Car Rentals in Dublin, IRL

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Dublin

Renting a car in Dublin offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding areas at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families, as it allows for easy luggage management and comfortable travel. With a rental car, you can visit key attractions such as St. Stephen's Green and Grafton Street, both located in the vibrant city centre, or immerse yourself in the rich culture at Dublin Castle, all without relying on public transport schedules.

A car hire also enables convenient access to popular destinations like Temple Bar and Corballis, where you can enjoy city-themed experiences. Whether you plan to spend a leisurely day at the urban park of St. Stephen's Green or explore the historic sites at Malahide Castle, having your own vehicle makes it easier to navigate and enjoy these locations. The flexibility of car hire allows you to tailor your itinerary to suit your interests, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a diverse cultural experience while visiting Dublin.

Most popular car hires in Dublin

• Economy: This car type is perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families, accommodating up to 5 passengers and allowing for 2 medium suitcases. The Economy car offers a balance of comfort and cost-effectiveness, making it a popular choice for those looking to explore Dublin and its surroundings with ease and flexibility.
• Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV accommodates up to 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases. This option is great for those needing extra space for luggage and passengers. Its robust build and comfort make it suitable for both city driving and longer excursions in the beautiful Irish countryside.
• Compact: The Compact car is a versatile choice for solo travellers, couples, and families, offering space for 5 passengers and up to 3 medium suitcases. This type is particularly beneficial for navigating Dublin’s urban landscape, where parking can be limited. Its efficiency and agility make it an excellent option for those who want to explore the city at their own pace.

Top rated car suppliers in Dublin

• Sixt: With 5 rental locations all within Dublin, Sixt is a popular choice for travellers seeking friendly service and a smooth rental experience. The supplier boasts an overall rating of 8 out of 10, known for its clean vehicles and service that meets expectations. The most booked cars with Sixt are the Economy SUV and Midsize SUV, making it a great option for those looking for spacious and comfortable vehicles.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo offers 2 rental locations in Dublin, providing convenient access for travellers. With an overall rating of 7.6 out of 10, Alamo is recognised for its friendly service. The Midsize SUV and Compact SUV are the most popular choices among customers, making it a reliable supplier for those needing versatile and efficient vehicles during their stay.
• Budget: With 3 rental locations across Dublin, Budget is an excellent option for those seeking value and convenience. While specific ratings are not mentioned, Budget is known for its competitive pricing. The Economy and Compact cars are the most booked options, allowing travellers to enjoy affordable and practical vehicle choices for exploring the city and beyond.

Where to stay in Dublin

• City Centre Dublin: Located in the heart of Dublin, City Centre offers a vibrant atmosphere for family, culture-themed, and city-themed experiences. Key attractions include the beautiful urban park, St. Stephen's Green, and the bustling Grafton Street. Visitors can enjoy shopping, education, and various entertainment options nearby, including a prominent sports facility stadium. Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate the local food and drink options, featuring alcohol breweries and distilleries. City Centre is ideal for those wanting to immerse themselves in Dublin's lively cultural scene.
• Corballis: A charming city within Dublin, Corballis provides a family-friendly and culturally rich experience. Notable highlights include Malahide Castle and Clontarf Castle, both perfect for those seeking romance and history. The area features a shopping centre and arena entertainment facilities, making it suitable for leisure activities. Corballis also offers various dining options, including restaurants and local breweries. With its blend of historic sites and modern amenities, Corballis is a delightful choice for visitors looking to explore Dublin’s heritage.
• Temple Bar: Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, Temple Bar is a must-visit neighbourhood in Dublin. It offers a rich mix of family, culture-themed, and city-themed experiences. Highlights include the iconic St. Stephen's Green and the lively Grafton Street, both popular for their shops and entertainment. Visitors can explore the historic university and enjoy a range of nearby breweries and distilleries. Temple Bar is perfect for those wanting to delve into Dublin’s artistic and cultural offerings while enjoying its bustling nightlife.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Dublin

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a greater selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the car empty in this instance.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: A surcharge is often applied for picking up your rental car at airports, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire providers exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance when booking through Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extended road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Dublin

