Car hire in Dublin

What do you need to hire a car from Dublin Airport?

The renter must be over 25 to rent standard cars with Avis in Ireland. You will need a valid licence and credit card to rent a vehicle from Dublin Airport.  If you are a non-EU licence holders are required to have an international driving permit if the licence is not in English.

What’s the best way to get around Ireland?

While public transport is a good option in Dublin itself, if you want to plan day trips from Dublin or a road trip across Ireland, you’ll struggle to reach more rural parts. A hire car offers the freedom of the open road across Ireland combining scenic beauty with flexibility and spontaneity as well as comfort.

What is Dublin famous for?

Dublin is famous for its literature and cultural heritage, stunning architecture, atmospheric pubs with live music and world-class food scene… and of course, its great “craic”.

Does Dublin use Euros?

The euro is used in Dublin and throughout the Republic of Ireland.

What is the best month to go to Dublin?

While Dublin is a year-round destination, peak season usually runs from June to September when the city is alive with activity, as Dublin’s event calendar reaches its peak. Spring and autumn are also great months to visit, with smaller crowds, cool but mild temperatures, and lower prices.

If you have not driven in Dublin before, be aware that you will be driving on the left hand side of the road and it may be helpful to familiarise yourself with the road rules for Ireland before you pick up your Avis hire car.

You’ll find on-street parking structured into zones in the centre of Dublin, as well as multi-storey parking options plus park and ride facilities on the edge of the city. 

This is the birthplace of James Joyce, as well as many other greats. Celebrate Ulysses on Bloomsday, which is on 16th June every year. 

For a broader overview of the city’s literary history, visit the Dublin Writers Museum with its collection spanning some three hundred years. The earliest literary pioneers are perhaps the monks. The Book of Kells is the oldest surviving example of some of their beautiful bible transcriptions. It is on show at Trinity College.

Art and History Attractions

With literature comes culture. There is a wealth of museums, concerts, films and festivals. For art galleries, try the National Gallery or the Hugh Lane Gallery. For something a bit more local, the Irish Museum of Modern Art is located in a 17th century hospital and modelled on Les Invalides in Paris.

The National Concert Hall operates a diverse programme of events. For something less classical, the Irish House Party is a traditional music and dance show held in the Merchants Arch on Wellington Quay.

Dublin Castle

Of the many castles in and around the city, Dublin Castle is a must-see. It dates all the way back to the beginning of the 13th century but even today has an important role to play in the affairs of the state. A short drive out of the city is Malahide Castle set in 250 acres of parkland.

From coastal drives to winding countryside lanes and breathtaking mountain passes, Ireland is filled with stunning drives just waiting to be explored. For the ultimate Irish road trip, check out our guide to the top 10 day trips from Dublin.

Irish Beaches

Take a short drive along the coast and discover miles of sandy beaches. Balcarrick Beach in Donabate is just a 30-minute drive up the coast. It is a long sandy beach with a large dune area. South of the city, the Forty Foot promontory of the small but beautiful Sandycove is an old favourite for taking a refreshing dip in the Irish Sea.

Irish Peaks
The closest peaks to the city are the Dublin Mountains at the northern end of the Wicklow mountain range. Just half an hour’s drive out of the city, Cruagh Mountain is the highest. It’s just 522 metres above sea level, but still offers magnificent views over the city on a clear day.
More serious hikers will love the Dublin Mountains Way. This long-distance trail weaves its way across the mountains from Shankill to Tallaght, coinciding in parts with the Wicklow Way.

The Garden of Ireland
Just beyond the county boundary is Wicklow, otherwise known as the Garden of Ireland. The monastic settlement of Glendalough in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park is a popular tourist destination. It was founded in the 6th century and is set in a glaciated valley. Visit the historic ruins and enjoy stunning walks around the two lakes.