Car hire in Dublin, whether at Dublin Airport or in the city centre, is the easiest and most flexible way to explore Ireland. With daily rates starting from around €30, you can compare top providers like Hertz, Enterprise, Europcar, and Sixt to find the best deal for your trip. This guide covers everything from car rental locations and driving tips to Dublin’s top attractions, accommodation, and dining.
Dublin itself has a population of approximately 1.26 million (2023) and attracts over 6 million international visitors annually, many of whom choose rental cars to explore the city and the wider Irish countryside.
Guinness Storehouse: Dublin’s most famous attraction, where visitors can learn about the history of Ireland's iconic stout and enjoy a pint with panoramic views of the city from the Gravity Bar.
Trinity College and the Book of Kells: Ireland's oldest university, home to the stunning Book of Kells, a beautifully illuminated manuscript dating back to the 9th century.
Dublin Castle: A historic complex in the heart of Dublin, offering tours of its medieval towers, State Apartments, and impressive gardens.
St. Patrick's Cathedral: Ireland’s largest cathedral, dating back to 1191, with beautiful Gothic architecture and a serene garden dedicated to St. Patrick.
Temple Bar: A lively district known for its cobblestone streets, traditional pubs, live music, and vibrant nightlife.
Phoenix Park: One of the largest urban parks in Europe, home to Dublin Zoo, Áras an Uachtaráin (the residence of Ireland's president), and a herd of wild deer.
Irish Stew: A traditional dish made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions, served in many pubs and restaurants throughout the city.
Fish and Chips: A popular choice in coastal areas, this dish of fried fish with chips can be found in eateries around Dublin.
Boxty: A traditional Irish potato pancake, often served with smoked salmon or hearty fillings.
Irish Whiskey: Sample some of Ireland’s finest whiskeys at distilleries like Jameson Distillery Bow St. or Teeling Distillery.
Local Markets: Check out Temple Bar Food Market on Saturdays or the Dublin Flea Market for fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan foods.
Recommended Restaurants: Chapter One (Michelin-starred, upscale modern Irish cuisine, near Parnell Square). The Woollen Mills (riverside dining near Ha’penny Bridge, cozy Irish / European). FX Buckley (reliable steakhouse, multiple locations including Nassau Street). Etto (small plates, Mediterranean influence, in the South Georgian core). Forest Avenue (neighborhood spot in Clontarf). Fish Shop Howth (seafood by the harbour in Howth).
Dublin Literary Pub Crawl: Discover Dublin’s literary heritage and famous writers like James Joyce and Oscar Wilde while enjoying some of the city's historic pubs.
Trad Music Sessions: Enjoy live traditional Irish music in pubs like O’Donoghue’s, The Cobblestone, or The Celt, where locals and visitors come together to enjoy Irish culture.
Bloomsday Festival: Held every June 16th to celebrate James Joyce's *Ulysses*, with events including readings, performances, and walking tours.
GAA Matches at Croke Park: Experience Ireland’s national sports, Gaelic football and hurling, in a thrilling live game at Dublin’s famous Croke Park stadium.
Public Transportation: Dublin has an efficient public transport system including buses, the Luas tram, and the DART train, making it easy to navigate the city and nearby coastal areas.
Biking: Dublin offers a city bike-sharing service, Dublinbikes, with stations across the city, ideal for exploring at a leisurely pace.
Walking: Many of Dublin’s main attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it a pedestrian-friendly city.
Rental Companies: Car rentals are widely available at Dublin Airport and throughout the city. Major suppliers include Enterprise, Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Sixt, Budget, and local providers like Dooley and NewWay.
Airport Rentals: At Dublin Airport (DUB), car rental desks are located in the Arrivals Halls of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with many providers offering after-hours drop-off.
City Rentals: You can also pick up or drop off cars in central locations such as Spencer Dock or Sandyford.
Extras: GPS, child seats, and additional insurance can be added at booking. Most providers require a credit card deposit.
Driving License: A valid driver’s license is required, and non-EU drivers may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Car Hire Insurance: Rental cars usually come with basic insurance, such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection. Additional coverage options are available.
Minimum Age: Generally 21, though some providers set 23 to 25 as the minimum age. Young driver surcharges may apply.
Parking: On-street parking is limited in central areas, but there are several city car parks and park-and-ride options.
Traffic Rules: In Ireland, driving is on the left side of the road. The speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas and 120 km/h (74 mph) on motorways.
Accommodation in Dublin ranges from budget hostels to luxury hotels. The average nightly rate for a mid-range hotel is around €120 to €140, while boutique and luxury properties often range between €200 to €300+ per night in peak season.
You will need a valid driver’s license, a credit card in the main driver’s name, and your booking confirmation. Non-EU visitors may also require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
The minimum age is usually 21, but some companies require drivers to be 23 to 25. A young driver surcharge may apply to those under 25.
Yes, most companies allow cross-border driving into Northern Ireland, but you must inform the rental desk. A small additional fee may apply.
Basic coverage (Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection) is usually included, but you may wish to purchase Super CDW or Excess Reduction for added peace of mind.
Yes, on-street parking is limited and expensive. Multi-storey car parks or public transport are often better options for city visits.
Renting a car in Dublin is the most flexible and convenient way to explore Ireland’s capital and beyond. Whether you collect your vehicle directly at Dublin Airport or from a city centre location, car hire gives you the freedom to discover the countryside, visit coastal villages, and take day trips without relying on public transport.
With daily rates starting from just €28 to €35, a wide choice of vehicle categories, and trusted providers like Hertz, Enterprise, Sixt, and Europcar, there has never been a better time to book your rental car in Dublin.
Compare prices, choose the right car for your journey, and book with confidence through our secure partner, CarTrawler. Start your adventure today and make the most of your trip to Ireland.
