Car hire in Dublin - explore the lively capital

With Auto Europe by your side, you can explore Dublin comfortably in a modern vehicle at the best prices. We offer car hire in Dublin from all leading national and international car rental suppliers at competitive rates. Auto Europe is a car rental broker with over 60 years of experience on the global market. The advantage of booking through our website is the rates which are much more attractive than when making a reservation directly with a rent-a-car company.

Dublin, as the capital of Ireland, is an up-and-coming destination not only for seekers of great nightlife and fine cuisine, but also for history buffs and young travellers who would like to know more about the history of Ireland. With excellent air travel connections from all over Europe, the city is a magnet for weekend travellers. Business travellers also visit Dublin quite often due to a large number of modern high-tech companies who have chosen the Irish capital as their headquarters in Europe.

Opt for a car rental in Dublin for maximum comfort and flexibility on your travels. Call our reservation specialists on +49 89 412 09 786 or book a rental through our user-friendly booking engine.

How is the traffic in Dublin?

With well signposted streets, driving in Dublin should not be too difficult. Naturally, as in every city, congestion can be expected during the rush hour, when it is the best to avoid driving in the city centre and around exits towards the M50. The M50 road connects the centre with the airport. If you are arriving from the south of Ireland, drive on the M8 or take the M9 if coming from Waterford. Tune in to the LiveDrive show on 103.2 FM and you will receive instant updates on the traffic in Dublin. If there are road works or a traffic jam, you will be advised on alternative routes to your destination.

Where can I park my car hire in Dublin?

Choose between several options when parking your car hire in Dublin. Dotted around the city are numerous multi-storey car parks where you can pay a daily, hourly or overnight fee. Booking and paying online in advance is usually cheaper than on the spot. With some obvious benefits to it, free on-street parking can be found in the suburbs in residential areas. You need to be extremely careful as sometimes parking meters are not clearly visible and what you previously thought to be free on-street parking could actually be paid parking. One particularly convenient option is Park & Ride. These car parks are normally located next to all bigger public transport stops. Here you can park your vehicle for a small amount of money and travel into the city by public transport. You may want to download the app Parkpnp which enables you to find available parking spaces and pay for parking through the app.

Dublin Airport

Ireland's busiest airport, Dublin Airport manages flights departing and incoming from a large number of international destinations. Some domestic flights, such as the one to and from Kerry, are also offered.

This state-of-the-art airport situated around six miles north of the city provides passengers with excellent facilities. The second terminal is the airport’s newest addition handling approximately 25 million passengers a year.

Dublin International Airport (DUB)
Location:The airport is located about 6 miles to the north from Dublin.
Official website: Dublin Airport
Phone number: +353 (0) 1 814 1111
Email address: information.queries@daa.ie

What to do in Dublin

With a wide array of places to visit and activities for every age group, Dublin is listed among Europe’s most visited capitals. You will find numerous tourist attractions, legendary pubs and designer shops on both banks of the Liffey River, the famous river which divides Dublin in two parts. History enthusiasts will love the Little Museum of Dublin, the Kilmainham Gaol, the city castle and the authentic cathedral devoted to Saint Patrick. Relax after sightseeing in the Zoo or Phoenix and St. Stephan Green parks. Spend an evening bar-hopping, watching the traditional Irish dance, and try not to miss the old Guinness Storehouse. Auto Europe brings you a few ideas as to what to do when in Dublin:

• Kilmainham Gaol: Kilmainham prison is one of the largest prisons in Europe that is currently out of service. In operation from 1780 to 1920, the old prison hides many historical secrets. The original purpose of Kilmainham Gaol was hanging prisoners in public. This well-known establishment is today a museum which tells stories about the history of Irish nationalism. At the top floor, there is an art gallery with jewellery and paintings created by prisoners.


• The Oratory of the Sacred Heart: A completely unexpected artwork displaying Celtic Revival awaits you in a small chapel at Dún Laoghaire. Fairly simple on the outside, the small chapel holds a vivid mural display of colourful Celtic motifs ranging from spires, animals, and knots to crosses, all painted by a nun.


