of extras such as child seats, additional drivers, and comprehensive insurance options simplifies bookings and enhances client satisfaction.
Sustainability has become a growing focus for Hertz in Ireland. The company has expanded its electric and hybrid fleet significantly, with charging infrastructure partnerships at key locations. Initiatives to promote low-emission vehicles align with Ireland’s push towards greener tourism and appeal to environmentally aware travellers exploring national parks, coastal trails, or rural destinations. Hertz also supports responsible driving practices through clear guidance on local rules, such as speed limits, toll roads, and left-hand driving for international visitors.
Recognition from the industry underscores Hertz’s dominance. These awards celebrate not only fleet quality and service reliability but also exceptional trade support, from responsive account management to joint marketing efforts that drive bookings. Hertz’s global network adds further value, enabling seamless car hire for Irish travellers abroad in Europe, North America, and beyond.
The Irish car hire market has seen robust recovery, with strong demand for self-drive holidays amid rising interest in domestic exploration and European road trips. Hertz has capitalised on this trend by maintaining high vehicle availability, flexible rental periods, and competitive pricing during peak summer and school holiday periods. Its one-way rental options, allowing drop-off at different locations, prove especially popular for touring itineraries that begin or end at ferry terminals or regional airports.
Challenges persist, including supply chain constraints for new vehicles, fluctuating fuel costs, and competition from local providers. Hertz addresses these through fleet investment, dynamic pricing, and a focus on customer service, including 24/7 roadside assistance and multilingual support for international visitors.
2026 awards
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