Dublin Airport: Car Hire (No Deposit, No Credit Card Required) [GUIDE]

Dublin, the capital of Ireland, delights with its atmospheric streets, historic buildings, leafy parks, and the unique atmosphere of traditional Irish pubs. While the city itself is best explored on foot or by public transport, renting a car at Dublin Airport opens up entirely new opportunities to explore Ireland. Just a few dozen minutes' drive from the capital, you'll find the picturesque Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough Valley, and the beautiful Irish coast. By car, you can also reach historic Kilkenny, atmospheric Galway, the impressive Cliffs of Moher, and the famous Ring of Kerry. It's a great way to discover Ireland at your own pace, stopping off in small towns and reaching places difficult to reach conveniently by public transport.

In this guide, I'll show you how to rent a car at Dublin Airport (DUB), how to find a great deal with no deposit or credit card required, and what to look for to avoid unnecessary costs. I'll show you how to compare car rental prices in Dublin, check insurance terms, and choose deals that allow you to pick up your car without a hefty deposit. This will help you plan your trip and explore the Emerald Isle without unnecessary stress.

Compare car rental prices

A short instruction for the intemperate

I'll start with a short guide to renting a car without a deposit and without a credit card, a quick guide for the impatient. Just follow the few simple steps below and you're ready to start looking.
If you are a group of very impatient people, you want to start looking for a car quickly and you prefer short video instructions, I recommend the YouTube video below, which presents and explains the most important things.


If questions and doubts arise during the search, look for answers further in the text. The text is long and contains a lot of useful information. I divided it into several logical parts and included links to them at the end of the post. I consciously constructed it this way. You can read it piece by piece, selecting the part that interests you, or read it in its entirety. However, the most important thing is to search quickly.

Car rental without a deposit

step 1 - go to the website offer comparison websites - [click]
step 2 - fill out the form (entering the dates and place of pickup of the car) and press "Search"

step 3 - after a while you will receive the search result. Then in the options and filters panel, search for the section "Refundable deposit” and check the option “A deposit is not required".

step 4 - Finished! The search results only include offers without a deposit!



The location of the key search engine elements on your computer and phone screen can be found in the image below.

Car rental without a credit card

step 1 - go to the website offer comparison websites - [click]
step 2 - fill out the form (entering the dates and place of pickup of the car) and press "Search"
step 3 - in the options and filters panel (3) search for the section “Payment by card on delivery” and check the option “Debit card"
step 4 - Finished! The search results only show rental offers without a credit card

The location of key elements on the search engine page (on your computer and phone) can be found in the images above.

Before you drive in Ireland

Left-hand traffic

Ireland drives on the left. Be especially careful at roundabouts and on narrow local roads.

M50 Toll

The M50 motorway in Dublin has an electronic toll collection system without barriers. Payment is due by 20:00 PM the following day. When renting a car, check whether the rental company or the driver is responsible for billing. Current rules are available at eFlow Tourist & Rental Info

Speed ​​limits

As of February 7, 2025, the speed limit on rural local roads has been lowered from 80 to 60 km/h. It's also worth remembering narrow roads in the provinces.

Material liability, insurance, own contribution, deposits and deposits

When the rental company hands over the car to you, you are also responsible for its condition for the duration of the rental. It's clear!
What is the scope of this responsibility? It's not so clear anymore!

Financial responsibility is mandatory, but can it be significantly reduced? Or maybe you can throw it away completely?
It's possible, but you have to see how!
You can find more about getting rid of financial responsibility for a rented car in the entry: Car rental insurance and reduction of financial liability - [click]

Additional charges and their reasons

Additional fees incurred when renting a car (especially those charged after the car is returned) are often a source of frustration for many rental customers. They can be prevented, but first you need to know where such fees come from and what may be their cause. I gathered situations I knew together in one text and described them. It's really worth reading this post!
How to avoid additional fees at a car rental company - [click]

Ireland by car: a 7-day itinerary full of extraordinary sights

I've prepared a 7-day itinerary to provide you with some inspiration and guidance for your travel planning. It begins and ends at Dublin Airport. The route takes you through Galway, the mysterious land of Connemara, the famous Cliffs of Moher, the picturesque Kerry region, and medieval Kilkenny.