The best value period to rent a car in and around Dublin is February, when both prices and demand are moderately low. January also offers a quieter experience, making it a good time to consider. Following this, March and April see average demand with moderate pricing. As summer approaches, July and August become the most expensive months, with higher demand and rental prices. This peak season may not be the best time for budget-conscious travellers.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	41.9°F (5.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Moderately Low
February	42.6°F (5.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Moderately Low
March	43.9°F (6.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	46.8°F (8.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
May	51.4°F (10.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High
June	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	59.2°F (15.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Moderately High
August	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Moderately High
September	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
October	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	46.8°F (8.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Moderately Low
December	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

Car hire prices in Dublin

The budget for your car hire in Dublin will vary depending on the make, model, and size of the vehicle you choose, the duration of your stay, and any extras you select. However, the lowest prices on Expedia start at £17*. All rental cars booked with Expedia include Basic Collision Damage Protection, you can also choose to reduce any excess liability with our protection plans.

Finding some of the best deals for cheap car hire in Dublin

It's easy to find some of the best car hire deals in Dublin with Expedia. Simply input your pickup and drop-off locations, dates, and times and you'll find plenty of options. Select the "Great Deal" category under "Exclusive Offers" to find the lowest-priced Expedia car hire on that day. You can also modify your results by selecting filters to search by car type including mini, economy, compact, and standard options. Maybe choose a luxury car hire at Dublin airport if you're looking for something special or choose a vehicle made for large groups like a minivan or people carrier including options for up to 8-seater car hire. Review your deals by total price or search by car hire company if you have a preferred brand in mind. Select the type of transmission, manual or automatic car hire and decide whether you want airport pickup included.

Some of the best car hire companies in Dublin

Ireland has branches of all the big car hire companies like Alamo, Hertz, Enterprise, Europcar, Budget, and Avis as well as smaller local companies. You can compare the price and details of each offer from some of the best car hire companies including insurance options, and mileage before making your decision.

Some of the best places to hire a car in Dublin

Dublin rental cars are available across the city but it's convenient to book your car hire from Dublin airport so that as soon as you arrive you can get going on your adventures around the city. However, it may be cheaper to arrange your rental at another location like in Dublin city centre or close to other transport links like bus terminals or the ferry. Either way, consider the total cost including any additional transport fees you'll need to pay to get to your car hire company to find the best deal.

Dublin car rental types

You'll find lots of options for different available car hires in Dublin including small and compact cars perfect for couples to explore the countryside to large spacious SUVs or people carriers that can fit the whole family, in 6-seater car hire options with room for all your luggage too. For special occasions, once-in-a-lifetime holidays, or just because you fancy treating yourself you can choose a luxury car that you otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to drive. How about cruising around the city in a Tesla or taking a day trip to the Wicklow Mountains in a Land Rover Discovery?

Advice on car hire in Dublin

When you hire a car in Dublin, you'll need to provide a valid driving licence. UK licence holders will need to visit the DVLA's "Share Driving Licence" website before travelling to print out a check code to present to their Irish car hire company. Those visiting from non-EU countries are required to have an international driving permit if their licence isn't in English, to organize car hire in Dublin. Irish residents will still need to provide photo ID in the form of a passport or driver's licence.

One-way and long-term car hire in Dublin

If your one-way car hire in Dublin is just one stop on a road trip around Ireland, it might not be convenient for you to bring the vehicle back to the city at the end of your holiday. That's when one-way car hire options, where pick up and drop off are in different locations, can make sense. Perhaps you'll pick up your car at Dublin airport, see the city sights, and then head on to adventures in Cork, Limerick, Galway, and beyond. You can then drop the car off at a pre-approved location before heading home or extending your travels. When you are using the Expedia search engine to find a great deal simply select "add a different drop-off location" and you'll be prompted to add an alternative endpoint where you can search by city, airport, or address. Long-term car hire in Dublin is also available and perfect for those staying for more than a month or travelling through several different countries on a big trip.

Benefits of booking a Dublin car hire with Expedia

With Expedia, you only need to search once, and we'll quickly find and compare some of the best vehicle hire in Dublin deals from a range of companies. You'll be able to see lots of different car types including economy and luxury car hire in Dublin options and choose the make and model that works best for your needs. We flag the lowest prices on offer for particular dates and show you a complete price including unlimited mileage, free cancellation, and Basic Collision Damage Protection. We source cheap rental cars for you. Access even more savings by bundling your car hire booking with accommodation and flights to create packages that save you money.

*Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.