Enterprise Rent-A-Car Ireland: Weekly vs Daily Rates

Anyone planning a trip around the Emerald Isle knows that the rental car question is one of the first to tackle — and the numbers can feel slippery. Between the daily rate, the weekly cost, and the unavoidable deposit hold, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car global locations: over 7,600 ·
Enterprise Ireland airport locations: Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Knock ·
Average weekly rental cost in Ireland (compact car): €250–€450 ·
Enterprise prepay discount: up to 15% ·
Minimum driver age at Enterprise Ireland: 21 years

Six factors, one pattern: the length of your rental, how you pay, and when you book determine the total cost more than the headline daily rate.

Is it cheaper to rent a car for a week or by the day?

How daily rates stack up against weekly rates at Enterprise Ireland

• Weekly rentals from Enterprise Ireland generally have a lower per-day rate than daily rentals — a pattern confirmed by the company’s own pricing structure (Enterprise Ireland deposit FAQ).
• Enterprise offers a discount of up to 15% for prepaying the full week online (Enterprise Ireland deposit FAQ).
• Daily rentals may include extra fees — such as additional insurance, fuel charges, and one-way drop fees — that weekly rentals absorb into the flat rate.

When a weekly rental makes financial sense

• For trips of 7 days or more, the weekly rate combined with the prepay discount typically saves 10–15% compared to renting day by day.
• The biggest risk with daily rentals: if you underestimate your trip length and need to extend, you lose the weekly discount entirely.

The catch: the weekly rate only wins if you actually use the full week. Three-day rentals at daily rates plus the deposit hold can actually cost per day.

Why does Enterprise charge a $300 hold?

What the $300 deposit covers

• The €250–€300 hold is a security deposit against damage, fuel, or late return — it’s not a charge, but a temporary preauthorization (Enterprise Ireland deposit FAQ).
• The hold is typically refunded 3–10 business days after return, though timing depends on your payment method and bank (Enterprise Rent-A-Car (US FAQ)).
• Using a credit card reduces the hold amount compared to a debit card — the US FAQ confirms deposit amounts vary by payment method (Enterprise Rent-A-Car (US FAQ)).

How the hold affects your available credit or bank balance

• During the rental period, the hold amount (plus the rental cost) is subtracted from your available credit or bank balance — meaning you have €250–€300 less to spend on hotels, meals, or fuel.
• Enterprise Ireland’s deposit FAQ states that “the cost of the hire plus an additional deposit hold amount” is blocked until return (Enterprise Ireland deposit FAQ).

Why this matters: the deposit hold is not optional and it’s not small. For a €300 weekly rental with a €300 hold, you need €600 available before you drive off the lot.

What is the cheapest car rental in Ireland?

Comparing Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and local Irish providers

Here’s how the major companies compare on key metrics.

How to find the lowest total price including insurance

• Enterprise’s prepay discount of up to 15% can bring its rates close to or below local providers, especially for week-long rentals (Enterprise Ireland deposit FAQ).
• Insurance costs and excess waivers significantly affect total price — the damage waiver excess at Enterprise Ireland has been reported as €1,600 (Tripadvisor Ireland forum).
• Local providers like Irish Car Rentals may have lower base rates but often have higher excesses or fewer airport locations.

The pattern: the cheapest rental on paper is rarely the cheapest in practice once you factor in the deposit hold, insurance costs, and the discount for prepaying.

What is the cheapest day to rent a car and when is the best time to book?

Best day of the week for a lower rate at Enterprise

• Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday often have lower demand and, consequently, lower rates — a pattern observed across the rental industry (Skyscanner car rental guide).
• Weekend pickups (Friday–Sunday) tend to be pricier due to higher leisure demand.

Optimal booking window for best pricing

• Booking 2–4 weeks in advance yields lower prices than last-minute rentals — the sweet spot for Enterprise Ireland (Skyscanner car rental guide).
• Enterprise’s prepay option locks in the rate at the time of booking, protecting you from price increases.

The trade-off: mid-week pickup means you may need to arrange accommodation or transit for the first day if your flight arrives on a weekend.

What to avoid when renting a car from Enterprise in Ireland?

Hidden fees and add-ons to watch for

• Avoid purchasing full insurance from the rental counter if you already have coverage through your credit card, travel insurance, or a separate policy — counter insurance can add €15–€30 per day.
• Return the car with a full tank to avoid refueling fees, which are typically charged at a premium rate.

Common mistakes with fuel, mileage, and return policies

• Check mileage limits — some Enterprise Ireland rentals include unlimited mileage, but others may cap it (Enterprise Ireland deposit FAQ).
• Late returns can trigger penalty days — Enterprise’s Ireland terms define a rental day as any portion of 24 hours, and a 29-minute grace period applies (Sheenco Travel (Ireland terms)).
• One-way drop fees may apply if you pick up in Dublin and return to Galway — confirm during booking.

The implication: the cheapest rental is the one where you understand the rules for fuel, mileage, and return timing. A single mistake can eliminate the prepay discount entirely.

Clarity: confirmed facts and what remains unclear

What real travelers say about Enterprise Ireland deposits

“We rented from Enterprise in Ireland for a week. The hold was about 300€ and it was released a few days after we returned the car. No problems.”

— Reddit r/irishtourism user, 2025 report on a week-long rental at Reddit r/irishtourism

“Enterprise offered a 250€ deposit in my case. The staff said the amount depends on the car type and your payment method.”

— Tripadvisor Ireland forum user, reporting their experience at Tripadvisor Ireland forum

“The damage waiver at Enterprise Ireland had an excess of 1600€. That was included in the rate, but it’s still a big number if something happens.”

— Tripadvisor Ireland forum user, detailing insurance terms at Tripadvisor Ireland forum

“Book 2-4 weeks ahead and prepay. That’s the cheapest way to rent from Enterprise in Ireland.”

— Skyscanner car rental guide, summarizing best booking strategy at Skyscanner car rental guide

Summary: The deposit hold at Enterprise Ireland is a reality of renting, not a penalty — but it’s a reality that affects your trip budget more than the daily vs. weekly rate debate. For the traveler heading to Ireland in 2025, the decision is clear: book a mid-week pickup, prepay 2–4 weeks in advance for a seven-day rental, use a credit card to minimize the hold, and return the car within the 29-minute grace period. Anything less, and the deposit may quietly eat into your vacation funds.

Frequently asked questions