Make the most of your Dublin break with Avis car rental
Famed for its culture, historic buildings, Georgian architecture, art galleries and museums, you are spoilt for choice when spending time in Ireland’s capital, Dublin.
Not surprisingly, the Irish capital has been designated a UNESCO City of Literature in recognition of its great literary heritage. There’s even a cultural twist when you are enjoying some retail therapy on Grafton Street, one of Europe’s most bustling and characterful shopping areas, as the buskers, musicians, mime artists and dramatists compete for your attention.
Dubliners love their sport too and you can join the crowds at one of the city’s iconic sports stadia, whether it’s Gaelic football or hurling at Croke Park, rugby at Lansdown Road, football at the Aviva Stadium or for something more soothing on a summer’s afternoon, a cricket match in the grounds of Trinity College.
As night falls, you can soak up the atmosphere in Temple Bar, the neighbourhood on the the River Liffey whose cobbled lanes are home to some of Dublin’s oldest (and liveliest) bars. You can take a tour of the Guinness Factory or the Jameson Distillery and dine in one of the city’s many superb restaurants offering every type of international cuisine as well as contemporary Irish fare.
Exploring Dublin and the surrounding area
Once you’ve experienced the ‘craic’ – Irish slang for fun or a great time – you might think you’ve experienced all the country has to offer, but you’d be wrong for you haven’t truly seen the Emerald Isle until you set off on an Irish road trip from Dublin.
Wherever you head, the scenery around Dublin is breathtaking whether you take your rental car to the mountains or the sea.
The Irish capital has been designated a UNESCO City of Literature in recognition of its great literary heritage. Its surrounding scenery will be pleasing to any eye, whether you take your car rental to the mountains or the sea.
Make your journey as easy as possible for your Irish adventure. Tailor-make your car rental with optional extras like sat nav and child seats – because every journey is unique.
Popular car hire locations in Dublin
Dublin and beyond: Destinations Features
Things to see and do in Dublin
This is the birthplace of James Joyce, as well as many other greats. Celebrate Ulysses on Bloomsday, which is on 16th June every year. There are readings, dramatisations, pub crawls and fans walking around dressed in Edwardian costume.
For a broader overview of the city’s literary history, visit the Dublin Writers Museum with its collection spanning some three hundred years. The earliest literary pioneers are perhaps the monks. The Book of Kells is the oldest surviving example of some of their beautiful bible transcriptions. It is on show at Trinity College.
Art and History Attractions
With literature comes culture. There is a wealth of museums, concerts, films and festivals. For art galleries, try the National Gallery or the Hugh Lane Gallery. For something a bit more local, the Irish Museum of Modern Art is located in a 17th century hospital and modelled on Les Invalides in Paris.
The National Concert Hall operates a diverse programme of events. For something less classical, the Irish House Party is a traditional music and dance show held in the Merchants Arch on Wellington Quay.
The Brazen Head
Round off your day in the city’s oldest pub, the Brazen Head. While you are enjoying a traditional Irish candlelit dinner and a pint or two of Guinness, your hosts will present an enchanting evening of Irish folklore, storytelling and music, taking you back to a world of times past.
Guinness
Find out where your pint came from at the Guinness Storehouse. Home of the ‘black stuff’ since 1759, it has since been remodelled into the shape of a giant pint glass. The highlight for many is the complimentary pint accompanied by panoramic views across the city.
Dublin Castle
Of the many castles in and around the city, Dublin Castle is a must-see. It dates all the way back to the beginning of the 13th century but even today has an important role to play in the affairs of the state. A short drive out of the city is Malahide Castle set in 250 acres of parkland.
Avis recommended day trips from Dublin
The most amazing day trips from Dublin are calling you. Get behind the wheel and see the best of Ireland. From coastal drives to winding countryside lanes and amazing mountain passes, Ireland is filled with stunning roads just waiting to be explored. For the ultimate Irish road trip, check out our guide to the top 10 day trips from Dublin.
Irish Beaches
Take a short drive along the coast and discover some wonderfully sandy beaches. You can walk, swim in the sea or fly a kite, depending on your mood – and of course the weather.
Balcarrick Beach in Donabate is just a 30-minute drive up the coast. It is a long sandy beach with a large dune area. South of the city, the Forty Foot promontory of the small but beautiful Sandycove is an old favourite for taking a refreshing dip in the Irish Sea.
Irish Peaks
The closest peaks to the city are the Dublin Mountains at the northern end of the Wicklow mountain range. Just half an hour’s drive out of the city, they are great for all manner of outdoor pursuits. As well as hiking, you can spend an afternoon rafting, horse riding or fishing. Cruagh Mountain is the highest. It’s just 522 metres above sea level, but still offers magnificent views over the city on a clear day.
More serious hikers will love the Dublin Mountains Way. This long-distance trail weaves its way across the mountains from Shankill to Tallaght, coinciding in parts with the Wicklow Way.
The Garden of Ireland
Just beyond the county boundary is Wicklow, otherwise known as the Garden of Ireland. The monastic settlement of Glendalough in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park is a popular tourist destination. It was founded in the 6th century and is set in a glaciated valley. Visit the historic ruins and enjoy stunning walks around the two lakes.
The Powerscourt estate is also a must-see. It includes one of the world’s prettiest gardens set against the backdrop of the Great Sugar Loaf mountain. Powerscourt Waterfall is the highest in Ireland and is the ideal location for picnics and meandering walks.
Dublin FAQs
What is Dublin famous for?
Dublin is famous for its literature and cultural heritage, stunning architecture, atmospheric pubs with live music and world-class food scene… and of course, its great “craic”.
Does Dublin use Euros?
The euro is used in Dublin and throughout the Republic of Ireland.
What is the best month to go to Dublin?
While Dublin is a year-round destination, peak season usually runs from June to September when the city is alive with activity, as Dublin’s event calendar reaches its peak. Spring and autumn are also great months to visit, with smaller crowds, cool but mild temperatures, and lower prices.
What do you need to hire a car from Dublin Airport?
The renter must be over 25 to rent standard cars with Avis in Ireland. You will need a valid licence and credit card to rent a vehicle from Dublin Airport. If you are a non-EU licence holders are required to have an international driving permit if the licence is not in English.
What’s the best way to get around Ireland?
You might be wondering can you tour Ireland without a car? The answer is that while public transport is a good option in Dublin itself, if you want to plan day trips from Dublin or a road trip across Ireland, you’ll struggle to reach more rural parts and co-ordinating options for bus or train travel may be too restrictive. There is nothing like the freedom of the open road in a country like Ireland where there is so much scenic beauty for flexibility and spontaneity as well as comfort.