- Rent a car in Dublin in 2016 and you’ll find driving in the city centre can be slow going, particularly at rush hour, and parking can be pricey. Check ahead with your hotel to see if they provide free or discounted parking.
- If you’re leaving Dublin by air, allow plenty of time when returning your vehicle to the airport. The drop-off point is some distance from the departures hall.
- Ireland has an efficient speed-trap system. If you do get caught by a camera, the fine will eventually be payable by you, even if you’ve returned the car before the fine is issued.
Search for the best car hire deals in Dublin
Car rental in Dublin in 2016 might not be essential if you’re only planning a few days of pleasure-seeking in the central part of the city, but if you’re here for some time – and particularly intent on exploring more of Ireland – having your own vehicle is a boon.
Dublin is very much the gateway to the rest of the country; distances between major centres are nothing if not driver-friendly. The likes of Cork and Galway City are both less than three hours away so car hire in Dublin will add a lot to your Irish adventure.
Dublin is very much the gateway to the rest of the country; distances between major centres are nothing if not driver-friendly. The likes of Cork and Galway City are both less than three hours away so car hire in Dublin will add a lot to your Irish adventure.
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Car hire at Dublin Airport
For those who want the freedom to drive through the country’s epic scenery, car hire at Dublin Airport is straightforward.
Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Enterprise, Budget and local company Dooley, among others, have a presence both in Terminal 1’s arrivals hall and Terminal 2’s multi-storey car park, while Sixt is a further option at Terminal 1.
In Dublin, car rental advice follows the normal rules: compare prices online and book early to bag a bargain. You should also be aware that if you rent a car in Dublin over the peak summer months, the rates can sometimes be steep (another reason to book well in advance for the cheapest rates).
City pick-up
You don’t have to rent a car at Dublin Airport; companies offering car hire in Dublin city centre include Europcar.
Unless you specify otherwise, the vehicle you’re given by a Dublin car rental firm will almost certainly be manual drive. Automatic cars are available from some companies – mainly to cater for the North American market – but you’ll generally pay a bit more.
Seeing the sights
Some sights and attractions outside Dublin are simple to reach with your own vehicle. These include Bram Stoker’s Castle Dracula in Clontarf, the 12th-century Drimnagh Castle and Johnnie Fox’s, a famous traditional pub in the mountains.
Some things to remember
Back in Dublin proper, be aware that central thoroughfares, most notably O’Connell Street in the heart of the city, are sometimes closed to cars when major events take place. Easter weekend is a prime example.
Basic rules of the road are very similar to UK regulations. Cars drive on the left and drink-driving limits are strict. Although distances on road signs are in kilometres rather than miles, speed limits differ only slightly: in built-up areas you’re usually restricted to 50 kilometres per hour (31 miles per hour), national roads have a limit of 100KPH (62MPH) and motorways have a maximum of 120KPH (75MPH).
Top tips for car hire in...
Dublin
Find out more about other forms of transport in the city on our getting around Dublin page.