Discover Ireland with the freedom of a rental car from Dublin airport
Dublin Airport is Ireland's largest airport, serving more than 30 million passengers annually. With two terminals, it is a major hub for both domestic and international flights. From here, flights depart to more than 180 destinations worldwide. The airport is located just 10 kilometres north of Dublin, making it an excellent base for your trip around Ireland.
How to drive from Dublin Airport to Dublin
Dublin Airport is about a 20-minute drive from Dublin city centre. Via the M1 and then the M50 you can easily drive into the city. On the way, you'll soon see the distinctive Dublin Spire and bustling streets full of pubs and shops. It's a short and easy drive that takes you right into the heart of Irish culture.
Drive on to Cork and Galway
From Dublin Airport, you can easily visit other major cities in Ireland. Driving south on the M7 and M8, you'll reach Cork in about 2.5 hours. On the way, you'll pass the beautiful Midlands countryside and historic sites such as the Rock of Cashel. If you head west on the M6, you will arrive in Galway after about 2 hours' drive. This route takes you past picturesque villages and offers views of the rugged Irish countryside.
5 Highlights within driving distance of Dublin
- Glendalough: An ancient monastic complex located in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains.
- Powerscourt Estate: An impressive estate with beautiful gardens and waterfalls.
- Newgrange: A prehistoric monument older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
- Malahide Castle: A historic castle surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland.
- Hill of Tara: An archaeological site, once the ceremonial and mythical centre of Ireland.
Road network in Ireland
Ireland's roads range from modern motorways to narrow country lanes. Main roads and motorways are generally well maintained and connect major cities. In rural areas, roads can be narrow and winding. Be careful when overtaking and watch out for agricultural vehicles and animals on the road.
Recommended car type for Ireland
A compact or medium-sized car is ideal for navigating narrow streets and finding parking in cities. If you plan to explore rural and mountainous areas, a car with more power or an SUV may be more comfortable. This provides extra stability and driving comfort on less well-maintained roads.
Best travel time to visit Ireland
Ireland can be visited all year round, but the best time is from May to September. During these months, the weather is milder and the days are longer, which is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Just keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable; a mackintosh is always handy!
Eating and drinking in Ireland
Sample local specialities such as Irish stew, a stew of lamb and vegetables, and colcannon, mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale. Enjoy fresh seafood along the coast and traditional soda bread.
Useful words and phrases about car hire in Irish (Gaelic)
- Solas tráchta: Traffic light
- Teip: breakdown
- Casadh: Bend
- Eochair an chairr: Car key
- Áit páirceála: Parking place
- Cén carr atá domsa?: Which car is for me?
- Seo é mo cheadúnas tiomána.: Here you have my driving license.
- An bhfuil peitreal nó díosal ag teastáil ó mo charr?: Will there be petrol or diesel in my car?
- Cá bhfuil an stáisiún peitril is gaire?: Where is the nearest petrol station?
- Cá bhfágfaidh mé an carr nuair a bheidh mo laethanta saoire thart?: Where do I leave my car when my holiday is over?