Car hire in Dublin
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.
Explore the surrounding scenery with Avis car hire
Irish BeachesTake 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.