Car hire Dublin airport

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Cheap Car Hire Dublin airport

Cheap Car Hire Dublin airport

About Car Hire at Dublin Airport

Dublin is your gateway to Ireland! It is a prominent city that is well-known for its buzzing nightlife, live music, gastronomy, and literary landscape. If you want to experience the best of Irish hospitality, start in Dublin, particularly if you are new to the country. There are numerous things to do in Dublin, from seeing the historic Kilmainham Gaol to plunging into literature at Trinity College Library to being silly at the Leprechaun Museum. What better way to see all Dublin has to offer than by car?

The easiest option is to hire a vehicle at Dublin International Airport (DUB) after you arrive. The airport, which began operations as a military airfield in 1917, presently has two terminals. Depending on whether you're flying domestically or internationally, you'll arrive at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. This airport is served by 46 airlines, ranging from the national airline, Aer Lingus, and the budget airline RyanAir, to major airlines such as Cathay Pacific, KLM, and Air Canada.

At Dublin International Airport, there are several car hire providers from which to choose. If you arrive at Terminal 1, you will find these hire agencies' desks in the Arrivals area. If you arrive at Terminal 2, you must go to the parking garage where they are located. Complimentary shuttles may drop you off in the hire area as part of the airport services. At Dublin International Airport, the major car hire companies available are Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Enterprise, Budget, Sixt, and Dooley Car Hire. Please keep in mind that if you want to hire a vehicle right away, it is subject to availability. As a result, we suggest pre-booking your desired hire vehicle to get your trip started on a smooth and stress-free note.

Downtown Car Hire in Dublin

The public transportation system in Dublin is simple to use. It is possible to get about Dublin in a flexible manner because of the city's wide network of bus lines. That being said, buses can get crowded, especially in the summer, and they don't give you the same degree of freedom as driving about in a hired car. Having your own vehicle enables you to explore the landscapes and attractions on your own terms. You don't have to worry if you didn't book your hire car at the airport. You can also do this in the city centre. Do keep in mind that the rates at the airport and in the city may be different.

Driving in Dublin

Car Hire Agencies in Dublin

It is simple to choose the ideal hire car for your needs. Everything is feasible, whether you are travelling for a luxurious holiday with your buddies or a secret honeymoon. Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Enterprise, Budget, Sixt, and Dooley Car Hire are the leading car hire companies in Dublin. Depending on your needs, you may hire a vehicle ranging from tiny cars to SUVs. Peugeot, Hyundai, Nissan, and Volkswagen are among the popular car hire brands in Dublin.

Top Road Trips from Dublin

Planning the perfect road trip with your loved ones or best friends in Ireland will not be overwhelming in any sense. Regardless of where in Ireland you drive to, whether you visit the Emerald Isle or the Northern Peninsula, you are guaranteed to have a fabulous time. Here are a few destinations worth checking out:

A road trip to the Dingle Peninsula is considered to be one of the best-rated drives in the whole of Ireland. The road trip is a smooth experience for miles and miles. So, spend a day here and catch a dreamy sunrise at Ventry Stand and a sunset at Dunquin Pier with your loved ones.

Visit the Cliffs of Moher, and when you are done, drive 10 minutes further into the cute town called Doolin. Sip on a coffee in any of the aesthetic cafes at the harbour. Or, stroll around and admire the iconic pink houses and the downtown.

If you seek something offbeat with minimal tourists around, we highly recommend planning a road trip to Donegal. Here, Ireland is as real as it gets! Interact with the animals who are free to roam around without any fences or boundaries. You may even visit the Glenveagh National Park for mountain landscapes and Bad Eddie’s Shipwreck, where you can enjoy an actual shipwreck on the beach!

Frequently asked questions about car rental Dublin airport

What’s the best area to stay in Dublin?
The best area to stay in Dublin completely depends on why you’re going to visit. If you’re going to see any of the popular attractions, make sure to book somewhere central that has good access to these places.
What is the cheapest time to go to Dublin?
The cheapest time to visit Dublin is in November, before the holiday crunch begins, or in February, once the high season passes.
What is the best time to go to Dublin?
The months of June through August are ideal for visiting Dublin since temperatures are pleasant and festivities throng the streets. This is also the most expensive time to travel, with high hotel and flight costs.
Can you get around Dublin without a car?
If you plan on staying in the urban area, it is possible to rely on public transport. But if you want to explore further afield and see more of Dublin and the surrounding areas, then you most definitely need a car to do so.
Tips and experiences for Dublin airport

Our customers rated Dublin airport with an average of 9.1 based on 80 ratings, and these are the most recent tips, experiences and highlights.

