How to find a cheap car hire deal in Dublin
Searching for a cheap rental car in Dublin? You're exactly where you need to be. With prices averaging 77 € a day, we compare the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and feel good about what you paid.
Daily rental prices in Dublin start from just 6 €.
For longer trips, book a weekly rental from 35 € and pack more sights into your itinerary.
Consider this your cheat code for when to book. Around two weeks in advance gives you the best chance at finding the best price on a Dublin car hire.
Get behind the wheel with Easirent, Budget or Carhire. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Dublin car hire policy, whether you go with Easirent or any other supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be the key to finding a deal. Simply click 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles from one branch to another, which means you can bag some great one-way prices on a car for rent in Dublin.
Avoid any surprise charges by booking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.
Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at 71 € a day.
Offering daily rates of around 58 €, this provider comes in next.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly 106 € a day with this supplier.
If you're still weighing up which wheels are right for you, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of vehicle in Dublin.
Flying to Dublin? Think about an airport pick-up
Start exploring Dublin sooner by booking a car hire at Dublin Airport. The city centre is about 11 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 25 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Dublin
Small: These cheap rental cars in Dublin may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, fuel efficient, and just the thing for short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, comfort and space. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're a reliable fit for most trips.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and improved tech features, this Dublin car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you want a car for rent in Dublin that makes light work of heavy loads. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's supplies, baggage or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different Dublin car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
Take your ride to the next level with handy extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. These features can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Dublin.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in Ireland is typically 21 years old. However individual providers may do things differently, so always double-check your rental company's policy to see what applies to you.
Add a car seat to your Dublin car hire booking if you're travelling with small kids. Rules can change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest approach.
Come prepared to avoid delays at pick-up. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no electronic copies) and a second photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If extra documents are required, they'll be listed in your booking.
Driving in Ireland might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Keep in mind you'll need to stay on the left side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 45kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always obey the posted signs.
In Ireland, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you're planning to have a drink or two, leave the driving to someone else or take another form of transport.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 5pm. Make travel easier by steering clear of peak periods.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) here. As well as your debit and credit cards, have some cash handy for smaller purchases.
Best hotels in Dublin for drivers
Offering parking, The Westbury Hotel makes it easy to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 0.97 kilometres from central Dublin and also comes with a lobby bar and a bar.
The Green makes things simpler with parking and features such as a fitness centre and a ticket office. It's roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more ideas before you book? Browse the full list of hotels in Dublin. You can narrow things down with filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
It's time to start exploring now you've locked in a car hire deal in Dublin and your hotel. From Guinness Storehouse to Trinity College Library and St. Patrick's Cathedral, the city's packed with places worth visiting.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Dublin
Drogheda has to be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Monasterboice Monastic Site and St. Mary's Church. This city is about 40 kilometres north of central Dublin.
Boyne Valley Hotel - Bed & Breakfast Only and Flynns of Termonfeckin are recommended accommodation options with parking in Drogheda.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Dublin and drive about 72 kilometres north to Dundalk. Featuring Louth County Museum and Proleek Wedge Tomb, its attractions are worth the drive.
Fairways Hotel Dundalk and The Gateway Hotel are comfortable places to stay in Dundalk if you're hanging around for a while. Book one of these and enjoy an easy pull-up-and-check-in experience.
Extend your journey and road-trip it to Ennis, around 193 kilometres west of Dublin. First, visit Glor Irish Music Centre, then follow it up with Ennis Friary.
Rest your head in Ennis at either Hotel Woodstock Ennis or Great National Temple Gate Hotel. They've got a bed waiting for you and a place to park too.
