Car Hire in Cork Airport

If you are planning a trip to the Republic of Ireland, County Cork on the country’s southernmost tip, is one of its most popular destinations. This is a fabled land with a dramatic coastline, remote islands, wild countryside with small villages, lush green farmsteads and historic towns.

County Cork is also a great base as the start or end to an epic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way. Meanwhile Cork, Ireland’s second largest city, is a commercial and business hub providing a base for nearly 200 multinational companies across a range of sectors. It’s also renowned as a picturesque city with striking architecture and a lively music, food and cultural scene.

Cork Airport is the second biggest international airport in the Republic of Ireland after Dublin and it’s the country’s fastest growing airport. Seen as the gateway to the south of Ireland, Cork Airport handles around 3 million passengers a year with more routes being added each year. It offers a comfortable passenger experience with shops, restaurants and lounges before and after checking in across its sleek modern terminal.

Whether you are heading to Cork on business, or planning a road trip in Ireland our friendly Avis team at Cork Airport is on hand to offer advice and provide the perfect rental car for your trip.

You’ll find our Avis counter in the arrivals hall just after going through the baggage claim area. Our rental location is open between 7am and midnight 7 days a week for collections. If you drop off your car after hours at the end of your rental, there is a key drop box available.

The Avis rental car park is easy to find just a short walk from the terminal building in the open-air car park. On your return to the airport just follow signs for ‘car hire’.

From the Avis car park at Cork Airport it’s an 18min, 8.3km drive to the city centre. Cork Airport is to the south of Cork in an area called Farmers Cross and close to the Airway Technology Park. As you leave the airport, take the first exit at the roundabout and travel north via the N27, following signs to Cork.

You’ll continue on the N27 – also known as the Kinsale Road – right into the heart of Cork turning left as you reach Old Station Street and arriving at the city centre.

Cork is a beautiful city with grand civic architecture and colourfully painted houses. With its historic buildings, museums and outdoor attractions, there is plenty to see and do in the city whether you are visiting for the day or have a more relaxed schedule.

Start your tour by exploring the lively waterfront along the banks of the River Lee, and don’t miss popular sites like Fota Wildlife Park, Fitzgerald Park, Cork City Gaol, the French Neo-Gothic St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, or St Anne’s church with its famous bell tower which you can climb to take in the views of the city. The Elizabeth Fort, a well-preserved military defense post is one of Cork's oldest and most historic sites.

To savour the flavours of the region, head for the covered market, known as the English Market, which has been operating since 1788 and offers more than 50 stalls daily selling local cheeses, breads, fish, meats and sweet treats.

If you’ve time, take a trip to the village of Cobh just 30 minutes from Cork city centre where you can visit the Titanic Experience on the site of the historic White Star Line ticket office where the last passengers boarded ahead of the ship’s maiden voyage.

There is so much to see both close to the city of Cork but also further afield. To the north, there's the lush green valley of the Blackwater River and in the south you'll find magnificent golden beaches, deserted coves and rugged cliffs.

Blarney Castle

No visit to Cork would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Blarney Castle. The current castle dates from 1446 but has its origins in the 10th century. As well as climbing to the top of the ramparts to take in the views across the landscaped gardens and grounds, you’ll want to indulge in the centuries-old tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone, which legend has it confers the ‘gift of the gab’. Blarney Castle is just 8.5km north of Cork, a drive of around 20min. If you want to make a day of it, make time to explore the Blackwater Valley – a stunning valley with pretty towns and villages along the route. Stop off in elegant Fermoy which flanks the banks of the River Blackwater before making the 38km (40min) trip back to Cork.

Kinsale

Adapt to the pace of life in County Cork and set off on another leisurely 40min (27km)  drive south of the city to Kinsale along the R600. The drive takes you through rolling green hills with wooded sections. Your destination, Kinsale, is regarded as the starting (or ending) point for the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s a warm and friendly town packed with restaurants, cafes and an unforgettable mix of brightly painted houses. Stop off at the 17th Century military fort, the Charles Fort and make sure you factor in time for a trip to Old Head of Kinsale, a rocky promontory 20min drive south of the town. Old Head is home to a spectacular cliff-top golf course as well as a luxury spa hotel, the perfect place to park up and watch the world go by.

Clonakilty

Grab your swimming kit as this trip includes a visit not just to one of Ireland’s most beautiful towns but to one of its most beautiful beaches too. The 53km (1hr) drive south to Clonakilty from Cork takes in the N71 which is treelined for much of the route but opens out into heathland as you get closer to the coast. As well as being a vibrant town with a great mix of independent shops, local produce, cafes, bars and live music venues, Clonakilty has plenty to offer the whole family. Attractions include the West Cork Model Railway, Michael Collins House, dedicated to the son of Clonakilty who played a key figure in the country’s history and remarkably the Black Pudding Visitor Centre where you can discover more about this local dish. After a morning in town, jump back in the car and drive 10min (5km) to reach the stunning Inchydoney Beach. This vast sandy beach is the place to breathe deep, savour the sea air and go for a swim if you can brave the cool waters. If you do, Inchydoney is home to a surf school and has a café and hotel close by to warm up.

While there is good public transport in Cork with a city bus network and rail links around the region, you will need a hire car to travel further afield and explore the wider area at your own pace.

You’ll find the Avis team at Cork International Airport are experts on the region and ready to advise you on the best places to go and help make your trip a smooth one from the moment you touch down.

Hiring a car is an easy way to explore Cork and the southwest of Ireland. The roads are relatively empty and the network is good. In Cork itself, you’ll find the city well signposted and simple to navigate.

Be aware that you’ll be driving on the left-hand side of the road as you leave the airport.

If you have not driven in this part of the world before, we’d suggest checking the road rules for driving in Ireland before you set off.

Parking is plentiful in Cork with options ranging from on-street parking to multi-storey car parks and park-and-ride services on the outskirts of the city. If you want to park on the street, you’ll find spaces are generally free after 6.30pm and on Sundays. The city is divided into different paid parking zones which you can check here before you set off.