02-11-2021
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says:
Remember to pay your M50 toll within 24 hours of use or you'll get a penalty
25-10-2021
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says:
Do make sure you have some euros for tolls. Look for the lanes with attendents. The M50 has an app to pay online but you have to have internet. The roads are well marked but make sure you're in the correct lane at the many round-abouts. Designate a navigator with a phone for directions, it can be confusing. Be sure to bring a lighter usb adapter, the car may not have one. The drivers in Ireland were, I found, patient and sensible. Pull over often for a break and look at the beautiful landscape! enjoy!
21-09-2021
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1, know the real facts about your car insurance coverage, Document it and bring it with you 2. Understand the tolls. They are different on the M50 to the M1. Have euros to pay the toll. If your rental car does not have an M50 pass you have to go online within 24hrs to pay the bill. 3. When returning the car to terminal 2, follow the signs to T2 P and watch for car rental return sign on the right at the very last minute 4. Always check your rental car before you drive off. Photograph any marks on the car. 5. Remember to tell the car rental company if you plan to drive up to Northern Ireland 6. When driving in Ireland, you drive on the left. Always remember that the driver is towards the center of the road while driving.
10-09-2021
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Dublin airport did not have a lot of food kiosks or restaurants. So, if you are hungry for a meal, eat before arriving or bring food with you. I know they give meals on international flights, but you never know what time they are going to serve them in relation to when you are hungry. The airport was clean, well marked, and easy to navigate. I did not wait in any line more than 5 minutes. The staff were helpful and friendly. I would definitely fly through here again!
04-09-2021
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Arrive early as the airport is extremely busy. Make sure you sort out your liquids before flying as they will take them all if they are not sorted out.
22-07-2021
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I've never had an issue with Dublin airport. Even getting to the rental car area has always been great. The drivers on the buses are very helpful and friendly.
05-07-2021
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Ireland is a very special place on our planet with so many places to enjoy and experiences to delight in! We loved having a car so we could set our own course and go off the tourist trail when we chose ! We enjoyed the winding road through the Wicklow Way up to Laragh...the forecast for hurricane a Lorenzo to drown us in rainfall spurred us to quickly set off for a walk around Glendalough! What a magic walk! We saw several deer up close as we circumnavigated the upperlake and by the time we arrived back to the car we were drenched...Aussie brollies don’t cope with Irish heavy rain! The following morning we drove up to Sally’s Gap and watched in awe as the water galloped frenetically down the hillside. If travelling to Ireland be prepared for 4 seasons in one day and find a pub if the weather becomes inclement.. . Pubs are plentiful and most have good food and great Guinness. . . Enjoy the craic!
12-05-2021
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Read documents. Have everything ready. Don't forget to pay the M50 toll. If you're stuck, ask anyone for help and you'll get it.
06-05-2021
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Very well organised, took a trip to Prague, Dublin airport so much better organised, incl passport control.
30-04-2021
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Easy to navigate. Well signposted. Courteous staff. Clean environment. Dublin is beautiful. The people are very friendly
27-04-2021
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says:
Book ahead, have all the necessary paperwork in order and your dream vacation is ready to go. Couldn't be easier and the staff are helpful and cheerful. That is really appreciated when you have been flying for hours!
22-04-2021
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1. There are two Ireland’s. The hustle and bustle of Dublin and the relaxed vibe in the villages throughout the country. 2. Be a smart tourist. Read about Irish history before you travel there. Ireland is NOT England. Know the differences and know why the differences are so very important to the Irish. 3. Leave American politics at home. The Irish have political opinions. Many wanted to share their opinions on US politics. I chose to divert discussions to Irish culture, traditions, food and the arts. Made for a much happier visit. 4. Want quaint Irish experiences? Don’t expect to find them near 5-star hotels. In fact, stay away from the big chains altogether and enjoy the comforts of small B&B accommodations! If renting a car though call ahead and ensure they have a place for you to park. 5. Be adventurous...rent a car and drive. The roads are somewhat challenging (stay to the left!) yet such a better experience in a car versus a 50-person bus! 6. Enjoy Irish cuisine! (There is so more to Ireland than Guinness and Fish & Chips!) 7. See the coasts...it’s an island after all! Where there is ocean there is beauty, great seafood and music! 8. Irish Pubs are amazing! Eat at them. Enjoy the wonderful music and buy a round or two for your hosts! 9. Please don’t be the obnoxious tourist. Be polite. Be respectful. And don’t brag about where you are from. Instead, praise where THEY are from! 10. Put the tour book away and just explore!
18-04-2021
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It was smooth sailing from the plane to the car rental office. Everyone was really nice and helpful.
