Dublin Car Rental

Guide of Dublin

History

The first recorded history of Dublin stems from the 8th and 9th century AD Viking raids, which led to a settlement named Dubh Linn (Black Pool) being founded on the southside of the mouth of the Liffey. Raids continued over the next couple of hundred years and by the 11th century Dublin was flourishing thanks to strong trading links with towns like Bristol and Chester over in England. From 1169, the Normans ruled for the next few centuries, with the city claimed by England from the 14th right through to the 18th century – when buildings like Parliament House and City Hall joined the cityscape, modern urban infrastructure was built and the city as we know it now took shape. Dublin was also the seat of the 1916 Easter Rising and central to the War for Independence and Civil War, tumultuous events that led to the founding of the Republic of Ireland. Fast forward to the 1990s and the Celtic Tiger economic boom brought investment to Dublin along with a host of big corporate players.

Culture

If there’s one word that sums up Dublin’s culture, it’s ‘craic’. This broadly refers to the city’s distinctive, lively social life, but you need to feel it to know it. Infused with the currents of history, tradition, culture, art and humor, ‘good craic’ is a live collective consciousness that swirls as lifeblood around the city’s homes, bars, green spaces, galleries and everywhere else. In terms of physical representations of Dublin’s culture, key attractions include the National Gallery of Ireland, Trinity College, The Viking Theatre, Museum of Literature Ireland and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.

Alternative Dublin

If you like to take the road less traveled, there are plenty of slightly more leftfield activities to try in Dublin. For instance, a True Crime Tour takes you through the city’s dark underside to learn about famous robberies, ruthless underworld figures and shocking crimes. Or try the Dublin Alternative Tour, where you’ll learn about the city’s hip side, exploring cult venues, underground music, street art and more.

Things To Do in Dublin

Literary Dublin

If you didn’t know already, Dublin’s a hotbed of all types of talents – not the least of which is literature. That’s right – this city has produced more talented wordsmiths than you can shake a shillelagh at. If wonderful words float your boat and you love a bit of craic, why not take a Dublin Literary Pub Crawl for the ultimate double whammy? Super-knowledgeable (and extra-funny) hosts take you from bar to bar as they regale you with tales of iconic writers like Wilde, Behan, Beckett, and Joyce. After a few pints of the Black Stuff in the favourite watering holes of these famous ink-slingers, you’ll probably be feeling lyrical yourself!

Dublin for kids

There’s no denying Dublin is more famous for wild weekends than family getaways, but there are a few choice activities for kids nonetheless. The National Museum of Ireland showcases cool treasures from the past, including western Europe’s biggest collection of gold artefacts and St Stephen’s Green is a gorgeous oasis close to the city center where you can feed ducks and have a picnic. Meanwhile, Phoenix Park has its own deer, Dublin Zoo boasts rhinos and monkeys, and The Ark is a cultural hub where kids can unleash their arty sides.

Dublin nightlife

As we’ve already hinted, for many people Dublin is the best place in the world to let loose and party. If you’ve got a penchant for live music, Whelan’s on Wexford Street is a legendary venue that launched the careers of legends like Christy Moore – between bands and DJs, there’s always something amazing to dance to. Meanwhile, Copper Face Jack’s is a multistorey fun factory where 90s tunes get an eclectic crowd bouncing and The Cobblestones is an authentic pub where you’ll hear live Irish traditional music, folk, country and bluegrass.

Eating Out in Dublin

Traditional Irish

Yearning for some traditional Irish fare? Brannigans in the city center serves a fabulous seafood chowder, The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant specializes in Celtic burgers and hearty Irish casserole and The Hairy Lemon serves an authentic breakfast (great hangover cure). Additionally, Gogarty’s in Temple Bar serves favorites like steak pie, mashed potato and gravy, while Gallaghers Boxty House is the best place to try boxty – a traditional Irish pancake. Still not had your fill of seafood? Visit The Exchequer in the city center for steamed cockles and mussels (alive, alive, oh).

Haute Cuisine

If you’ve got refined tastes (and an expansive credit card limit), you won’t be disappointed with Dublin’s haute cuisine scene. L’Ecrivain serves Michelin-starred, classical French cuisine – try the sumptuous 6 or 10 course tasting menu for the full, mind-blowing experience. Meanwhile, The Greenhouse serves delicate Irish and European fusion flavors, with every dish perfectly presented like a work of art. Alternatively, Locks Brasserie in Portobello boasts a European menu (focused on the French tradition), and Chapter One has a special ‘Chef’s Table’ crafted from volcanic rock – book this if you’re a real foodie because you can chat to the chefs in the kitchen as you chow down.

Street Food

Fancy something quick and tasty? There’s street food aplenty in Dublin’s Fair City. The Temple Bar Food Market is a terrific place to find freshly baked bread, homemade jams, local cheeses, and organic chocolate. Meanwhile, Coppinger Row Food Market sits next to Powerscourt Townhouse Center and it’s the top place to find Palestinian and Mediterranean delicacies, organic fruit, and delicious crepes. Don’t miss the Smithfield Outdoor Food Market either – it runs every Friday in August and September, boasting all types of food as well as household goods and craftwork. But that’s not all, because if you head across to the Grand Canal on Mespil Road, a selection of food stands sell everything from immaculately prepared sushi to spicy burritos. And of you want to try trendy snacks in cool company, check out the food stalls at Eatyard – a hipster hangout next to the Bernard Shaw pub, which hists regularly rotating stallholders serving a wide variety of local and global dishes.

Transport

Airports in Dublin

Dublin Airport (DUB) is the international air hub serving the city. It’s the HQ of Aer Lingus, which is the flag carrier in the Republic of Ireland, and is also served by Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, KLM, Lufthansa, Ryanair, United Airlines and more. You can find great deals on car rental at Dublin Airport right here at Enjoy Travel, pick up your ride on arrival and hit the road in the Emerald Isle.

Public transport in Dublin

In Dublin, public transport consists of buses, trains and trams. You can buy a TFI Leap card for convenient travel across the whole network. The network is reliable, but you’ll need a car if you prefer independent travel to your own timetable.

Driving in Dublin

Cars in Dublin (and the rest of Ireland) drive on the left. Speed limits in Ireland are 100km/h on national roads, 80km/h on regional roads, 50km/h in urban areas and 30km/h in special limit areas (for example, near schools).