Dublin Airport is Ireland's main international gateway and the country's largest car hire market. Two terminals handle over 32 million passengers per year, with car hire desks in both arrivals halls. Competition between suppliers is strong — making it one of the better-value markets in Western Europe, despite Ireland's generally high hire prices.

Terminal and pickup information

Dublin Airport has two terminals — Terminal 1 (older building, most short-haul and charter flights) and Terminal 2 (newer building, Aer Lingus and most transatlantic flights). Car hire desks are in the arrivals area of both terminals. The car collection area is a short walk or shuttle from each terminal — follow signs for Car Rental. Confirm your terminal before arrival as they are not connected by an airside walkway.

Tips for hiring at Dublin Airport

Insurance — Ireland's biggest car hire issue: Dublin Airport rental desks sell excess waiver at €25–€40 per day. A standalone annual excess waiver policy costs as little as €60–£80 for the year. Always buy before you travel. See our insurance guide for the best options.
M50 toll registration: The M50 ring road around Dublin has barrier-free tolling (€3.10 per crossing). Your hire company will give you options — eFlow tag or video billing. Unregistered crossings incur a significant admin fee on top of the toll. Register online at eflow.ie within 48 hours if you use the M50 without a tag.
Book in advance for summer: July and August are Ireland's peak season — prices rise significantly and vehicles sell out. Book 4–6 weeks ahead for best pricing and selection.
Collect when you're ready to drive: If spending your first days in Dublin city, don't collect the car until you're ready to leave — city centre parking is expensive.

Tourist traps to avoid

  • Desk insurance upsells — Ireland has some of Europe's most aggressive insurance sales at the rental counter
  • M50 toll unregistered crossings — the admin fee can be €10+ per crossing on top of the €3.10 toll
  • Not checking for pre-existing damage thoroughly — photograph everything before leaving the car park
  • Forgetting that Northern Ireland requires a separate insurance note for some suppliers

Best drives from Dublin Airport

  • Wicklow Mountains (45 min) — pick up the car and head straight for Glendalough without going into the city.
  • Boyne Valley (45 min north) — Newgrange, Knowth and Trim Castle on the way to the north-west.
  • Belfast & Causeway Coast (2 hrs north) — the A1/M1 connects Dublin to Belfast; the Causeway Coastal Route continues north-east.
  • West Ireland loop — Dublin → Galway → Cliffs of Moher → Ring of Kerry → Cork → Dublin. Allow 7–10 days for the classic Ireland circuit.