17-04-2021
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says:
Understand that CDW and Super CDW are 2 different things. I purchased Super CDW through thus site only to learn at the rental pick up that Super CDW is useless f you don't already have CDW. I paid for insurance I did not need through this website. I feel misled by this site.
21-03-2021
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says:
I would suggest that any customer coming from North America, or anywhere else you have to fly overnight from, book a hotel room and stay overnight before picking up a rental car. There are many nice hotels near the airport and most have free shuttles. There are two advantages to this. First you should be able to catch a bus from your hotel into Dublin to spend a few hours on the day you arrive. If you think about it you probably don't want.to drive a car into the city anyway. Second if you pick up your car the next.day you'll be rested and better able to drive. This is especially true if you live in the country where they drive on the right.
17-03-2021
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says:
Book in advance. Take the full comprehensive cover so all you need to do on return is drop off the keys. Have GPS as the motorway interchanges can be confusing. Make use of the motorway rest stops. Take your camera. Be prepared to park and walk to sightsee in the smallet towns.
12-03-2021
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says:
Rental drop off could be described better. The leaflet doesn’t really help foreigners. Citywide I would recommend the international bar in Dublin 2 for some comedy. Trinity College is a magnificent building even if you don’t go inside to see the library. Abbey theatre has the latest plays in offer. And Temple bar of course. Though it’s rather touristy and you need to like that. A tour to the peninsular Howth is always nice even when a bit rainy.
13-02-2021
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The Irish Heritage Park near Wexford provides a great intro to Irish history. Watch people.practicing with their hurling sticks on a beach at Tramore. Ride an electric bike with fat tires in the Galty Mountains. Take a boat out to Skellig Michael!! Arrive early for the cliffs of Moher, and look for surfers. Hike to the top of Slemish for a fantastic vista. Drive the road to Torr Head (if you like a driving challenge). Don't miss a beautiful sunset at the Giant's Causeway!!!
05-02-2021
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Visit Guiness storehouse, it is an amazing experience. Go for a beer and live music to Porterhouse pub and brewery close to Temple Bar. Make a trip to Wicklow mountains to visit famous Glendalough monastic city. Make a nice cliff walk in Howth at the north of the Dublin bay. Make a tour and Whiskey tasting at Old Jameson Whiskey Destillery. Make a pier walk at Dun Loghaire at the south of Dublin bay.
31-01-2021
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says:
Roads in Ireland are very narrow and can be confusing. Have a good GPS, paper map and navigator on hand to ensure a good experience. Make sure you have some local cash on hand since some toll roads do not accept credit cards. It is OK to drive below the posted speed limit. Blue signs at interchanges remind you what lane you need to be in. Not as many gas stations as in USA. Plan your fuel stops well. Take care when refueling as its possible to use the wrong fuel type if you are careless.
06-01-2021
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says:
If you have any questions, ASK! The people in Ireland are very friendly and helpful and will get you where you need to go without any trouble.
21-12-2020
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says:
Book a car through one of the big rental agencies. Sixt, National, etc. Do NOT use a third party rental company.
16-12-2020
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says:
Make sure you sign up for the tax cards and keep your receipts. USA and Ireland have a partnership that allows US citizens to pay US tax vs Ireland tax and it saves you a lot of money. Keep your receipts, once at the airport there are kiosks that refund the difference in tax to your personal credit card. This was not know to us at the beginning of the trip and at the end we received a substantial refund!
16-12-2020
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says:
THERE IS A LOT OF BED AND BREAKFAST ALONG THE WAY IF YOU DECIDE TO EXPLORE THE ISLAND. REVIEW THE TERMS OF EACH CAR RENTAL COMPANY ABOUT GOING TO NORTH IRELAND AND ABOUT YOUR NATIONALITY. THE TRAIN IS ONE OF THE BEST WAY TO COMBINE WITH THE RENTAL CAR TO EXPLORE OTHER SITES.
12-12-2020
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says:
Nothing to add here. Dublin airport is a very easy airport to get around, everything is well indicated and there are rarely queues at check in or security
19-11-2020
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says:
The Dublin airport is a very easy to access airport. It is kept very clean. We had almost no trouble getting any information that we needed. The coffee place on the bottom floor near the car rentals is a great pitstop on your way out of the airport.
27-10-2020
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says:
The price of food at the airport is very high, even the burger bars are inclined to be avoided on prices. Not very attractive as people will top up prior to arrival.
26-07-2020
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says:
The pick up area is bit remote, and need to plan at least 30 mins for pick up/drop off
01-07-2020
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Drink beer, sing music
16-06-2020
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says:
