Discover Dublin by Hire Car
The Irish capital Dublin is an experience. In the quaint pubs, where Irish life music can often be heard, the famous Guinness flows in streams. In the shopping streets, numerous original shops vie for the favour of the customers.
And in the many museums you can trace Ireland’s long history, but also admire modern art. From Dublin, Ireland, the Emerald Isle, can be easily conquered by hire car. We have put together a few tips for your trip.
Receiving the hire car
Most travellers arrive in Dublin by plane. You will find many hire car companies in Terminal 1 of the arrivals hall. Before you hire car, please check if your rental company is also located in the terminal.
Because there are also providers that are only located near the airport. And if you then have to wait for the shuttle to take you to the rental station, you lose precious travel time.
Booking the right hire car
Before you book your hire car, pack what you want to take on your trip and then decide which car to take. This will give you the best estimate of how big the boot needs to be. Remember that Ireland is a left-hand drive country. The best way to drive is to book an automatic vehicle. Then you won’t have to shift gears with your left hand. You can find more tips on driving on the left in our Sprecial.
Hire car prices
Typically, there are plenty of hire cars available in Ireland, which keeps prices down. However, during high season, there can be shortages and prices can rise. It’s best to book well in advance to get the best deal.
hire car price comparison Dublin
Insurance
Even in the unfamiliar left-hand traffic, a small accident can happen quickly. And if then the damage, for example, 500 euros, but you have a comprehensive insurance with 750 euros deductible, you pay the whole amount.
You should rather decide for a fully comprehensive insurance without deductible. You can find more information on the subject of insurance in our special.
Language difficulties
In Ireland, the language spoken is English. Once you get used to the Irish accent, you will have no language difficulties. What is confusing is that some signs are labeled in Irish rather than English.
If you’re standing outside a toilet emblazoned with an M, it doesn’t automatically stand for men, but can mean the opposite. Mná means “women” in Irish while Fir stands for “men”.
age limit
Be aware of the minimum age you must be when you pick up your vehicle. Many rental companies only rent to drivers over 24 or charge steep additional fees for young drivers. You can find the minimum age in the rental terms and conditions.
Accessories
If you need accessories such as roof racks or a navigation system, you should find out in advance whether your hire car company has these things in its range and at what cost it rents them out.
Free kilometers
If you really want to experience Ireland, you’ll be doing a lot of mileage in the car. Make sure your rental agreement includes unlimited mileage. However, if you’re only staying in Dublin and want to take the hire car on short trips around the area, you can also book a cheaper deal with limited kilometres.
Customer Satisfaction Hire Car
Most customers have no problems with their hire car. Of course, there can always be the one or other black sheep with the rental companies. It is best to read the latest customer reviews on this portal to be immune to nasty surprises.
Error log
Many roads in Ireland are narrow and lined with picturesque hedges. This has the disadvantage that numerous hire cars have scratches. Make sure you have all faults confirmed in the handover log to avoid being held liable on return for damage you didn’t even cause.
Safety Hire Car
Irish hire cars usually have a good standard of safety. However, you should still check the lights before your first drive. Remember to check the brake light, too. And before you leave the car park, do a brake test.
Bail
Be sure to find out before you rent whether your rental company only blocks the deposit on your credit card or actually charges it. In the latter case, the money will only be transferred back to you after the vehicle has been returned. And that can take some time.
Sights in Dublin
Guiness Storehouse: Experience the creation of the Irish national drink
Beer lovers should first direct their steps to the Guiness Storehouse. There you will learn all about the production of the Irish national drink Guiness. The entrance fee is 18 euros. The Guiness Storehouse is open daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. After the tour, don’t forget to visit the Gravity Bar in the same building. From there you can enjoy a fantastic view over the city.
Dublin Castle: Experience history up close
Dive deep into the history of the city if you now look at the Dublin Castle. Originally, it was a castle built in the 10th century. In the following centuries, however, further additions followed which turned Dublin Castle into a mighty complex of buildings.
Temple Bar: Trip to the Irish living rooms
The conclusion of your first stroll should take you to a typical Irish pub. In the Temple Bar district you will find numerous of the “Irish living rooms”. There you will easily strike up a conversation with the locals, who will surely be able to give you one or two insider tips for your time in Dublin.
Suggestion for a day tour
Mount Usher Gardens – Experience dreamlike nature
Direct the hire car first to the enchanting Mount Usher Gardens. They are located 50 kilometres from Dublin and can be reached in just under an hour. You will find over 50,000 different plants in the beautifully landscaped grounds, which have been perfected since the year 1868. The gardens are open daily from February 28 to October 31 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Last admission is at 5:20pm.
Irish National Heritage Park: trip to the past
Next stop on the tour is the Irish National Heritage Park, which brings you closer to Ireland’s past. 9,000 years of history are on display in the open-air museum’s replica buildings and sculptures. And many of the park’s staff wear period garb and demonstrate long-forgotten work tools, really bringing history to life.
The Irish National Heritage Park is located near Wexford and is just over an hour away from Mount Usher Gardens by hire car. The park is open daily from May to August from 9:30am to 6:00pm. Last admission is at 5:00 pm. From September to April, you can visit the park daily from 09:30 to 17:30. Last admission is at 15:00.
Browne's Hill Dolmen: Mighty Burial Site
Before heading back to Dublin, you can stop off at Browne's Hill Dolmen near Carlow. There you will find a massive tomb that dates back to between 3,300 and 2,900 BC. The capstone is the largest of any megalithic site discovered in the British Isles.
Admission to Browne's Hill Dolmen is free. It can be visited all year round during daylight hours. From Browne's Hill Dolmen, it will take you another good hour to return to Dublin, where you can end the day.
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