Car hire in Belfast
Hiring a car in Belfast
Voted one of the world's top destinations, Belfast offers visitors beautiful coastal landscapes along with a culture that you can immerse yourself in as you explore this stunning destination.
Well-known for being the birthplace of the Titanic, Belfast is also the gateway to Northern Ireland, making it the perfect place to start your holiday if you'd also like to explore more of Ireland's charming destinations.
Hiring a car means that you can explore as much or as little of the country as you like, from the scenery in and around Belfast, as far as other popular destinations like Derry, and even Dublin in the south.
What you need to know
You won't be short of choice when it comes to hiring your car in Belfast, with a number of top-quality suppliers offering a range of different vehicles.
Booking in advance means that you can get the best deal, so why not use our website to make things simple? You can cater it to your needs by setting your budget, inputting your travel dates and specifying the type of vehicle that you'd prefer for your trip.
In addition, you can be reassured by the 24/7 customer service line if you need any assistance, as well as free cancellation and amendments if you find that your circumstances change.
Where to pick up your car
You'll find that the majority of car hire suppliers in Belfast are based at Belfast International Airport (BFS). Most have a desk within the terminal, so once you've collected your bags you can head straight over to pick up your keys. A few of the suppliers offer a free shuttle bus to take you to collect your vehicle if it's based slightly further away from the airport.
Many car hire companies are also based at George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD), again, either within the terminal or offering a shuttle bus.
If you prefer to collect your vehicle in the city centre, Europcar and Keddy both have offices there, but you'll find a much wider selection at one of the two airports.
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Where to go
Once you arrive in Belfast, there's an array of things you could do to get your visit off to the perfect start.
For animal lovers, you won't want to miss a trip to Belfast Zoo. With over 140 species you can see almost anything, from elephants to gorillas. The zoo also carries out important conservation work, as well as global breeding programmes in over 90 different locations, which help to ensure the survival of many species under threat.
If it's a trip with the kids, then you should head to Aunt Sandra's Candy Factory where some of the nation's favourite chocolates, fudge and boiled sweets are produced. See how it's all made and make sure to try some samples before you head to the gift shop.
Nearby Belfast
Once you've seen Belfast, you should make the most of your hire car and head out to explore what else Ireland has to offer.
If you're a Game of Thrones fan, then drive just half an hour along the M2 to reach Toome. Toome Canal was the location where the popular television series filmed its scenes for the Old Valyrian Canal in Essos, which you see in season five.
Another stunning sight to see is Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, just 20 minutes down the M1 from the centre of Belfast. Built in the 1770s, the castle is still a working palace, functioning as the official residence of the Royal Family when they are in Northern Ireland.
Longer drives
If you wish to explore even further afield, then why not drive an hour and a half on the A6 to spend a day in Derry This destination retains its stunning historical features, as well as offering all the contemporary amenities you could need.
Head to the Walled City Gallery to see the entire city in images, and explore the cobbled streets where you can see the Guildhall, the City Walls, St Columb's Cathedral and the much newer Peace Bridge.
Alternatively, you could take the two-hour trip down the M1 and A1 to Dublin, the capital city of the Republic of Ireland. This is a bustling city well-known for its buskers, offering culture and history in the form of the 13th-century Dublin Castle and imposing St. Patrick’s Cathedral, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene.
Top attractions in Belfast
Belfast is a vibrant and cultural city, so you'll find plenty to fill your time with during your visit. We've outlined below some of the top things for you to see and do in to make the most of your trip.
Titanic Belfast
Having been built here, there's no better place than Belfast to explore the history of the world-famous Titanic. Being the world's largest visitor experience dedicated to this ship, Titanic Belfast allows you to uncover the true legend of the Titanic, in the city where it all began.
With nine interactive galleries, you can walk through the shipyard and travel to the depths of the ocean to learn more about the ship and the tragedy that surrounds it than ever before.
Belfast Castle
Sat atop the slopes of Cave Hill Country Park 400ft above sea level, Belfast Castle looks over Belfast Lough and the city.
The estate is filled with stunning parkland and woodland areas, and is home to many species of wildlife including long-eared owls, sparrowhawks and Belfast’s rarest plant, the town hall clock.
In addition, you can explore Cave Hill Adventure Playground, Cave Hill Visitor Centre, landscaped gardens, a Millennium herb garden, eco-trails and orienteering routes.
Ulster Museum
The Ulster Museum is based in the Botanic Gardens in Belfast, featuring collections spanning art, archaeology, ethnography, treasures from the Spanish Armada, local history, numismatics, industrial archaeology, botany, zoology and geology.
Gaze in wonder at dinosaurs, Egyptian Mummies and modern masterpieces from Ireland to the South Pacific, exploring the art, history and science behind these exhibitions and artefacts.
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