kelcanrun

My family (me, my husband, my in-laws, our 2 boys ages 8 & 5 and my brother-in-law) had been planning a trip to Ireland for April 5-10. We were to arrive in Dublin then make our away across the country and depart from Shannon. I have become increasingly worried about the driving - on the other side and how much time it would take up esp. with 2 young children. I assume hiring a private driver would not really change the length of time it takes to get from one point to another but it would alleviate some of the stress of having a car. We were eyeing Monday night in Dublin, a homebase for Tues & Wed. most likely Killarney and probably Dromoland for Thur. & Fri. Does this sound doable? Will there be enough things for the kids to do along the way? How much time would we be on the road? For 7 people if we did get a private driver what would the cost be?

Thanks!

griz_fan

I would completely skip the car while in the Dublin area, it would be a hindrance. Instead, how about just using feet and public transport while in Dublin, then catch a train to Killarney, rent the car, then work your way up to Shannon, dropping the rental off at the Shannon airport. http://www.budget-ireland.com has locations in both Killarney and Shannon.

I've never driven in Ireland either, but will on my first trip this June. From my research, I've found the following:
1. Carrying around a baby-grand piano would be more practical than a car in Dublin.
2. Ireland has a good train system.
3. Outside of Dublin, a car is very handy.
4. Geographically speaking, Ireland is relatively small (at least to someone who grew up in Montana and lives in Idaho). Things are pretty close to each other.
5. A great many Irish roads are narrower and have slower traffic than we're used to.

http://www.aaireland.ie/routes_beta/ - here's a great resource to help you get a better idea of the exact route. For example, the drive from Killarney to Shannon via Limerick looks to be about 132km. There's probably enough scenery, etc... and other reasons to stop and admire along the way to make this an all-day journey if you wanted. Plenty of cool things for an two boys that age to see.

finally, while I could see the possibility of hiring someone as a local guide to show you interesting locations, etc... Hiring a driver doesn't make much sense. Remember, right now, there are 7 people in your party, a driver would be person number 8. Finding a rental car for 7 is tough, finding one for 8 is tougher (far fewer options, more expensive, etc...). You could look into the possibility of taking a bus/coach for that portion of your trip, but I think you'd miss the freedom of having your own car (not to mention 7 bus tickets vs 1 car rental in terms of price).

So, work up your courage, I think you'll find the experience a whole lot less frightening than you're currently imagining it.

nytraveler

With 7 people you will need a van - possibly 9 passenger - even without the driver - but allowing for luggage - if you pack light. Otherwise you will need a larger one.

I wouldn't be hesitant to drive - since most roads are local - not highways - and speeds tend to be low. But you will have to be comfortable driving a fairly large van with standard transmission.

As for trains, in Ireland I was extremely frustrated - since they are slow and often don;t go from A to B - without making a circle though several other places. Getting anywhere took forever. I would only use a car.

kelcanrun

Ok - thanks. I guess I was most worried about the amount of time we would be in the car and all of us not going nuts together. I know it is a quick trip and I don't want to spend most of it in transit. I am wondering if we should fly into Shannon and just concentrate on the western portion and not worry about getting to Dublin at all?

joanl

I visited Dublin in August as my daughter has recently moved there. Dublin is a lovely city with wonderful people, however most of the touring spots are on the west coast of Ireland. Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Blarney stone, castles, etc. For a short trip, I'd stay on the West. The roads are narrow and I wouldn't risk trying to drive myself. It also takes a long time to travel across the country as there are only 2 lane highways. Bring an umbrella.

Seamus

It was several years ago, but I hired a driver for a week's visit in Ireland and it was great. In addition to not having to deal with navigating or driving "on the other side of the road" we had a driver who knew the best routes and was a great source of practical information and local lore. Another benefit was that he could drop us close to the entrance of wherever we were visiting, relieving us of looking for parking and walking back. We did not use - or need - his services in Dublin, just once we left and headed around the country.
The size of your party does matter - with 8 people you will likely need a minibus (the step up from a minivan which would not be sufficient.)
Not sure about cost, as we booked the driver as part of a package arranged by an agent, but recall that it was not prohibitive. I'd suggest you at least explore the prices and options.

Arabella

We used Kennedy Coaches and our wonderful minivan driver and guide, Stephen, took great care of us throughout our entire journey. He knew all sorts of hidden backroads, small villages and off-the beat treasures ~ and kept us away from crowds. We were able to see Ireland from a local's perspective. We were very sad to part company with him. Check them out at kennedycoaches.com.

Itallian_Chauffer

I must preface this by saying that people who know me will think that some one has stolen my log-in and password --

I go every year and I always self-drive - sometimes, just my wife and I and other times, with as many as six people. Your situation, though, is different ---

MY advice, for YOU:
DON"T DRIVE! With that large and diverse a group, it wouldn't be worth the headaches.

Fly into Dublin, then take the train to Killarney. Ireland has replaced nearly all of their trains in the past couple of years and even though they aren't high-speed bullet trains, they are clean, modern and efficient. MOST routes are hubbed from Dublin, but the Killarney route is pretty straight-forward. It takes about 3.5 hours, through mostly pleasant countryside. The station in Killarney is right in town, convenient to any number of hotels. If you pre-purchase your train ticket online (as late as the night before), there are often substantial discounts on fares.

Once in Killarney, utilize http://www.derostours.com/ .
Weather permitting, I HIGHLY recommend the Gap of Dunloe offering as it affords something for every age group - a short bus ride, a walk, or horse-drawn cart ride through the Black Valley, followed by a pleasantly narrated boat ride through the Lakes of Killarney.
Deros offer large and small bus tours to the area, and also offer private driver service, which you could use to TOUR your way to Dromoland, rather than just 'get there'.

Bob

Itallian_Chauffer

Ooops!

You might need THIS link, as well:

http://www.irishrail.ie/home/

Bob

Bronxbomber

We'll be Bus Eireann all the way this time. Michelle Erdwig, on her "Ireland, Yes!" site, had the best advice for us, viz, just ask your b&b host to recommend a private guide for a day or so. You may get a non-pro who really knows the area, and for cheap.

Irelandguide

Hi Bronxbomber I don't know what you mean by "non-pro". There are Taxis,Hackneys and Limousines which are all licensed to carry passengers. These are all governed by the Taxi Regulator http://www.taxiregulator.ie/ and you have redress if something goes wrong. You have no redress if the vehicle or driver is not licensed and in the event of an accident you will not be covered by insurance.