Discover green Ireland, with its spectacular cliffs, atmospheric towns, and picturesque west coast roads. A week-long road trip will allow you to see the island's most beautiful corners, stop at unique locations, and explore Ireland at your own pace.

Day 1 – Pick up your car at Dublin Airport and drive to Galway

Upon arrival, collect your rental car at Dublin Airport and head west. A scenic 220km journey awaits you to Galway (approximately a 2,5-hour drive).

Along the way, you can stop in Athlone, a small town on the River Shannon known for its historic castle. Once in Galway, stroll through the colorful city center, visit the famous Latin Quarter, and soak up the atmosphere of traditional Irish pubs.

Suggested accommodation: Galway.

Day 2 – Connemara and the fabulous Kylemore Abbey

Today, it's time to explore one of Ireland's most picturesque regions – Connemara. Drive towards vast peat bogs, lakes, mountains, and small stone villages.

The highlight of the trip is Kylemore Abbey, a romantic lakeside abbey surrounded by mountains and beautiful gardens. Then, visit Clifden and drive the scenic Sky Road, which offers stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic.

This is a day when a car is especially useful. Many of Connemara's most beautiful spots lie off the main roads.

Suggested accommodation: Galway (second night).

Day 3 – The Burren and the spectacular Cliffs of Moher

You're off to the south coast and the famous Cliffs of Moher! Along the way, you'll pass through the Burren region, a dramatic landscape of limestone rocks that resembles a lunar surface rather than a typical Irish landscape. A stop at Poulnabrone Dolmen, a prehistoric megalithic tomb, is a must.

Next, you'll reach one of Ireland's most iconic landmarks – the Cliffs of Moher. The imposing rock faces towering above the Atlantic Ocean are truly impressive, and on a clear day, you can even see the Aran Islands.

After exploring, head to nearby Doolin, a small town famous for its traditional Irish music and friendly pubs.

Suggested accommodation: Doolin or Lahinch.

Day 4 – Castles, Irish History and Drive to Killarney

After breakfast, head south towards County Kerry. Along the way, stop at Bunratty Castle, a perfectly preserved medieval castle surrounded by a traditional Irish village.

After exploring, continue to Killarney, one of Ireland's most beautifully situated towns. It's a perfect base for exploring Killarney National Park, mountain lakes, and scenic drives.

In the evening, take a walk around the center and try the local cuisine in one of the traditional restaurants.

Suggested accommodation: Killarney.

Day 5 – Ring of Kerry – one of Ireland's most beautiful driving routes

A true gem of a journey awaits you! The Ring of Kerry is a famous, approximately 180-kilometer scenic route that passes through mountains, ocean coastline, green valleys, and charming towns.

Along the way, stops are worth making in Kenmare, Sneem, and Waterville, as well as at numerous viewpoints. I particularly recommend the Moll's Gap and Ladies View areas, which offer stunning panoramic views of Killarney National Park.

Take your time – this is the day you'll truly appreciate the opportunity to travel by car. You can stop for photos, take short walks, and admire views that can't be planned down to the minute.

After a full day, return to Killarney for another overnight stay.

Suggested accommodation: Killarney (second night).

Day 6 – Rock of Cashel and Medieval Kilkenny

It's time to slowly head back towards Dublin, but there are still a few special places waiting along the way.

The first stop will be the Rock of Cashel, an impressive complex of medieval religious buildings perched on a limestone hill. It is one of Ireland's most recognizable historical sites.

Next, travel to Kilkenny, a charming city with a medieval feel. Visit Kilkenny Castle, stroll along the historic Medieval Mile, and browse the local cafes and pubs.

This is the perfect place for the last evening of your Irish trip.

Suggested accommodation: Kilkenny.

Day 7 – Return to Dublin and return the car at the airport

After breakfast, head back to Dublin. The drive from Kilkenny to the airport takes approximately 1,5-2 hours, depending on traffic.

Once you arrive, return the car to the rental desk and prepare for your return journey.

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