Good, easy to find transfer bus, smooth journey. Well signposted office, smart, courteous and cheerful staff. Details and options clearly explained Helpful airport map provided, especially as we arrived after nightfall. Easy access and clear parking bay directions. Well signposted return area, and once more, helpful courteous handover staff.
15-06-2020
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says:
Plan in advance. Read books related to the places you want to go. Research for the best deals online. Ask people who have been there before what they liked. Takes lots of pictures to share with the loved ones at home. Make time to relax and don't go all out all of the time. Have fun!
25-05-2020
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Very busy terminal. I would suggest getting the GPS as navigation isn't simple.
25-05-2020
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says:
One of my best trip's home as i got married but that's not for everyone so I'd say great food and great people and with the off chance you might get lucky and have no rain
15-05-2020
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says:
Bring the correct documentation it’s ok to have it on your phone.
13-05-2020
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says:
Find out about your credit card limit requirements before renting a car. Make sure to bring a copy of credit card insurance converage to the airport rental car company. I appreciate that Holiday Car followed up with me when I did not accept the Europcar insurance coverage as I had my own.
19-09-2019
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Avoid Dublin city centre and you should be fine :)
14-09-2019
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says:
Terminal 2 is better organized and nicer but T1 is also fast. T1 security was very fast and efficient. Both terminals have a nice area where you can by good irish whisky before you leave. Access to the rental car location is by bus a very short trip. The Carlton or the Crown Plaza Hotel are always a very nice and good stay before flying back. Nice rooms cheap parking Ok food. If you leave with a plane in the morning always remeber to drop your suitcases off in the evening makes everything so much easier. M50 Toll payment is easy to pay on a lot of gas station but easy to forget. We always fly do Dublin and then leave to Connemara or to Cork to spend our vacation there. So Dublin Airport feels already like home.
07-09-2019
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says:
be nice . be patient. take some cards for the queue take some snacks for the queue check for warning lights before you leave the compound (it takes ages to drive around again) Ireland has the best crisps- try Rancheros
01-09-2019
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says:
Well.... some To Do's...... First of all... definitely hire a car with Sixt!!!! But not only that, go and explore... even when things get complicated or delayed a bit, go and find new places around the city, go and explore new culinary experiences to start off your trip with a true bang! When you start off your trip, definitely wait until day time to do your driving, not because of it being difficult to drive at night there, but because places in Ireland are much closer to each-other than they seem and a 2 hour drive to the other side of the island goes by so quickly, especially when you are having fun with the family! Another thing.... make sure to explore the small towns along the way.... even if it is just for 15 minutes, it is so much fun to walk around and experience the culture and discover new things, and you never know what you might find! Mainly, the point is, enjoy..... and relax.... and Thank you sixt for making out family trip better and easier!
18-08-2019
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says:
If hiring a car in Dublin then budget is consistently the cheapest and the service is just as good as all the other providers. Have used them at least 10 times this year and haven't had a single issue. I would advise using a third party insurer to cover the collision damage excess. Much much cheaper. It's free to travel into Northern Ireland so hiring a car from Dublin is a great way to see the whole country. Definitely worth doing a tour of glasnevin cemetery in Dublin as well as the Guinness storehouse. It's also 100% worth doing the north Antrim coast road - spectacular scenery. Also have to visit the giants causeway and carrick-a-rede ropebridge. Then onwards to the Ramore wine bar in portrush.
23-03-2019
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says:
Recommend visiting the cliffs of Moher and going on a cruise to see the cliffs from the water. Visiting a whiskey distillery provides some interesting facts and information about history and just general driving around the villages. In Dublin do one of the free walking tours, the one we did was very interesting even though the weather was not good - it rained, typical Irish weather we were told. Other bits of advice include renting a car and taking your time exploring lots of different areas. We only had 5 days and would have loved to go to the Ring of Kerry. Hiking is nice, we went to the Burren but beware that signage is not great and we got lost and had to walk an extra 5km.
15-03-2019
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says:
Airport pick and drop was efficient. Car drop off process was very good. Would use again but would want better car.
23-12-2018
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says:
Hire a car and head West.
30-11-2018
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says:
Get out of Dublin Ireland is a stunning country.
22-11-2018
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says:
Spend more time in the lesser travelled spots. People are friendly and welcoming.
18-11-2018
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Book your car rental in advance!
16-11-2018
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Have a drink in the templend bare area.
14-11-2018
