Updated for Irish driving and climate: frequent short trips, coastal humidity, and winter cold snaps. This guide covers battery types, sizes used in Ireland, the best brands, where to buy (nationwide and local), and practical buying tips. Quick links to shop: AGM batteries, EFB start‑stop, smart chargers

Table of Contents

Quick Picks (By Use Case)

  • Daily commuter (no idle stop/start): Quality flooded lead‑acid or EFB. Compare Type 063 and Type 075 options common in hatchbacks. ~€90–€170.
  • Cars with idle stop/start: EFB (value) or AGM (premium). Browse EFB or AGM. ~€140–€300.
  • Diesels & cold‑weather starts (rural/winter trips): AGM with higher CCA (cold cranking amps). See high‑CCA AGM.
  • Short‑trip urban use: AGM recommended; keep healthy with a smart maintainer.
  • 4×4, towing, camping electrics: AGM starter or dual setup (starter + leisure). Shop 12V AGM leisure and a DC‑DC charger.
  • Audio/performance builds: AGM with higher Ah/RC and tight voltage regulation. Check 70–95Ah AGM.

Car Battery Types in Ireland Comparison

Type Best For Pros Watch‑outs Shop
Flooded (Lead‑acid) Older cars, low‑electrical‑load commuters Lowest price; widely available Shorter lifespan on short trips; not for stop/start Browse flooded
EFB (Enhanced Flooded) Stop/start city cars and crossovers Designed for frequent cycling; good value Less vibration‑proof than AGM See EFB
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) Premium stop/start, diesels, high‑load electrics High CCA, spill‑proof, better for short trips Costs more; needs correct charging profile See AGM
Leisure / Deep‑cycle (12V) Aux power (camping, fridges, inverters) Repeated discharge/charge tolerant Not for cranking engines (use with starter) Leisure AGM

Car Battery Size & Fitment Size Ireland

Common Irish Size (UK Ref) Typical Dimensions (mm) Polarities Notes / Typical Vehicles Shop
063 207 × 175 × 175 R/L depending on model Small hatchbacks (Fiesta, Corsa, i10 etc.) 063 options
075 243 × 175 × 190 Usually R Compact & midsize petrols 075 options
096 / 100 278 × 175 × 190 Usually R Diesels & larger cars/SUVs 096 options
AGM H5/H6/H7 (L2/L3/L4) 242–315 × 175 × 190 Usually R Stop/start (BMW, VW, Audi, Mercedes) AGM sizes
Asian JIS 55D23 / 65D26 230–260 × 173 × 225 Varies Toyota, Honda, Mazda imports JIS sizes

Best Car Battery Brands in Ireland

  • Varta: German‑engineered; strong AGM/H5‑H7 lineup and reliable cold‑start performance. Typical €160–€280 depending on size/tech.
  • Bosch: S4/S5 flooded and S5 A/S6 AGM ranges; good balance of price and warranty support. ~€130–€260.
  • Yuasa: Trusted OE supplier; robust for short‑trip use and taxis. ~€120–€240.
  • Exide: Wide coverage in EFB/AGM for European cars; strong CCA ratings. ~€130–€260.
  • Banner: Austrian brand popular with German makes; solid AGM choices (H6/H7). ~€150–€270.
  • Hankook / Numax: Value‑oriented with decent warranties; good for commuters. ~€100–€190.

Where to Buy Car Battery in Ireland

  • Halfords (nationwide)
  • Multiple branches across Ireland; use store locator.
  • Contact: Via store pages
  • Hours: Vary by branch
  • Euro Car Parts (Dublin, Galway, Naas & more)
  • Examples: Dublin (Kylemore Rd), Dublin (Santry), Galway (Merlin Commercial Park)
  • Contact: Branch phone numbers on locator
  • Hours: Typically Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00, Sat morning
  • GSF Car Parts (selected locations incl. Dublin)
  • Address example: Santry/Whitehall, Dublin
  • Contact: Local branch
  • Hours: Typically Mon–Fri 08:00–17:30, Sat 08:00–14:00
  • First Stop Tyres & Car Services (nationwide network)
  • Battery testing, replacement & fitting at participating centres
  • Contact: Nearest branch via locator
  • Hours: Vary by centre
  • MicksGarage (online, Dublin HQ)
  • Address: Unit 50, Park West Industrial Park, Park West Rd, Dublin 12
  • Contact: +353 (1) 440 6603
  • Hours: Mon–Fri 09:00–17:30 (online ordering 24/7)

Buying Car Battery in Ireland Guide and Tips

  • Match technology to your car: Stop/start cars must use EFB or AGM. Replacing with standard flooded can cause start/stop faults and premature failure.
  • Check CCA for Irish winters: Aim higher CCA for diesels or rural starts; coastal humidity + cold mornings benefit from AGM’s cranking stability.
  • Battery registration: Many modern cars (BMW, VW‑Audi, Mercedes, some Fords) need BMS coding after replacement. Ask the fitter to register the new battery.
  • Short‑trip drivers: Add a smart maintainer and give the car a weekly 30–40 minute run to keep SOC healthy.
  • Warranty proof: Keep receipt and test printout; most Irish warranties require proof of proper charging system voltage (≈14.2–14.7V for AGM).
  • Old battery disposal: Retailers usually take your old battery for recycling—bring it with you or ask for collection.
  • Price ballparks (Ireland): Flooded €90–€150 • EFB €130–€200 • AGM €170–€300+ (size dependent).

Car Battery Ireland FAQs

How much does it typically cost to replace and install a car battery in Ireland?
Expect roughly €130–€220 fitted for mainstream EFB sizes and €190–€320 for AGM at national chains or motor factors. Premium sizes (H7/H8 AGM) can exceed €300.

What’s the typical car battery warranty in Ireland?
Most brands offer 3 years on flooded/EFB and 3–5 years on AGM, with exclusions for misuse or charging faults. Always confirm the exact term on the invoice.

How are car batteries recycled in Ireland?
Retailers and garages operate take‑back schemes under EU WEEE/ELV rules. Hand your old unit to the retailer at purchase or to your local civic amenity site for safe recycling.

Can I downgrade from AGM to EFB or flooded to save money?
No—cars factory‑equipped with AGM should stay AGM. Downgrading risks electrical faults and short life.

Do I need a memory saver when changing the battery?
Helpful on modern cars to preserve radio codes and window settings. Many fitters use a stable power supply during replacement.

What charger should I use at home?
A smart 12V charger/maintainer with AGM/EFB modes and temperature compensation. See popular 12V chargers.

How often should I test my battery?
Before winter and after any starting issues. Quick drop‑in tests are free at many chains; a multistage conductance test is best.

Bottom line:
For most Irish drivers, choose EFB for value on stop/start cars or AGM for maximum cranking power, short‑trip resilience, and winter reliability. Match the exact size code and register the battery after fitting. Shop trusted brands (Varta, Bosch, Yuasa, Exide, Banner) and buy from reputable Irish retailers or fitters. Add a smart maintainer to extend life and avoid cold‑morning surprises.

Best Car Battery in Ireland: Top Brands & Where to Buy