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Dublin hotel and renting a car

Posted by on

We are flying into DUB and plan on spending a few days there prior to hitting the road and exploring Ireland. We will return to Dublin at the end of our trip for 1 night prior to flying back to the US.

We don't want to ***rent a car* for our Dublin stay but would like to pick one up the day we leave the city. My questions are-
- Are taxi's readily available at DUB for a ride to our hotel? If so, is there an area at DUB for ground transportation?
- On the day we leave our Dublin hotel...what is the best way to get a ride to a rental car center?
- We need an automatic car and from what I understand the airport car rental provides a better chance of getting one and at a better price. Is this correct?
- We would reserve our car in advance but I am wondering if we reserve an automatic...are we guaranteed one?

Hotel- Since we won't have a car during our Dublin stay, is there a very nice hotel in the city center that is convenient to the Guinness Storehouse and other things to see without having to get public transportation?

Thank you so much!!!!

Posted by
7160 posts

Dublin airport isn’t that large and taxis are available. We took the bus that dropped us off at St. Stephens Green, a block from our hotel. We picked our rental car up at the airport. If you want an automatic, reserve the car ahead of time. Otherwise, you may not get one since most rental cars have manual transmissions. If the reservation states an automatic, then the company is obligated to provide an automatic. The historic center of Dublin is very walkable. We even walked to the Guinness brewery from downtown.

Posted by
138 posts

We rented an automatic from the airport. I would not advise renting a car in Dublin as driving in that city is not easy. When we rented a car we requested an automatic and got it. You have a better chance on getting an automatic when renting from the airport. Regarding a hotel, I would recommend the Harding Hotel. It’s about a 15 minute walk to Guinness in one direction and 15 or so minute walk in the opposite direction to Dublin Castle, Trinity, etc. And perhaps a 12 minute walk to Temple Bar, 20 minutes to the Emigration History Museum on the other side of the river. If you take the AirLink bus from the airport, it stops at the Christchurch Cathedral, which is across the street from the Harding Hotel.

Posted by
277 posts

We stayed last year at Waterloo House, there was a Hertz agency right down the street (booked through AutoEurope, but you can see the locations and vendors when you book). You are correct, absolutely no reason to have an automobile in Dublin. Bonus you get full coverage insurance with AutoEurope (excepting glass and tires).

We had intended to take the bus from the Airport to our hotel, but we were tired and there seemed to be a longish line for the bus. Got in the Taxi line, seems it was about 22 Euro direct to hotel.

We used Uber several times in Dublin, when you book a ride the app sends a taxi and puts the charge on your card. Very easy. Late after pubbing great for quick ride back to hotel!

Pretty sure AutoEurope will allow you to specify an automatic, and almost certainly much cheaper than the "walk up rate"

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