LCB

Will be in Ireland 6/27-7/8 and would like info on CDW insurance....have a gold Mastercard, do we need to purchase the CDW?

CS

LCB: <BR> <BR>The ONLY credit card that will provide CDW in Ireland is a Platinum Mastercard. We talked to all of the others and they will no longer provide coverage. Driving in Ireland is often dangerous and we saw many cars without their side mirrors (knocked off on stone walls/fences or by buses or other drivers). Remember, however, your Platinum MasterCard will insure you for only 15 consecutive days. CDW is insanely expensive in Ireland and if you can get/use a Platinum MasterCard, you definitely should. Hope this helps. <BR> <BR>CS

kate

Just returned from Ireland where we picked up a prepaid rental car at the Dublin airport. Our Canadian gold Mastercard was accepted in lieu of CDW, although the rental rep and a customer at the desk tried to convince us otherwise. Take along a copy of the Mastercard brochure stating coverage.

LCB

I would like to know what rental company Kate used for her car. I have been told my gold Mastercard will cover CDW, it was a good idea to bring the brochure.

kate

We rented the car from Budget in the Dublin airport. It wasn't until we looked it up in the brochure and gave the brochure to the service rep that he allowed the waiver.

steve

I thought that either gold or platinum Matstercard (NOT Visa) would work. My travelling companion (the one who did the actual renting) called up the customer service number and they quickly sent him a letter stating the policy for us to have to show the rental car agents

LCB

Steve, Thanks for the reply. I will call the Mastercard service center. Does anyone know if there is an easy way to get to Limmerick or a near-by town from Shannon airport? We will be returning our car ahead of time and will have several hours until our flight to Boston. Does it seem like we could do something during those 3 hours?

Cat

I have read several different things about the need for insurance coverage. Is it possible to have this covered under your actual car insurance policy that you have in the states? I haven't really gotten that far into car rentals yet...still trying to line up the "where I am going" part, but the insurance question has already crossed my mind - so would appreciate anything anyone could tell me on it! Thanks. Cat

shannon

LCB, <BR> <BR>Once you return your car at Shannon you can take a taxi to Bunratty Castle and folk park. (this is provided you are not doing this your FIRST day there.) Bunratty is about a 10 min drive from SNN and something worthwile to do before you leave. I just returned from Ireland yesterday, let me know if you have any other questions.

anon

Renting a car in Ireland is a pain in the butt. Even if you show the car rental agencies in writing that a credit card or your existing car insurance covers Ireland they will still try to force you to buy their expensive coverage. We were determined not to be bullied into that, and finally had to charge the entire value of the car as a "deposit." Predictably, it over a month to get the charge removed. I don't really know what the solution is if you really want to avoid paying for the insurance.

LCB

Thanks, Shannon, for the info on going to Bunratty. We will certainly think about it. We will arrive in Dublin, then go to Killarney, Dingle, Doolin and Galway and depart for home from Shannon. What where some of the best things you saw or did on your visit? Also, any great places to eat or sip a few?

LCB

Cat, I just rented a car through Dan Dooley(1-800-331-9301) and they accept a GOLD Mastercard to waive the CDW insurance. It was worth us getting the card for $40 thru our credit union. The CDW rates are about $18 a day. Trying to decide what to see and do was difficult. We are arriving at Dublin and departing from Shannon, which allows more time along the coast.We, also, booked all our rooms over the internet. <BR>

Sandy

I have a gold visa and a platinum mastercard and neither would cover the CDW in Ireland (Nov '99). I called both companies and was told they no longer cover CDW in Lebanon, Ireland, and some other country that I don't remember. <BR> <BR>I would certainly get it in writing from visa/mastercard before waiving the coverage. <BR> <BR>BYW, we used Dan Dooley (booked here in USA) and had a wonderful car with absolutely no hassles. They even reimbursed us for a ruined tire, which most rental places won't do. Can't say enough good things about DD.

