car hire Dublin

Dublin’s fortunes have followed a winding road throughout its history. In the 17th century its status as one of the British Empire’s prize cities (outside of London) deteriorated suddenly after 1801’s Act of Union, which negated the independent Irish Parliament, sending its members to British Parliament. Dublin’s ascent was hampered, and the Great Famine of the 1840s didn’t help matters either, as refugees overcrowded Dublin, coming in from all over Ireland. As Dublin entered the 1900s, its identity was marked primarily by rebellion against British rule, culminating in Ireland’s exit from the British Commonwealth in 1949. There were more economic troubles for Dublin until the last part of the 20th century, when the city began to rise yet again.

Shoppers won’t be disappointed by Dublin’s wares, with plenty to be had in both the city centre and surrounding areas. You can find crystal, Irish knitwear, linen, and Celtic jewelry. A perennial favorite for shoppers on holiday is Kilkenny Shop, where you can buy a wide range of Irish-made goods.

The pub is the pulse of Dublin’s nightlife, and many tourists enjoy visiting what’s considered the city’s oldest pub. Built in 1198, the Brazen Head, name-checked in James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” a quintessential spot for a pint.

Travellers can take their rental car to the outskirts of Dublin for rewarding side trips. You can reach the coast of Dublin Bay in a half-hour’s driving time. The bay offers awesome views of the sea and craggy coastline. En route, you’ll pass through the southern suburbs of Killiney, Dùn Laoghaire, and Dalkey, all nice places to stop and lodge and enjoy yet more impressive ocean views. Dalkey is a vintage-looking town whose streets are full of character and feature fancy boutiques and several good pubs.

North of Dublin you’ll encounter historic ruins in the prehistoric environs of Newgrange and Knowth. The Valley of Boyne, just a short drive from there, affords idyllic views of rolling green hills.

You can pick up your car hire at Dublin International Airport, where a whole host of rental car companies are located.