Navigating Dublin

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Do You Need a Car? (Spoilers: No)

For our friends coming from Miami, Albany, and other ‘burbs’: we know your instinct is to head straight to the rental counter at the airport. Resist the urge!

Unless you are heading straight to the deep countryside, renting a car for your stay in Dublin is a giant waste of money. Between expensive daily rates, $40+/night parking fees, narrow one-way streets, and the fact that they drive on the left, a car will be a “hassle” rather than a help.

4 Reasons to Skip the Rental

  • Walkable & Compact: The city center is small and incredibly easy to explore on foot.
  • Driving & Parking Hassles: Traffic is heavy, and Dublin’s “Creative Quarter” has roads narrower than some American driveways.
  • The “Left Side” Learning Curve: Navigating Irish roundabouts from the “wrong” side of the car is a stress you don’t need on vacation.
  • Rideshare is Easy: Apps like FreeNow (the local favorite), Uber, and Bolt are everywhere.

Getting Around the City

1. The Leap Visitor Card

This is your golden ticket. You can buy a Leap Visitor Card at the airport (Spar or Wrights) or in the city. It gives you unlimited travel on:

  • Dublin Bus: The iconic yellow double-deckers (great for sightseeing from the top front seat!).
  • The Luas: The light-rail/tram system. The Green Line is likely what you’ll use most.
  • The DART: The coastal train. Use this if you want to see the beautiful seaside towns like Howth or Dalkey.

2. Taxis & Rideshare

You cannot hail a “private” car like a standard UberX in Ireland—all rideshare apps connect you to licensed taxi drivers.

  • FreeNow: This is the most popular app in Dublin. Download it before you arrive!
  • Uber: Works fine, but usually has fewer drivers available than FreeNow.
  • Cash/Card: Most taxis take card, but it’s always polite to ask “Card okay?” before you hop in.

Leaving Dublin?

If you are extending your trip to see the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, or the north of Ireland, that is when you should rent a car.

Pro-Tip: Many guests find it easiest to stay in Dublin car-free for the wedding, then head back to the airport on their final city day to pick up a rental car for the “countryside” portion of their trip.

Traveling to England or Scotland?

If you’re heading to London or Edinburgh next, flying is the fastest way (Aer Lingus and Ryanair have flights almost every hour). However, if you want an adventure, look into the “Rail & Sail” tickets—a combined train and ferry ticket that takes you across the Irish Sea!

Local Custom: When getting off the Dublin Bus, it is tradition to shout “Thank you!” (or “Cheers!”) to the driver. You’ll hear everyone doing it!