Airplane rental around Dublin, Ireland

[szcsongor]

Does anyone have any tips where to look for a flying club, organization or pilot training center where a PPL pilot could occasionally (say, 2-3 times a year) rent a C172 or PA28 for sightseeing trips in Ireland?
I would occasionally visit Dublin and would like to explore the country from above.

I have looked around Weston airport, there are a few flying clubs, but it seems that they require membership. At least those that answered my enquiry.
Wrote to the National Flight Center also, but did not get any reply so far.

[Jan Olieslagers]

Yes, clubs require membership, I see nothing unexpected there - nor should it be an issue. Expect them to require a check-out flight too, perhaps quite recent, so that you might need to fly with their instructor before every flight since you do not intend to fly every week-end, so to speak.

Mind you that, even if you could find a commercial rental operation that does not require membership, they would still require the check-out flight, and are likely to be more expensive too, both on the plane and on the instructor.

For as little as I know the Irish private flying environment, Weston is indeed the place to go.

[Duchess_Driver]

NFC used to, but were planning to move away and focus on training…. Maybe that’s why they’re not responding (not really an excuse for not replying tho).

Trim Flying club used to work out of Weston, but their web site seems to say they’re not accepting new members just now.

Try John Nugent at Newcastle - a bit out in the sticks but a nice friendly little club (last time I popped in)
https://www.einc.ie/

Not too much else “close” to Dublin. Look at Kilrush, Limetree, Abbeyshrule and Athboy - you may find something. Expect a checkout, at least until you get yourself known.

[blind pew]

Flew a pa28 at Newcastle..very friendly

[szcsongor]

Thank you, I will definitely contact John at Newcastle.

Yes, clubs require membership, I see nothing unexpected there - nor should it be an issue. Expect them to require a check-out flight too, perhaps quite recent, so that you might need to fly with their instructor before every flight since you do not intend to fly every week-end, so to speak.

Mind you that, even if you could find a commercial rental operation that does not require membership, they would still require the check-out flight, and are likely to be more expensive too, both on the plane and on the instructor.

For as little as I know the Irish private flying environment, Weston is indeed the place to go.
Yes, I think it's rare when a club or training organization let outsider pilots fly their planes. I am doing occasional flights in my home country (Hungary) where I found one, so at least it's not impossible :)
I am not against paying a membership (doing it already in Sweden, where I live, being a member of the local club) it's just makes those flights in Ireland a lot more expensive if I have to fork out 50-100 euros each month even when I am not even in the country.
Higher rental rates are perfectly fine, if I can skip paying a membership...

A checkout flight I'm also okay with, at least the very first occasion, also to familiarize myself with the local regulations, airspaces etc... But as I'm an active pilot, flying at least 3-5 hours a month (just not in Ireland) so would actually mind if they require me a checkout flight before each and every private flights there.

[Duchess_Driver]

I am not against paying a membership (doing it already in Sweden, where I live, being a member of the local club) it's just makes those flights in Ireland a lot more expensive if I have to fork out 50-100 euros each month even when I am not even in the country.

Most clubs will offer daily or, at least, monthly membership - as and when needed.