We have a trip coming up in September and are flying into Dublin. We land at the airport very early in the morning and would like to spend the day and first night in Dublin. The question is what do we do with all of our luggage and a rental car while we walk around Dublin for the day. Is there a place to park a rental car in the city as we explore? It will be too early to check into a hotel TIA for suggestions
Welcome to Michele's Forum!! Congrats on your upcoming trip, as well.
It's generally recommended to wait to pick up the rental car until you are ready to depart Dublin -- due in large part to the dearth of parking (and its related expense!), but also due to the myriad of confusing, one-way streets and the lack of consistent street signage. I most specifically urge avoiding that you attempt to do so immediately after arrival on a overnight, transatlantic flight.
But -- IF you have no choice . . .
What hotel will you be staying at? That will determine your best parking options. Does the hotel offer parking? If so, that would be the obvious choice -- even if they charge an extra fee for the day.
Most hotels offer the option of storing their luggage upon early arrival -- even if the room booked won't be ready.
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Bob
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Thank you so much for the reply. We havent booked a hotel yet, but I will look into that and attempt to park at the hotel. Any hotel suggestions? Is it better to stay in the outskirts of the city to avoid traffic?
In fact, Garth Brooks concerts will take place in Dublin on Friday 9th; Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of September 2022.
There are two more concerts on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th September, 2022 that will also affect availability anywhere in, or near the city.
Accommodation in the Greater Dublin area and beyond is either already booked out or extremely expensive -- and often requiring a two night minimum booking.
If your dates coincide with any of those dates, you may find it necessary to locate WELL away from Dublin.
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Bob
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Your driving route choices: https://goo.gl/maps/fMCUJmkD2giPimzH6
NONE of those are particularly easy (or cheap -- the M50 Tunnel Toll can be quite high). I would STRONGLY urge that you wait to pick up the car until AFTER your Dublin time.
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Bob
Help Us to Help You. The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!
As Bob has suggested, parking a car in Dublin is expensive. Do you have the car rented yet? If not, you might consider taking a taxi or public transportation into the city for your time in Dublin and pick up the car when departing from Dublin.
Any hotel you stay at should store your luggage for you till you can check in.