To Have the Best Vacation, Skip Driving in Dublin

Driving in Dublin Ireland, especially in the city center is quite honestly a nightmare.  Skip the headache and explore the city in these ways instead. 

Why I would never drive in Dublin again

I recently returned from a fantastic week in Ireland which culminated in 3 nights in Dublin. Since my mom and I rented a car to drive around the country, we kept it while in Dublin.  This turned out to be a huge pain in the ass and here’s why. 

Parking in central Dublin is relatively non-existent 

Of the 4 hotels we stayed at during our week in Ireland, only one had on-site parking, and that was because it was located outside the city center.  In smaller cities, you can usually park on the street. In bigger cities like Galway and Dublin you may have to park at a private off-site lot, with a discount from the hotel. 

Our hotel in Dublin was no exception.  The parking garage the hotel provided was only about half a mile away, however, many roads are transit only which made the lot nearly impossible to access.  

Much of central Dublin is inaccessible to private vehicles

Throughout central Dublin many of the main roads are only available to public transportation and taxis.  This includes many of the roads on both sides of the river, as well as around Trinity College and Temple Bar.  

What does this mean for driving in Dublin?

Even if your destination is on the same side of the river, you may be routed across the river, then circle around for a while before you eventually make your way back across the river.  If you’re lucky, you get to your destination. However, if you are not, you will end up driving in Dublin in circles for 20-30 minutes only to give up and park on the street. 

Driving in Dublin: finding street parking

Street parking in central Dublin is not only limited but it’s also expensive. Parking meters are active from 7am-7pm and cost €4 per hour. There are also limits to how long you can park in any given space.  You can only pay at the meter as there are no parking apps available (or advertised on the meters). 

Do not get a parking ticket!  

I found out the hard way about parking enforcement in Dublin. I forgot to set an alarm to get up and pay the parking meter in the morning. By the time I got to the car it not only had a ticket, but also a boot.  They do not play in Dublin City.  This is basically extortion because the fine is €125, which has to be paid online before a parking officer will come back and remove the boot.  This process takes up to 2 hours, then you must move your vehicle, which in turn requires driving in Dublin. 

For tips on rules of the road in Ireland and driving Ireland, read Driving in Ireland. 

Other modes of transit to use instead of driving in Dublin

Alternative to driving in Dublin: Public Transportation

Public transportation is an easy and low cost way to see the city without driving in Dublin.  There are buses and trams throughout the city center.  A one way ticket in cash is €2 per person, or €1.50 if you have the app on your phone.  

You can easily route your destination and determine which bus or tram line to take by using the transit feature in Apple or Google Maps. 

Bonus: the buses in Dublin are double decker buses.  These provide a fantastic vantage point to view the city and buildings at a low cost. 

Taxi/Uber instead of driving in Dublin

Taxis are everywhere in Dublin so you can flag one down in person or call for one on Uber.  I personally prefer the second option, as you know the cost up front and can bill it directly to your credit card (no cash needed).  Always to make sure you have an international travel credit card linked to your account to avoid paying transaction fees. 

Walking vs driving in Dublin

Dublin is extremely flat.  You’re not going to find large hills to climb like in Seattle, or have a ton of stairs like Lisbon or Dubrovnik.  You’ll not only have the benefit of free exercise, but you can enjoy seeing the different shops, pubs, and historic buildings while you wander the city.  Also, while the bus is a great low effort way to get around, it is not that much faster than walking if you are a fast walker (like me).  

Hop on Hop Off Tours

Like most major metropolitan cities around the world you can take a hop on hop off bus as a way to explore the city.  These allow you to get around to major historic areas of the city while you also hear more about the city history from a tour guide.  There are 3 popular tour options in Dublin: DoDublin, Big Bus and City Sightseeing.  The hop on hop off locations are easy to find as they are often located adjacent to a city bus stop, and have their own signage.  

The basic tours cost around $35/person for an adult for 24 hours, however you can upgrade to 48 hours for only about $5 more.  There are also other specialized tours like a vintage double decker bus tour that also includes afternoon tea, or tours that includes entry to the Guinness Storehouse. 

Renting a car in Dublin

If you want to rent a car in Dublin to have for a road trip through the Irish countryside, I would recommend one of two options.  If you start your Ireland trip in Dublin, wait until after you leave the city, then pick up your car.  This way you are not be paying for those days in the city, on top of parking.  Either transit or Uber to/from the airport then pick up your rental.  If you are ending your trip in Dublin, return your car rental to the Dublin airport when you get to the city, then be car free for the rest of your stay. 

For more information on renting cars and driving in Ireland read Helpful tips for Driving in Ireland

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• Helpful tips for Driving in Ireland