Car Hire in Dublin

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Dublin, Ireland
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500+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Hire Rates

Dublin Airport Car Hire
Mini
Ford Ka or comparable
Ford Ka
  • 4
  • 1
  • 2
  • Man.
Budget
£ 12.40 per day
Dublin Airport Car Hire
Economy
Volkswagen Polo or comparable
Volkswagen Polo
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • Man.
Hertz
£ 13.64 per day
Dublin Airport Car Hire
Compact
Opel Astra or comparable
Opel Astra
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • Man.
Avis
£ 22.18 per day
Dublin Airport Car Hire
Intermediate
Hyundai Tucson or comparable
Hyundai Tucson
  • 5
  • 3
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
Europcar
£ 27.18 per day

Most Popular Car Hire Deals

Dublin Airport Car Hire
Standard
VW Tiguan or comparable
VW Tiguan
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
SIXT
£ 51.70 / per day
Dublin Airport Car Hire
Full-size
Volkswagen Arteon or comparable
Volkswagen Arteon
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
Flizzr
£ 138.03 / per day
Dublin Airport Car Hire
Premium
BMW 5 Series or comparable
BMW 5 Series
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Europcar
£ 51.97 / per day
Dublin Airport Car Hire
Special
BMW X1 Aut. or comparable
BMW X1 Aut.
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
SIXT
£ 218.05 / per day
These prices are approximate and depend on the dates of the booking, hire length and type of car. This information was last updated at 16:20 on 2023-03-30.
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Travel Information

Language
English,
Irish
Currency
EUR
Drive on
Left-hand side
Dialing code
353
Average car hire price
£ 66.89 / per day
Average car hire length
7 days
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h
31 mph
Speed limit out of city centre
80 - 100 km/h
50 - 62 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Average gasoline price
£ 1.74 / 1 liter
Highest gasoline price
£ 1.94 / 1 liter
Lowest gasoline price
£ 1.41 / 1 liter

Why hire a car in Dublin?

Dublin is a great city to explore by car. Large and diverse, yet cozy at the same time, it offers everything from traditional Irish culture to many attractions that characterize a modern metropolis. The distances in Ireland are small and the roads are in good shape, so the capital city also serves as a great base for the exploration of the rest of the country. 

Dublin Car Hire

One-way Car Hire in Dublin

The most popular one-way car hire options for pick up in Dublin and drop off in another city include:

  • From Dublin to Cork - 106 offers from £ 20.75 per day
  • From Dublin to Shannon - 108 offers from £ 21.30 per day
  • From Dublin to Knock - 57 offers from £ 21.86 per day
  • From Dublin to Belfast - 97 offers from £ 32.48 per day
  • From Dublin to Kerry - 37 offers from £ 21.86 per day

Top ways to enter Dublin

  • Dublin Airport. By far the largest airport in Ireland and one of the fastest-growing in Europe, Dublin Airport serves more than 30 million travelers every year. The airport is located north of the city center.
  • Knock Airport. Located in County Mayo and also known as Ireland West Airport, the small Knock Airport is only served by four airlines. However, it offers a number of flights to the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and Italy. The airport is about a two and a half hours drive northwest of Dublin.
  • Cork Airport. Serving Ireland’s second city, Cork Airport is also the second-busiest in the country. It serves not only Cork, but the rest of Southern Ireland and is about three hours drive from Dublin.
  • Belfast International Airport. Although located in the neighboring Northern Ireland and therefore a part of the United Kingdom, Belfast Airport is just a two hours drive north along the coast. This airport serves more than six million travelers every year.
  • Belfast City Airport. Another smaller airport serving the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast City George Best Airport (named so after the famous football player) is served by five different airlines.

City facts

Dublin has a maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. The average daily temperature in July, the warmest month, is around 16 °C  (60 °F),  while the average temperature in January and February is 5  °C  (40 °F). The sunniest months of the year in Dublin are May, June, and July.

Although only 555,000 people live within the city proper, more than 1.9 million people call the Greater Dublin region their home, meaning that nearly every second inhabitant of the Republic of Ireland lives in or around its capital city. 