Shannon

Hi LCB, <BR> <BR>Galway has a great area of pubs. We ate and drank at McSwiggan's (right in Eyre Square)which has great food and was recommended by the owner of our B&B. We also went out to Busker Browns in Galway which seemed to be little more nicer than other pubs. Apparently they also have a top floor with a neat viking decor which we missed. Everything is right in the square so you can walk around and decide. (just returned from ireland monday so more than happy to provide advice. You can email any other ?s)

Cat

I take it Americian Express is NOT considered an option? I guess I need to talk to my credit card company (Visa) and see what coverage they have.

David

I just received an e-mail from Dan Dooley rent a car with rates. It was stated in the body of the letter that Visa does not cover CDW in Ireland. I verified that with my Platinum Visa card customer service rep. Also called Gold MC and Ireland is excluded from their covereage (as is 3 or 4 other countries)

LCB

Here we go again... I just confirmed a car rental with Dan Dooley and they stated that they would honor my CDW coverage through my Gold Mastercard. To be sure, I called the 800 number of Mastercard and they said yes to the question of coverage and are sending me a cover letter stating this. The benefit statement for my card says "you may experience an inability to use this sevice in Ireland.Please contact your car rental company before you travel."

Cathy

Hi folks, <BR> <BR>Just to warn you about the possible dangers of bringing Republic of Ireland <BR> registered cars into Northern Ireland. I found this story in one of the Irish newspapers today. <BR> <BR>" Three Irish-registered minibuses and a rental car were destroyed by <BR> arsonists in Belfast last night. <BR> <BR> The buses had brought 39 foreign visitors to Belfast and they attack was <BR> believed to be the work of hardline loyalists. <BR> <BR> "Other vehicles nearby were Northern Ireland registered and were not <BR> touched, so you can draw your own conclusions," one security source <BR> said. <BR> <BR> No-one was hurt when the vehicles, parked outside a hostel in a quiet <BR> city centre sidestreet, were torched around 1.30 a.m. " <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> The Peace process is alive and well in N.Ireland and you shon't have any <BR> problems travelling in the North but just take added precautions about leaving <BR> Republic registered vehicles unsecured ie in hotel acr parks etc. Avoid any <BR> town in which there is a loyalist/orange parade in the months of June to <BR> August. Sorry to add any worrying notes to plans for holidays but fore warned is fore armed. Have a good time and post if you have any questions,

kam

We have a trip scheduled to Ireland (only the Republic) for next September. Haven't decided what to do with the CDW insurance quite yet. Last year I had a minor accident in Wales and was very glad to have had the Amex insurance waiver (they were super, but required a lot of paperwork---if you damage any part of the car, make sure to take lots of photos because you will need them for your claim). You would think that the tourist bureau in Ireland would get on the ball about this. Especially annoying is the fact that Ireland has minimal public transportation so a rental car is very attractive. Also, I would wonder why Mastercard and Visa have given up covering us in Ireland? It surely can't be as dangerous as Lebanon! Sounds a bit crazy to me!

arenvyle

Dear LCB <BR>Can't help re car insurance or hire- but the following may be of use. <BR> <BR>Speeds limits on Irish Roads are in miles per hour. Distances are in km. <BR>Petrol is significantly cheaper in Southern than in Northern Ireland (for info there is a 30% differential between the Irish pound and Sterling), which may be of interest if you plan travelling into Northern Ireland. <BR>Ref comments re arson attacks - the peace process is alive and well and I think you will be as safe there as anywhere. Usual precautions apply - do not leave your valuables lying around in the back seat (particularly in Dublin); lock them out of sight. Don't leave your car unlocked in major cities. Don't drive around dodgy neighbourhoods in cities at night, which you wouldn't do at home anyway. <BR>In my opinion the best map to get is the Mitchellen one. <BR>If you are arriving in Shannon and planning travelling to Kerry, Cork - you can take the Tarbert-Kilminer car ferry which cuts journey time down by about 1 hour and avoids driving to Limerick city traffic. It is an easy drive and ferry journey is about 15 mins - if you are stopping a while try Carrickaholt, on the mouth of the Shannon - you can take dolphin-watching trips from there. <BR>If you are driving up the coast I would recommend taking the Sky road all along the Co. Clare coast - it's the most amazing scenery. <BR>If you are arriving into Dublin airport you travel by the M50 motorway. It's a toll motorway and depending where you join or exit the fee is 80p (they give change) <BR>Have a great holiday.