car hire dublin
Irish eyes are smiling, waiting to welcome you to the capital of the Emerald Isle. Here's what you can get up to in your hire car in Dublin. Book car hire dublin now
the 60-second guide to Dublin
in its own head
"Dublin is so culturally influential, we make ancient Athens look like Milton Keynes. How many cities can boast luminaries like James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw and Bono?"
but more realistically
While Dublin has an abundance of museums, galleries and historical sites, it's not just populated by clever types. This is a fun city and the craic makes it easy to forget about soaking up the culture.
the vibe
Whether you're into sightseeing, shopping or simply enjoying the great nightlife the chances are you'll have a great time in Dublin.
the natives
Dublin is one of the most youthful cities in Europe. But don't expect to encounter too many large groups of hoodies - most of the youngsters will attend one of the city's many universities or colleges.
the weather
Dublin isn't known for its Mediterranean climate, so pack a jumper and a brolly.
the local speciality
Just four or five oysters give you your recommended daily supply of iron, calcium and zinc. A less healthy option is the Dublin coddle: bacon, sausages, potatoes and onions steamed and boiled in a pot.
the celebrity
Long before playing a Phil Collins-loving, mullet-wearing cop in Miami Vice, Dubliner Colin Farrell once failed an audition to join squeaky-clean crooner Ronan Keating in Boyzone.
did you know?
Dublin has hosted the Eurovision Song Contest seven times, more than any other city. Whether its population has suffered long-term health effects from such massive exposure to Europop is unclear.
they say
"I go off into Dublin and two days later I'm spotted walking by the Liffey with a whole bunch of new friends." - The Rolling Stones' Ronnie Wood
5 to see in town...
- 1. Malahide Castle
- 2. Hugh Lane Gallery
- 3: O'Connell Street
- 4: Trinity College Old Library
- 5: Guinness Storehouse
The 12th-century estate on the outskirts of Dublin has seen some action over the years. Back in 1690, 14 members of the family sat down to breakfast there before the Battle of Boyne. None returned.
where to park?
Roll your hire car into one of the three free car parks at the castle and park for as long as you like.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Malahide Castle
- 2. Hugh Lane Gallery
- 3: O'Connell Street
- 4: Trinity College Old Library
- 5: Guinness Storehouse
Whether or not you know Manet from Monet, the Hugh Lane Gallery is worth a visit. If you think your house is untidy, check out the gallery's reconstruction of Francis Bacon's studio.
where to park?
There is limited metered parking available on Parnell Square North and Parnell Street. On Sundays it's free until 2pm.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Malahide Castle
- 2. Hugh Lane Gallery
- 3: O'Connell Street
- 4: Trinity College Old Library
- 5: Guinness Storehouse
Dublin's answer to the Champs-Elysees was the focal point of the 1916 Easter Rising. When buying stamps at the General Post Office, check out where Irish rebels stood up to British forces.
where to park?
The Abbey Street car park is just off O'Connell Street and is handy for all central Dublin sites.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Malahide Castle
- 2. Hugh Lane Gallery
- 3: O'Connell Street
- 4: Trinity College Old Library
- 5: Guinness Storehouse >
The library at Trinity College contains approximately 4.5 million books, which you probably won't get to read in one go. One that you should see though is the ancient Book of Kells.
where to park?
There is no parking on the college campus itself, but you can put your hire car in the Setanta Place car park in Molesworth Street.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Malahide Castle
- 2. Hugh Lane Gallery
- 3: O'Connell Street
- 4: Trinity College Old Library
- 5: Guinness Storehouse
If you're partial to a drop of Guinness, the chances are you'll enjoy this place. If you're not, don't worry - the 360-degree views over Dublin from the seventh-floor bar make it worthwhile.
where to park?
There's free parking in the visitors' car park on nearby Crane Street. If you've already parked your hire car in the city centre, the Storehouse is just a short walk.
and 4 to drive to...
Howth is a hilly headland just north of Dublin. Walk up Howth summit on a clear day and you might be lucky enough to see Mount Snowdon across the Irish Sea.
how to get there?
Take the R105 north out of the city centre and stay on it for about seven miles.
and 4 to drive to...
If you want to escape from it all, the Wicklow Mountains are just south of Dublin. Check out Powerscourt Waterfall - the largest in Ireland - and climb up Kippure, the county's highest point.
how to get there?
Go south on the R114, which becomes the R115. The mountains are around 28 miles from the city centre.
and 4 to drive to...
Head up to Johnnie Fox's in the Dublin mountains - the highest pub in Ireland. You may be considerably heavier on the way back down after gorging on their seafood.
how to get there?
Head south on the R114, which becomes the R115, then turn left onto the R116, which leads to Glencullen, about eight miles away.
and 4 to drive to...
Stroll along Killiney Beach south of Dublin and you might bump into one of the area's famous residents. Bono, The Edge, Enya and Van Morrison are among the oddly-named celebrity inhabitants.
how to get there?
Follow the east coast of Dublin on the R118 towards Killiney.
ask a Dublin cabbie!
Local taxi driver Thomas Grealish on car hire in Dublin: "Many roads in Dublin are narrow, which can take a little time getting used to, but in general it's an easy city to drive in - and Dubliners are friendly, even in their cars! There are a lot of bus lanes in the city centre, but many people don't realise that they only operate at specific times. At others you can drive in them and beat the traffic - just look at the roadside signs for details. Also remember that there aren't any petrol stations on our motorways - it's a long way to Tipperary if you have to walk!"