Menu

Car hire Dublin

  1. Europe
  2. Ireland
  3. Car hire in Dublin
Free cancellation
No credit card fees
24/7 Customer care

Car hire in Dublin

Hiring a car in Dublin

Dublin has changed so much over the last few decades, transforming into a city that has become urban and sophisticated, while maintaining its traditional roots. No matter where you are in the city, you’re never far away from a piece of its history.

The Irish capital has made important contributions to history and culture, providing the setting for the Easter Rising of 1916, which sparked the country’s civil war. It has also played an important part in the arts, being home to some of the most renowned actors, writers and artists, such as James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Maureen O’Hara and Gabriel Byrne.

As you drive around Dublin you will realise that it is proud of its past, but is keen to embrace its future as a modern European city.

What you need to know

The tourism industry in Dublin is booming, meaning hiring a car for your trip will be very easy. Many different companies operate out of the city, so there will be plenty of choice on offer. To make the process of arranging a rental vehicle as simple as possible, you could use our booking tool to find the best deal.

You can narrow the search easily by inputting the dates of your trip and selecting the kind of car you’re looking for. There are no hidden charges or credit card fees and we even offer a free cancellation policy should your plans change unexpectedly.

Where to pick up your car

You can pick your hire car from several different locations across the city, depending on which is most convenient for you. If you’re flying into Dublin Airport (DUB) you pick up your car either in the Arrivals Halls if you’re landing in Terminal 1 or the multi-storey car park if you’ll be coming through Terminal 2. A number of firms can provide you with a car here.

If you will be travelling to the city by rail, you can also arrange your hire car from Dublin Heuston train station. Several companies will either send a representative to collect you or provide a shuttle bus to their offices.

Best Car Hire Companies Dublin

europcar
europcar
europcar

Car Hire Reviews Dublin

  • “The pick-up was easy, it took 5 minutes from arriving at the desk to driving out the car, and the return took even less time.”
    Diane T

Where to go

There’s so much to do in Dublin and where you start depends on you. If you’re peckish, you can head straight to one of the city’s amazing eateries or get a taste of the nightlife and visit the world-famous Temple Bar.

Why not head to St James’s Gate Brewery and visit the Guinness Storehouse, which has been there since 1759. You can enjoy a complimentary glass of of the black stuff in the Gravity Bar, while enjoying panoramic views of the city.

If you’re looking to explore Dublin’s history, you could visit one of the city’s many galleries and museums or admire the architecture of St Patrick's Cathedral.

Hiring a car means you can see everything you want to on your trip at your own pace.

Nearby Dublin

Dublin is a vibrant city that never seems to sleep. If you fancy a break from the hustle and bustle, then you just need to hop in the car and drive. In less than an hour you can be at the Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow and in the fresh country air. As you walk around the house and gardens it will feel like you’ve stepped into a paradise. The estate offers incredible views, including a stunning waterfall set in the foot of the Wicklow Mountains.

If you want to see some of Ireland’s breathtaking coastline, you can be at Killiney Beach in around 30 minutes. This hidden gem is a retreat from the rest of the world, a place where you can relax and let your worries slip away. You could take a picnic and make a day of your trip to this Blue Flag beach.

Longer drives

There is so much to do and see beyond Dublin’s city limits. Hiring a car will allow you to see Ireland’s dramatic coastline, majestic mountain ranges, grand castles and beautiful national parks.

The Rock of Cashel, in County Tipperary, can be reached in around two hours from the city centre. Here you will see one of Ireland’s most impressive archaeological sites, lined with limestone outcrops and ancient fortifications. Rising from the grassy plain is a collection of magnificent structures, including a round tower, 13th-century Gothic cathedral and 12th-century Romanesque chapel.

Why not really take advantage of having the car and travel a little further afield? Around 280 kilometres away from Dublin lies the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, which line the Atlantic coast of County Clare in the west of Ireland. On a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay and the Blasket Islands in Kerry. At the highest point of the cliffs stands O’Brien’s Tower, which has provided visitors with spectacular views for hundreds of years.

Top attractions in Dublin

You will never be stuck for something to do in Dublin, as there is something around every corner. There’s plenty for those looking to explore the city’s history, as well as attractions that will keep kids and adults alike entertained. Here are just a few things you could see or do on your trip.

Guinness Storehouse

In the heart of St James’ Gate Brewery sits the famous Guinness Storehouse. Your journey will begin at the bottom of the world’s largest pint glass and continues through seven floors of interactive experiences. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a pint of the black stuff and incredible 360 degree views of the city.

National Botanic Gardens

On the south bank of the Tolka River lies the National Botanic Gardens. Stretching across an impressive 19.5 hectares, the grounds are home to an arboretum, sensory garden, rock garden and extensive herbaceous borders. The gardens are famous for the stunning glasshouses that have been lovingly restored, including the Turner Curvilinear Range and the Great Palm House.

Kilmainham Gaol

The Kilmainham Gaol is steeped in history and is a must for anyone who is interested in Ireland’s colourful past. The leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising met their grisly end here, while many nationalist leaders have called the gaol home over the centuries. It’s located near the Irish Museum of Modern Art, so you can spend the day moving from history to art