Top destinations and activities

  • Phoenix Park. One of the largest urban parks in Europe and home to the Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park is a great place for a day outdoors. A herd of wild fallow deer inhabit the park. If you’re not lucky enough to see any, you might catch a glimpse of the U.S. ambassador or the president of Ireland, both of whom have their residences inside the park.
  • Dublinia & The Viking World Museum. A heritage center, Dublinia is dedicated to the times when Scandinavian Vikings ruled Ireland. There are many interesting artifacts to observe, such as old weapons and national costumes, but the number one attraction of the place are the scenes of the Viking times reenacted by actors. You can even join one if you would like!
  • The National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology. The history of the human habitation of Ireland is older than the Vikings and the Celts. In this unique museum, you can learn about the hunter-gatherer tribes who settled the island just after the last Ice Age, see the golden collars and ritual objects of the Bronze Age, and learn about the very first Irish kings who ruled more than 2000 years ago. And yes, there are exhibitions about Vikings, too.
  • Christ Church Cathedral. Located in the western part of the city, the Christ Church Cathedral is, according to some sources, the oldest surviving building in Dublin. Built by the Viking king Sigtryg Silkbeard who ruled the area at the time, it was significantly renovated a number of times before achieving its present Gothic/Romanesque look. Of all the churches in Dublin, this one is perhaps the most impressive and certainly the most historic.

Traffic and parking

  • Driving takes place on the left side of the road in the Republic of Ireland.
  • Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 120 km/h (75 mph) for motorways, 100 km/h (62 mph) for national roads without motorway status, 80 km/h (50 mph) for local and regional roads, and 50 km/h (31 mph) for urban zones and built-up areas. Unlike in the neighboring Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom, the speed limits are indicated in kilometers, not miles, per hour.
  • Finding a parking spot in downtown Dublin can be quite difficult. Short-term paid parking is available, but be careful not to keep your car parked longer than allowed - your vehicle can be “clamped” by the companies in charge of the parking areas and “unclamping” it can be quite expensive. A better idea, perhaps, is to park for a longer term at one of the multi-level car parks. 
  • On the other hand, there are plenty of available parking spaces outside the center of Dublin. Dublin is not too large, so parking near downtown and walking the rest of the way can be a good idea.
  • Most road signs are displayed in both English and Irish. However, in some Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) areas, the roads signs are only in Irish. This is important to keep in mind because some Irish city names are different than their English names - for example, the Irish name of Dublin is Baile Atha Cliath. 
  • The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced  drivers and 0.02% for novice drivers. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines, an EU-wide licence ban, or imprisonment.
  • The proof of insurance and car registration needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
  • If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
  • The emergency number, like elsewhere in the EU, is 112.

Toll roads

There are 11 toll roads in the Republic of Ireland. There are also two toll tunnels and two toll bridges. Some of the toll roads are near Dublin.

The payment for using any of the toll roads, bridges, or tunnels can be made with cash at the toll gate. The toll fees for some roads are payable with a credit card. Some rental cars are also equipped with an electronic toll tag that will make the toll payment automatically. Some car rental providers might charge an additional fee for this service. Ask your car rental provider about it in advance. 

For driving on the M50 road that is close to Dublin, you can only pay online. Your vehicle’s registration plate will be photographed when passing through the toll gate. The toll must be paid by 20:00 the following day.

For more information about the toll roads in the Republic of Ireland and for the toll road map, visit the Republic of Ireland’s official toll road website.  

Ideas for day trips

  • Dublin Falconry. Home to hawks, owls, falcons, and buzzards, Dublin Falconry is a conservation project for birds of prey native to the island. You have to book your visit in advance, but the experience is well worth the effort. The falconry is located in Luttrellstown, a small settlement that’s just 14 km (9 mi) from Dublin.
  • Howth. A small coastal town just northeast of Dublin, Howth is a great place for observing ships and fishermen, as well as for sampling the local seafood in one of its many restaurants. If you’re up for something more active, go on a walk along its impressive cliffs or drive to the nearby mountains that can be seen from almost anywhere in town. 
  • Ireland's Eye. Located near Howth where you can park your rental car, Ireland’s Eye is an uninhabited island that can be reached by tour boat. It is home to many unique bird species, including cormorants and a small number of puffins. If you’re lucky, you’ll also get to spot one of the grey seals that often come to rest on the coast. If you ever grow tired of the high tempo of Dublin, this island truly is the best place to unwind.
  • Swords. A northern suburb of Dublin, Swords is also a historic town with plenty to explore. Landmarks include the 13th-century Swords Castle; St. Colmcille’s Well that, according to legend, gave the town its name (‘sord’, which means ‘clear’ in Irish, is said to have referred to the waters of the well); and St. Columba’s Church. Swords is also home to two large parks, the Ward River Valley, and Newbridge Demesne. The trip from central Dublin takes only about 20 minutes.