• The Little Museum of Dublin: Dubliners have donated over five thousand pieces of memorabilia to this quirky, eclectic museum brimming with various items such as postcards, masks, sculptures and the like. One entire room in the Little Museum of Dublin is devoted to the famous band U2. Your children can attend some of the classes on local history offered at the museum.


• Dublinia: Another museum focussing on the glorious history of the city, starting from the Viking Age and covering the dark Middle Ages. The best thing about Dublinia is its hands-on character; here you can try different clothes and explore replicas of old ships and houses. Experience the old Irish everyday life in Dublinia. Climb up the Saint Michael Tower for a wonderful panoramic view of the city. Walk to Christ Church Cathedral through the beautiful neo-gothic archway and find out more about the ancient crypts underneath the church.


• The Temple Bar: The most iconic bar in Dublin is well-known for its red furnishings and history dating back to the 14th century! Deeply rooted in history, this proverbial bar is a must on any tourist’s itinerary, especially if you are young (or young at heart) and looking to party like the Irish. Quintessential to Dublin, the Temple Bar is one of the stars of Dublin’s nightlife and is located quite centrally in the old town.

Best day trips with my car rental in Dublin

Rent a car in Dublin and you will be able to explore most of Ireland at your leisure. With so many stunning places to choose from, you will be truly spoilt for choice. Buckle up and hit the road with Auto Europe!

Wicklow

Spend a day trekking in the Wicklow Mountains, also known as the garden of Ireland. You will be walking in the scenic countryside, passing by the Powerscourt Waterfall and forests near the Glencree Valley. Did you know that it is possible to even see the snow-capped Snowdonian peaks in Wales on a clear day? The Wicklow County is home to Enniskerry, considered one of Ireland’s most picturesque villages, which has served as a setting for many romantic films. In Wicklow, be sure to visit the Hunting Brook Gardens, a beautiful lush oasis with exotic plants.

The Giant's Causeway

Featured in numerous tourist guides and films, Giant’s Causeway is a breathtaking place, unique in appearance and part of the World Heritage list. Plan a one-day visit to the iconic basalt columns rising up on the coast. Hiking along the Causeway Coast is also a great possibility.

Connemara and Cong Village

Connemara's landscapes are a true delight for nature lovers. In addition to the fascinating lakes and mountains, you can visit old abbeys and quaint villages as well as Killary Fjord on the way. You may want to plan two days for this trip.

Geographic Information & History

As the capital of Ireland, Dublin is also its commercial and cultural centre. Situated at the mouth of the River Liffey, the city is bordered by a mountain range on one side and by flat lands on the other side. Thanks to its location, Dublin is one of the driest places in the country, while the west coast sees almost double the rainfall.

The Vikings left an indelible mark on the city’s origins, its beginnings stretch back to the 8th and 9th century when a settlement was formed and given the name Dubh Linn. The name was a reference to a nearby lake where Viking warriors moored their boats. Dublin has grown into a trading centre with excellent connections to Chester and Bristol in England. In the 12th century the city was conquered by the Normans whose rule lasted for several centuries. In the later years Dublin suffered a lot of conflicts and fights for independence from England. The city prospered in the 17th century and this Georgian period is considered the golden age of Dublin.

Modern Dublin is one of the greenest European capitals enjoying a reputation for being a favourite weekend getaway destination with a buzzing nightlife, plenty of historic places and a renowned university.

How to get around Dublin

The city of Dublin has an extensive public transport network consisting of buses, trains and trams. These means of transport connect the inner city with suburbs and even neighbouring towns. There are services to Cork and Galway as well. If you purchase a pre-paid Leap Card, you can benefit from discounts on fares. These cards are on sale at many kiosks and shops around Dublin. The route 41 will take you from the airport to the city. However, the best and most flexible way of travelling is a rental car, especially if you are planning on exploring the entire region around Dublin. You can also pick up your booked vehicle directly at the airport.

Useful links

Tourism Information