Ireland car rental for very tall driver

Your post caught my eye because my husband is 6’ 4” and our son is 6’ 8”. I’m 6’. What we do when we looking for a rental is do a Google search for every car that is offered for headroom and leg room. We have had some luck generally with Volkswagons and a Skoda but I have no idea if they are available in Ireland. I suggest that you call Auto Europe and tell them about the height issue and see what they suggest for Ireland.

What sort of car do you drive at home?

I don't agree with the oft-stated advice to rent the smallest car possible. You need to rent a car that is suitable for your needs, and if that means renting a larger model then so be it. People carriers, SUVs, and lorries all fit on the roads.

I am also 6’ tall, and at home have always driven a Honda, but you don’t seem to see them at rental agencies. I did a google search and found this article, though, it might be helpful: https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/advice/best-cars-for-tall-people, or this one: https://www.motortrend.com/features/best-cars-for-tall-people/ and also this one: https://www.kbb.com/best-cars/tall-people/
There’s quite a few article actually, so I’m sure you will find one or two of them at rental agencies.

I'm only 6'2" (or was until I got old) and I've always found that even small VWs have generous leg room. We just rented a tiny Skoda Citigo in Shetland and it was also good AND the clutch/brake were sized for my size 14 feet. The Vauxhall Corsa was terrible in those departments. Unfortunately, when you rent a "VW Polo or similar", they give you a Corsa :-(

My son is 6 5, and my husband and other son are also over 6 feet. I've rented a Skoda Kodiaq for our upcoming trip and have crossed my fingers. It was the only option that seemed like it might work.

He successfully drives our mini Cooper at home and he has 36 inch legs but you don't want to sit behind him. Maybe he doesn't actually fit, but at 19 he doesn't complain...

I think a Skoda will be fine if there's no need for rear legroom AND the "Scoda xxx or similar" doesn't result in a Vauxhall or other cramped car. Car size probably depends on luggage more than passengers.

My experience is that BMW autos offer more driver legroom than most of their competitors. If a 3-series falls within your budget it might be a good choice.

Mini Coopers do have good legroom/headroom for tall drivers - I have a friend who is 6'7" and drives one. So if there are just 2 of you, that could work if Minis are on the rental list. You can fit more stuff in them than you think - except for people lol. If you need more space, you could see if they rent a Mini Cooper Clubman...

Thanks all! Following up to share our experience, in case it helps anyone in the future. We rented a VW Tiguan through Sixt (Dublin airport), which had plenty of leg- and headroom for my husband. We drove on lots of narrow including both the Ring of Kerry and the Slea Head loop drive, and managed fine (but definitely had a lot of vegetation brushing my side of car a lot of the time if we had oncoming traffic).

thank you for the update. the Tiguan looks similar to the kodiak -- giving me some hope. how was the luggage space? we plan to travel as light as possible.

We were able to fit 2 large suitcases and 2 carry on roller bags in the trunk of the Tiguan - but nothing else would’ve fit. Hope that helps!