Most popular cars

The most hired car in Dublin is the Ford Ka, although travelers also like the VW Up and the Renault Clio. The most popular car types are mini, economy, and compact.

Further destinations

For more about traveling around Ireland with a hired car, check out our complete guide.

  • Cork. The second-largest city of Ireland is a cozy place that can feel more authentic than Dublin. Known for its impressive fort and many churches, as well as for keeping many Irish traditions alive, it also serves as a great base for exploring the rest of Southern Ireland. Cork is about a three-hour drive south of Dublin.
  • Galway. As famous for its history and culture as it is for its friendly locals and fun nightlife, Galway leaves noone disappointed. 2020 is an especially great time for planning your trip there, as Galway will be the European Capital of Culture for the year. The city is about a two-and-a-half hours drive from Dublin with 210 km (130 mi) to cover.
  • Belfast. Located in the neighboring Northern Ireland, Belfast is quickly regaining its good name and becoming one of the most interesting cities in Europe. There’s already plenty of history, culture, and cuisine to enjoy there, and it is just a two hours drive north of Dublin. Do keep in mind, though, that you’ll be crossing a national border between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom (of which Northern Ireland is a part), so make sure in advance that your rental car provider permits it.
  • Wicklow Mountains. A number of low, but very scenic mountains and a national park, Wicklow is the largest nature refuge near the capital. Inhabited since the Stone Age, the area is home to a number of ancient sites, the highlight of which is the 1,500-year-old Monastery of Glendalough. The national park, meanwhile, has a long network of hiking trails that take you over hills, along valleys, and past waterfalls and lakes. The mountains are about an hour’s drive south of Dublin.

Car Hire Prices in Dublin

  • Station wagons - starting at £ 48 per day
  • Large cars - starting at £ 54 per day
  • Medium cars - starting at £ 34 per day
  • People Carriers - starting at £ 209 per day
  • Small cars - starting at £ 21 per day
  • SUVs - starting at £ 78 per day

Money-saving tips

There are a number of things you can do to get a good car deal in Dublin. Start with:

  • Compare the rates of different car hire companies
  • Book your car well in advance
  • Plan your route before you go
  • Know your fuel and mileage requirements
  • Visit during the month when the prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Dublin is the cheapest in February when hiring a car is about 57% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 72% cheaper than hiring a car in August.
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators. Learn more about our Editorial Policy.

Top 9 Cities near Dublin

  1. Cork Car Hire starting at £ 12.40 per day
    230.9 km / 143.5 miles away
  2. Shannon Car Hire starting at £ 12.40 per day
    194.6 km / 120.9 miles away
  3. Knock Car Hire starting at £ 12.40 per day
    176.5 km / 109.7 miles away
  4. Galway Car Hire starting at £ 38.91 per day
    184.7 km / 114.7 miles away
  5. Kerry Car Hire starting at £ 13.38 per day
    258.6 km / 160.7 miles away
  6. Sligo Car Hire starting at £ 38.91 per day
    171.1 km / 106.3 miles away
  7. 225.1 km / 139.9 miles away
  8. Letterkenny Car Hire starting at £ 38.91 per day
    195.0 km / 121.1 miles away
  9. Kilkenny Car Hire starting at £ 34.27 per day
    109.0 km / 67.7 miles away

Top 5 Destinations around Dublin

  1. Dublin Airport Car Hire starting at £ 12.40 per day
    8.1 km / 5.0 miles away
  2. Knock Airport Car Hire starting at £ 12.40 per day
    180.1 km / 111.9 miles away
  3. Shannon Airport Car Hire starting at £ 12.40 per day
    192.4 km / 119.5 miles away
  4. Cork Airport Car Hire starting at £ 12.40 per day
    225.5 km / 140.1 miles away
  5. Kerry Airport Car Hire starting at £ 13.38 per day
    255.3 km / 158.6 miles away

Map of Car Hire Destinations

During which month is it most affordable to hire a car in Dublin?

