Finding reliable parking in Dublin city centre can be challenging, especially around busy shopping and entertainment districts, particularly for visitors driving a rental car in Dublin. Drury Street Car Park, located on Drury Street in Dublin 2, is one of the most searched and frequently used car parks in this area due to its central location and long-standing reputation. Positioned just minutes from Grafton Street, Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, Stephen’s Green, and major theatres, it serves shoppers, tourists, office workers, and evening visitors alike.
This guide provides a complete and accurate overview of Drury Street Car Park Dublin, covering essential details such as location, opening hours, parking rates, safety features, capacity, and nearby alternatives. Whether you are planning a short city visit or regular parking in Dublin 2, including those using car rental services in Dublin, this article will help you understand if Drury Street Car Park is the right choice for your needs.
Drury Street Car Park Overview
Drury Street Car Park is a long-running underground car park in Dublin 2 that many locals and visitors rely on when parking near the city centre, including drivers arriving from areas such as Poolbeg Street Dublin. It has been operating since 1981 and is privately owned and managed, which shows in the way the space is supervised and maintained. Instead of being a huge multi-storey facility, this car park focuses on convenience, safety, and location.
You will find it at 36/37 Drury Street, Dublin 2 (D02 YK20), just a short walk from some of Dublin’s busiest shopping and dining streets. The car park offers around 120 spaces, making it ideal for short stays, shopping trips, or theatre visits. Because it is underground, there is a height limit of about 2.05 metres, so drivers with taller vehicles should keep that in mind.
The car park is fully staffed during operating hours and has been consistently used by shoppers, professionals, and theatre-goers who need dependable parking close to Grafton Street and the surrounding area. Its long presence in Dublin’s parking network adds a level of trust and familiarity that many city-centre drivers look for.
Location & Accessibility: How Easy Is It to Reach Drury Street Car Park?
One of the biggest reasons people choose Drury Street Car Park is its prime city-centre location. It sits right in Dublin 2, an area that stays busy throughout the day with shoppers, office workers, tourists, and theatre-goers. If your plans revolve around Grafton Street or the surrounding streets, this car park puts you close to almost everything.
The entrance is on Drury Street, which connects Exchequer Street and South Great George’s Street. While Drury Street itself can feel narrow, it is well signposted, and once you know the route, access is fairly straightforward for city driving.
Walking distance to popular places includes-
- Grafton Street in about 3 to 4 minutes
- Powerscourt Townhouse Centre in around 5 minutes
- St Stephen’s Green in under 10 minutes
- Olympia Theatre and Gaiety Theatre within 5 to 7 minutes
- Fallon & Byrne just a short walk away
This makes the car park especially convenient if you are planning a shopping trip, heading out for food, or attending a show in the evening. Many users prefer it over street parking because once you park, you can comfortably explore the area on foot without moving your car again.
For drivers unfamiliar with Dublin city centre, using Google Maps or a sat nav is recommended, especially during peak hours when traffic flow can change due to one-way streets and pedestrian zones.
Opening Hours & When You Can Use Drury Street Car Park
Before you park, it is important to know that Drury Street Car Park is not a 24-hour facility. It operates within set hours, which suits daytime visitors, shoppers, and evening plans but may not work for late-night or overnight parking.
Based on the official car park information, the standard opening hours are-
- Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
These hours cover most shopping, dining, and theatre schedules in Dublin city centre. However, if you are attending a late event or planning to leave your car overnight, this car park may not be suitable, as vehicles must be collected before closing time.
It is always a good idea to-
- Check the signage at the entrance on the day you park
- Allow enough time to return before closing
- Consider nearby 24-hour car parks if you expect delays
Many drivers choose Drury Street Car Park specifically for daytime convenience, knowing exactly when they need to be back.
Parking Rates & Payment Options at Drury Street Car Park
When it comes to pricing, Drury Street Car Park follows standard Dublin city-centre rates, which is what most people expect for such a central location, especially for drivers visiting nearby car dealers in Dublin. It is not the cheapest option in the city, but many drivers feel the convenience and safety make it worth the cost.
Based on verified listings and official information, parking rates generally work like this:
Typical parking costs:
- Hourly rate: around €4.00 to €4.20 per hour
- All-day parking: usually €17 to €20, depending on entry time
- Evening rates may vary, especially during busy periods
Prices can change slightly, so it is always best to check the rate board at the entrance or pre-booking platforms before parking.
Payment methods are straightforward and user-friendly:
- Cash
- Debit and credit cards
- Contactless payments
- Pay-on-foot machines inside the car park
Some drivers choose to pre-book online, which can occasionally offer better value compared to driving in without a booking, especially during peak shopping days or event nights.
Overall, if you are parking for a few hours in Dublin 2 and want to be close to Grafton Street without worrying about time limits or street parking rules, the pricing here is fairly in line with expectations.
Capacity, Peak Times & When It Gets Busy
Drury Street Car Park is not a large facility, which is important to keep in mind when planning your visit. It offers around 120 parking spaces, and because of its central location, those spaces can fill up quickly, especially during busy periods.
On most weekdays, the car park sees higher demand during:
- Morning and midday business hours
- Lunchtime shopping hours
- Late afternoon when offices close
Weekends are usually the busiest. Saturday afternoons and early evenings tend to fill up fast due to shopping, dining, and nearby events. Sundays are slightly quieter, but availability can still be limited during peak tourist seasons.
If you are visiting during sale periods, holiday seasons, or theatre event nights, it is best to arrive earlier in the day. Many regular users plan their parking around quieter hours to avoid driving in circles looking for a space.
Because demand for city-centre parking in Dublin is consistently high, smaller car parks like this one often reach capacity faster than larger multi-storey options. This is why some drivers prefer to pre-book online or have a backup car park in mind nearby.
Nearby Parking Alternatives to Drury Street Car Park
If you arrive and find Drury Street Car Park full, or if you need longer hours or overnight parking, there are several reliable alternatives nearby. These options are within walking distance and are often used as backups by regular city-centre drivers.
APCOA Drury Street Car Park
This is one of the largest options in the area, with around 465 spaces. It is open 24 hours, making it a better choice for late-night or overnight parking. Prices are similar to other city-centre car parks, and the larger layout is more comfortable for bigger vehicles.
Park Rite Drury Street
Located close to Grafton Street, this car park is another central option with extended hours. It is often used by shoppers and office workers who want easy access to Dublin 2.
Q-Park St Stephen’s Green
A short walk from Drury Street, this is a good option if you prefer a modern facility with wider spaces. It is also suitable for longer stays and overnight parking.
Final Thoughts: Should You Park at Drury Street Car Park in Dublin?
Drury Street Car Park is a practical and dependable option if you need central, secure parking in Dublin city centre. Its biggest strength is its location. Being just a short walk from Grafton Street, popular restaurants, and major theatres makes it especially convenient for shopping trips, meetings, and daytime visits, and a useful base if you plan to continue exploring the city using electric bike Dublin options nearby.
While it is not open 24 hours and the parking spaces may feel tight for larger vehicles, many drivers still choose it for the staffed environment, added security, and peace of mind. The pricing matches what you would expect in Dublin 2, and for most visitors, the convenience of parking so close to their destination outweighs the cost.
If you plan ahead, arrive early during busy hours, and keep nearby alternatives in mind, Drury Street Car Park continues to be a reliable choice for parking in the heart of Dublin. And Do follow Dublinz Facebook and Dublinz Instagram for more!