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24/7 SupportCar Rental Ireland West Airport (NOC)
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Finding a rental car at Ireland West Airport Knock is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers around Ireland with no booking fees. Pick up your rental car on-airport from Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar and Hertz, then be in Westport in about 40 minutes or Sligo in under an hour. During summer demand is high, so book early, reserve an automatic if required and plan to refuel in Charlestown before returning.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Car Rental Locations and Options
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Knock Airport Terminal |
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| Nearby Towns |
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Avis/Budget, Enterprise, Europcar and Hertz operate desks in the arrivals area. The rental car parking lot is located a short walk from the terminal building.
Car Rental Prices
Low-cost rental tips
- Compare pickup spots: Check airport rates vs nearby towns. Local agencies can be cheaper, but factor in transport from NOC and limited Sunday hours.
- Book to the season: For Jun–Aug, lock in 6–8 weeks ahead. For May or Sep, 3–4 weeks is fine. Oct–Apr often sees good last-minute deals.
- Go small and be flexible: Smaller cars cost less and fit Ireland’s narrow roads. Being open to manual helps at NOC, where automatics are limited in summer.
- Check weekly pricing: A 7-day booking can be cheaper than 5–6 days. Run both options and compare totals.
- Plan fuel: There’s no station at the airport. Refill in Charlestown on the N17 about 15 km from NOC to avoid refuelling charges.
- Weigh one-way vs round-trip: If ending in Dublin, compare both. One-way drop fees from Knock typically start around €50+.
Car rental prices at Knock Airport 2025/2026
Local Parking and Driving
| Location | Parking Options | Rates (Approx.) | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knock Airport |
| Hourly rates apply for short-term Daily rates apply for long-term | Long-term offers better value for rentals. |
| Westport |
| Paid on-street Daily rates apply in parking lots | Town center gets busy in summer. Mill Street parking lot recommended. |
| Castlebar |
| Paid on-street Often free with purchase | Market Square and Castle Street Mall offer central spots. |
| Sligo Town |
| Paid hourly and daily rates apply | Wine Street parking garage is centrally located. Limited free spaces Sundays. |
| Rural Areas |
| Often free Fees may apply at major sites | Be careful not to block farm access or narrow roads. |
Local Driving Rules
- Speed limits: 120 km/h (75 mph) (motorways), 100 km/h (62 mph) (national roads), 80 km/h (50 mph) (regional roads), 50 km/h (31 mph) (urban areas)
- Driving on unsealed or gravel roads is often restricted or banned by rental agreements. Always check your contract terms carefully for restrictions, as taking a rental vehicle off-road or onto unpaved surfaces can void your insurance and bring significant penalties.
- In rural Mayo and Sligo, watch for livestock on roads, especially sheep in mountain areas
- Many roads in Connemara and coastal Mayo are narrow with limited passing space
- N5 between Knock and Westport is a good quality road with overtaking lanes on hills
- Western Ireland experiences Atlantic weather. Heavy rain can cause temporary flooding on minor roads
Fuel Stations
Fuel stations near the airport are limited. There's a Circle K in Charlestown (15 km (9 miles) from the airport) on the N17. It's best to refill before returning your rental car as there are no fuel stations directly at the airport.
Why rent a car in Knock
Rent a car so you can visit:
- Westport – Croagh Patrick
- Achill Island – Keem Bay
- Connemara – N59 route, Clifden
- Sligo coast – Strandhill, Mullaghmore
- North Mayo – Céide Fields, Downpatrick Head
- Belmullet and Enniscrone – Carne Golf Links, Enniscrone Beach
Local Rental Locations
FAQs
Is there a return drop-off box for after-hours returns?
Yes, most rental companies at Knock have key drop boxes for returns outside office hours. Your contract will tell you what you need to do.
Can I drive to Northern Ireland with my Knock Airport rental?
Yes, but make sure you tell the rental company when you pick up the car. Some companies charge a cross-border fee (€30-40), while others include it at no extra cost.
What's the best route for exploring Mayo and Sligo from Knock?
Many travelers enjoy this route: Westport → Achill Island → Belmullet → Downpatrick Head → Sligo → back to Knock. You should plan for a 3-4 day trip.
Are there any road construction projects I should know about?
Crews finished upgrading the N5 between Westport and Castlebar in 2023. You can expect normal travel times unless you see signs for temporary roadworks.
