Dublin City Car Hire

Reasons to book a car hire in Dublin City

Renting a car in Dublin City provides travellers with the freedom and flexibility to explore at their own pace. With easy luggage management, you can effortlessly navigate the city and visit key attractions like St. Stephen's Green, an urban park perfect for family and outdoor experiences, and Grafton Street, renowned for its vibrant city atmosphere. A rental car allows you to conveniently access cultural sites such as Dublin Castle, which offers a glimpse into the city's rich history and romantic appeal.

Moreover, having a car makes it easy to explore various neighbourhoods within Dublin City. You can drive to City Centre Dublin, where you’ll find a mix of attractions, including O'Connell Street and the lively Temple Bar area. For those seeking a more tranquil environment, Ballsbridge is also accessible, featuring the Royal Dublin Society and beautiful scenery. With a rental car, you can tailor your travel plans to suit your interests, making it an ideal choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and culture seekers alike.

Most popular car hires in Dublin City

• Economy: This car type is perfect for accommodating up to 5 travellers with room for 2 medium suitcases. The Economy option is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families looking for an efficient and budget-friendly choice. Its compact size makes navigating Dublin City’s streets easier while still providing enough space for your luggage.
• Compact: The Compact car also accommodates up to 5 travellers but offers a bit more flexibility with space for up to 3 medium suitcases. This makes it a great choice for solo adventurers, couples, or families wanting a comfortable ride without sacrificing manoeuvrability. It's particularly well-suited for exploring the city and its surroundings.
• Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV can comfortably fit 5 travellers and allows for up to 3 large suitcases. This option provides extra luggage room and spacious interiors, making it a fantastic choice if you need more comfort and space for your journey around Dublin City. It’s perfect for those who may carry larger items or simply prefer a roomier ride.

Where to stay in Dublin City

• City Centre Dublin: City Centre Dublin offers a vibrant atmosphere with a focus on family, culture, and city-themed experiences. It's within proximity to popular attractions such as St. Stephen's Green, Grafton Street, and O'Connell Street, all ideal for exploring the local scene. The area features a range of shopping opportunities and entertainment venues, making it a convenient base for your stay. Food and drink options abound, including breweries and distilleries, making it a lively spot for both relaxation and exploration.
• Temple Bar: Known for its rich cultural heritage, Temple Bar is a must-visit for families and culture enthusiasts. This neighbourhood is close to St. Stephen's Green, Grafton Street, and O'Connell Street, providing easy access to the city's vibrant life. With its mix of historic sites, urban parks, and shopping areas, Temple Bar is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in Dublin's charm. The nearby breweries and distilleries offer delightful options for enjoying local beverages.
• Ballsbridge: Ballsbridge is an excellent choice for travellers seeking a blend of outdoor activities and city life. The area is near key points of interest like the Royal Dublin Society, St. Stephen's Green, and Grafton Street. It features an array of shopping areas and entertainment facilities, making it suitable for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Enjoy local food and drink options, including distilleries and breweries, ensuring you experience the best of Dublin's culinary offerings.

10 tips to save on your car hire in Dublin City

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV to accommodate extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the best option 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 more likely to benefit from lower rates and enhanced availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a balanced combination of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling alternatives, which are also acceptable. Just ensure that you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: A surcharge is often applied when collecting your rental car from airports, but it may be worthwhile for the added convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provide peace of mind should something unexpected occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance is straightforward when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extended road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of extra costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in Dublin City

The best value period to rent a car in Dublin City is February, as both prices and demand are usually low. January also offers quiet conditions, making it a good time to consider a rental. Following February, the months of March to May see average prices and demand, which can still be reasonable. However, August tends to be the most expensive month, with high demand making it less ideal for budget-conscious travellers. July and August are typically busy months for rentals in the city.