Our data shows how prices for hiring a car in Dublin fluctuate depending on the time of year. This graph can help you find the best bargain.
Average Price for Hiring a Car in Dublin
£ 22.84
January
£ 22.44
February
£ 33.51
March
£ 81.51
April
£ 92.99
May
£ 125.23
June
£ 123.58
July
£ 104.23
August
£ 72.95
September
£ 50.73
October
£ 32.83
November
£ 46.87
December
The cheapest month to hire a car in Dublin is February with prices starting at £ 22.44 for an Economy class cars. The most expensive month in which to hire a car is June with prices for for a Compact class) starting at £ 125.23. The average cost over the course of the entire year is £ 67. You can use this to plan your trip at the time of year when it would be most economical to hire a car. Note that these prices are only averages. The amount of time you hire a car for and the time at which you book will influence the prices.

What is the usual period for which people keep their hire cars, on average, in Dublin?

Hirers picking up a car in Dublin keep them for an average of 8 days during in June, while those picking up their cars in January keep them for an average of 6.
Average Hire Length in Dublin
6
January
6
February
7
March
7
April
7
May
8
June
8
July
7
August
7
September
6
October
6
November
8
December

What is the most favoured month for hiring a car in Dublin?

The most popular month for hiring a car in Dublin is August, and the least popular is January.
Popularity of Car Hire in Dublin by Monthly Searches
54%
January
67%
February
142%
March
86%
April
78%
May
80%
June
123%
July
165%
August
150%
September
98%
October
61%
November
96%
December

Car Hire Information

Car hire locations 5
Airport locations 1
Popular suppliers Budget, SIXT, Easirent, Flizzr, Avis
Popular car categories Small cars, Medium cars, SUVs, Large cars
Lowest price £ 12 per day
Cheapest supplier Budget

Most Popular Car Hire Models

Hire Agency Model Doors Luggage Type
Budget Renault Clio 4 2 Medium cars
Budget Volkswagen Polo 3 1 Small cars
Easirent Ford Fiesta 5 2 Small cars
Budget Skoda Citigo 4 1 Small cars
Budget Toyota Corolla 5 2 Large cars
SIXT VW Polo 5 1 Small cars
Easirent Ford Fiesta 5 1 Small cars
Easirent Fiat 500 3 2 Small cars
Easirent Ford Focus 5 2 Medium cars
Budget Toyota Corolla 5 2 Large cars

Our Customers' Reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

United Kingdom
Opel Astra
20 January 2023
Seeing family, beach walks, Dublin cafes and restaurants. Lovely hotel and location in Portmarnock
United Kingdom
VW Polo
20 October 2022
Galway was great, Cobh in Cork was beautiful and Ballyheigh is also well worth a visit to the lovely beaches
United Kingdom
VW Polo
31 May 2022
We were on a family visit
United Kingdom
VW Polo
18 April 2022
Temple Bar in Dublin is for tourists - get out to the ordinary towns for the real Ireland.
United Kingdom
Ford Fiesta
12 March 2022
Dublin is a vibrant,multi-cultural and inviting city with great history and great innovation. Transport around the city it second to none with dedicated bus lanes,the dart and the luas.
United Kingdom
Toyota Corolla
11 February 2022
I have ahouse in Co Mayo. Flying to Dublin and renting a car is convenient.

Car Hire Statistics

Highest rated company
Flizzr
9.41 / 10
Lowest rated company
Europcar
8.09 / 10
Total number of reviews
111
Total rental companies
12
Average daily price
£ 66.89
Lowest daily price
£ 9.89
Total cars available
136

Top 12 Hire Companies in Dublin in 2023

Flizzr
Flizzr
Remarkable 9.4 / 163 reviews
1 location
£ 28 - £ 448
Alamo
Alamo
Remarkable 9.4 / 77 reviews
1 location
£ 60 - £ 233
SIXT
SIXT
Remarkable 9.2 / 410 reviews
2 locations
£ 26 - £ 218
Enterprise
Enterprise
Remarkable 9.2 / 27 reviews
2 locations
£ 60 - £ 248
Hertz
Hertz
Outstanding 8.9 / 7 reviews
5 locations
£ 13 - £ 77
Thrifty
Thrifty
Outstanding 8.8 / 36 reviews
1 location
Budget
Budget
Outstanding 8.8 / 894 reviews
2 locations
£ 12 - £ 304
Avis
Avis
Outstanding 8.6 / 52 reviews
2 locations
£ 18 - £ 291
National
National
Outstanding 8.5
1 location
Keddy
Keddy
Outstanding 8.4 / 65 reviews
1 location
Easirent
Easirent
Outstanding 8.2 / 748 reviews
2 locations
Europcar
Europcar
Outstanding 8.1 / 27 reviews
1 location
£ 27 - £ 76
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