Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Dublin

Dublin rewards anyone willing to get off the bus and onto two wheels. Trade the Dart timetable for a run out along the coast to Howth Head, where the cliff loop opens onto Dublin Bay and Ireland's Eye, or point south into the Wicklow Mountains and let the road climb toward Sally Gap. A morning that starts with coffee in the city can end with you parked beside a waterfall or a glacial lake that most visitors never get near.

The city centre is compact and traffic-heavy at rush hour, which is exactly where a bike earns its keep — you can slip past queues on the quays and find parking that a car never will. But Dublin's real advantage is what sits just beyond it: the Wicklow Mountains and a scenic coastline both start within an hour's ride, so a motorcycle turns a day trip into something a tour bus can't match.

Top 10 things to see in Dublin by motorcycle

1. Howth Head Cliff Loop — a cliff-top loop road just north of the city with sea views over Dublin Bay and Ireland's Eye.
2. Sally Gap — a classic mountain pass through the Wicklow Mountains National Park, all sweeping bends and open moorland.
3. Powerscourt Waterfall — a short hop into Co. Wicklow to Ireland's tallest waterfall, set inside a wooded estate.
4. Glendalough — ride the Wicklow Gap to a glacial valley holding an early monastic site and two lakes.
5. Dun Laoghaire Pier and seafront — an easy coastal run with a working harbour and views back toward Howth.
6. Phoenix Park — one of Europe's largest enclosed city parks, with wide straight roads and a resident deer herd.
7. Malahide Castle — a short coastal ride north to a medieval castle set in sprawling parkland.
8. Bray to Greystones — a favourite Co. Wicklow seaside run, with cliff-walk access and views over the Irish Sea.
9. Guinness Storehouse — a central Dublin landmark and an easy first stop to park up and explore on foot.
10. Great Sugar Loaf — a distinctive conical peak in Wicklow, reached by winding country roads and a popular short-ride target.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Dublin?

Requirements depend on the size of the bike. Up to 125cc you'll need category A1, held from age 16; anything larger requires category A2 or full A, with age and experience conditions attached. A car licence alone does not let you ride a motorcycle in Ireland — there's no CBT-style shortcut here. Most rental operators set their own minimum age, usually 18 or over, and will ask for a deposit, typically held on a credit card in the renter's name. An International Driving Permit isn't legally required, but it's worth carrying if your home licence isn't in English.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Dublin?

Average rental prices run from 25-35 EUR per day in low season up to 45-70 EUR per day in high season, with premium and large-displacement models going for 70 EUR or more per day.

• Prices climb from June through August, Dublin's busiest and most expensive stretch.
• November to February is the cheapest window, when demand drops off.
• Booking ahead in summer helps, since the motorcycle rental scene here is small and fills up fast.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Dublin?

High season runs June to August, plus the Easter break and bank holiday weekends, and it's when prices and demand both peak. Low season stretches from November to March, when many operators cut hours or close entirely, but you'll pay less if you can find one open. May, June and September tend to be the sweet spot — long daylight hours, milder rain, fewer crowds, and rates that haven't hit their summer high yet. Whatever the month, keep a rain layer packed; Atlantic weather can turn any day damp.

Local traffic rules in Dublin

Ireland drives on the left, so give yourself a moment to adjust before pulling into traffic. Helmets are compulsory for riders and passengers on any motorcycle or moped. Speed limits are posted in km/h: 50 in built-up areas, 80 on regional roads, 100 on national roads and 120 on motorways, with many rural local roads now capped at 60. The blood alcohol limit is 50 mg/100ml for most riders, dropping to just 20 mg/100ml for novice licence holders, and roadside breath tests are common. Watch for narrow, hedge-lined boreens with blind bends, single-lane bridges, and livestock wandering unfenced upland roads — and switch on your headlights early, since rain and mist can roll in fast.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!