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Renting car in Ireland

Is it best to rent a car at the Dublin airport of DunLaoghaire? There are four of us traveling together. We will leave Dublin immediately and spend time there at the end of our two week trip. Thank you.
Gary

Posted by
655 posts

I think you will find the best selection at the airport. If they don't have what you've reserved, insist that they get it for you. The airport is away from the city so plan accordingly.

Posted by
333 posts

I would book ahead of time and pick up at the airport. All the major car rental places are at the airport and there is a shuttle that drives you from the terminal to the pick up area.

I suggest not driving in Dublin City Center at all. It's a nightmare (on the level of Rome and Naples) and there are plenty of public transportation options.

One other quick suggestion. You may want to book a place near the airport and get a nights sleep in before trying to drive if you are unfamiliar with driving on the right and European roads/roundabouts. It takes a few days to adjust to it and being in a fuzzy state after a long plane flight is asking for trouble.

Posted by
153 posts

The airport is the best place, plus you're almost out of Dublin already and the driving gets easier once you are out.

There are some automated toll things on the motorway out of the airport. No toll booth. Since your rental won't have the transponder thing in all probability, you have to be aware of the procedure to pay the toll.

More info here: http://www.eflow.ie/news/downloads.htm

Posted by
10241 posts

Hi Gary. I used to live in Claremont! When we went to Ireland last year we arrived in Dublin, picked up a car at the airport and left town. Kilkenny was our first stop, about a 2 hour drive. I don't know how far you are going, but after a very long flight I was glad not to be driving longer than that. If you are flying nonstop you will have shorter travel time and it may not be as much of an issue. When we returned to Dublin we dropped the car at the airport and took the Airlink bus into town. You do not need a car in Dublin.

Have a great trip!

Posted by
2 posts

Thank you all for you advice. You affirmed my current plans. I have driving in England, but I'm sure I'm rusty. We flew into London, trained to Bath and rented the car there. Much smaller and easier to get acclimated. Thanks again. I've never used this board and I'm impressed with the response. Hope I can assist others.
Best Wishes,
Gary