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Don't miss the Wicklow mountains - beautiful
12-11-2018
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Make sure to visit a few pubs for there is no better way to see and talk to the local people and make sure to visit the many local attractions as there is a lot to see and learn about Dublin
11-11-2018
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says:
Dublin has lots to do.
03-11-2018
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says:
Book Car Hikre with Thrifty Dublin Airport
01-11-2018
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Dublin is a beautiful city with lots to do for all the family.
26-10-2018
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Go to temple bar
22-10-2018
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Business trip, so didn't have explore
17-10-2018
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If you are traveling Ireland and Northern Ireland be aware that the speed limit changes from KM to Miles. Have a few Euros in the car to pay the tolls on the highway when crossing on the M5, it's 1.90. When gassing up your car, gas up first then go inside and pay (a little different then in the USA/ Canada). The right lane is used for passing and make sure to move to the right for cars merging onto the highway. Ireland is fantastic in driving, they're pretty forgiving if you somehow find yourself on a country road on the wrong side, give the locals a courteous wave and smile- it'll go a long way.
01-10-2018
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Pub crawl, Irish dance and music show, cafes and Trinity College visiting
26-09-2018
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Guinness Storehouse, local pubs
21-09-2018
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See as much of what Ireland has to offer as a holiday destination
14-09-2018
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Beer and whisky
07-09-2018
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Head to Kerry in the South West of Ireland for an amazing experience.
05-09-2018
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Have a checklist of all documents required at desk and insurance details
02-09-2018
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I am actually from Dublin, so this doesn't really apply, but it was nice to drive up to Eniskerry one of the nights. It was also good to head out to the coast by malahide and bull island!
01-09-2018
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Carry a lot of change in your wallet because you will be paying for parking at every stop. I would definitely recommend driving along the Ring of Kerry, if you want a great driving road and beautiful views.
27-08-2018
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You must visit Galway, Cork, Ring of carry.
27-08-2018
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I am Irish and always over to visit family so maybe not the right person to give advice! However, I would say take advantage of the car, get out into the countryside and see some of the fabulous scenery in Connemara and Kerry, and also kinsale which is totally stunning.
16-08-2018
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Visit Blarney Castle, Kilmainham Gaol and take at least two days to explore each place - there is too much to miss!
09-08-2018
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Kilmanum jail, 3 Arena concert and gig, shopping on grafton street!! If you also have time take a drive to Bray and have fish and chips by the sea!
21-06-2018
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Some narrow roads - be careful - otherwise easy and pleasant roads
10-06-2018
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Good food, nice people
24-04-2018
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We only spent three days in Dublin but enjoyed our visit to Guinness and shopping. We spent a week in Galway and enjoyed seeing the cliffs and trails along the West Coast. We also enjoyed Donegal and the giant's Causeway. In Belfast the Titanic Museum and the post office Memorial to the Easter uprising were very well done.
15-04-2018
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says:
Hiring a car and travelling across Ireland to the Cliffs Of Moher was a highlight, thoroughly loved travelling through smaller villages and towns, sightseeing through the country side, visiting some of the castles in the area, we had a wonderful trip.
02-04-2018
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says:
Take an umbrella!
30-03-2018
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says:
Book your hire car on line before you travel.
23-03-2018
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says:
We were there as a family on the night of the European Cup final which might have added to the sheer number of drunk people on the streets. The pubs were amazing but would be more suited to people traveling without children. We were only there one night so didn't manage any sightseeing apart from the city center. We ate a good meal in a pub which had live music and a great atmosphere. We found eating out in Ireland to be quite expensive but the quality of the food was good.
03-02-2018
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says:
My home city, so I have great opinions of this place. Kilmainham Jail is one thing I always recommend
02-02-2018
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says:
Avoid travel times of heavy traffic - 07.30 to 10.00 and 16.00 to 18.30
30-11-2017
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says:
We enjoyed Glendalough area.
18-08-2017
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says:
Wet and windy but as always lots of atmosphere.
13-03-2017
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Go to countryside
09-02-2017
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Ring of Kerry