Check with Dan Dooley rentals to get an idea on prices.

This company has been recommended by many Fodorites, and I intend to use them this summer.

Yes, I've heard of Dan Dooley - they are quite a bit more expensive. I was just asking in terms of distance/ease of access. We were assuming (and then I thought, maybe we shouldn't assume!) that since we'll already be in Dublin, it might not make sense to go back to the airport to rent a car. For example, Avis Dublin City Center came up as one of the best prices in a search we did. I'm not sure how easy/difficult it would be to get to their location in Dublin city center, (http://www.avis.ie/CarHire/Europe/Ireland/Dublin/Dublin-City-Centre )or if the airport would be easier. There are 3 of us; so maybe if public transport won't be feasible we'd take a cab.

Make sure you are comparing Apples with Apples quotes should be ALL Inclusive Dooley include Insurance many others do not. Compare also prices for city and airport collection with the same companies, City collection may be loaded.

Two thoughts regarding your car rental in Ireland. First, depending on your itinerary, would it work for you to fly into Dublin, rent the car, and return it to Shannon? We rented from Avis, and this worked out well. Second, it worked for us to pick up our car at the Dublin airport, and stay overnight in the resort area of Malahide, a short drive from the airport. The DART train goes from Malahide into Dublin. Malahide is a nice area, and with a car you can get around in the evening and explore Howth Bay.

For our last evening, we booked a B & B in Bunratty, close to the Shannon Airport. Since our flight didn't leave until the afternoon, the Bunratty area provided enough to explore the evening before as well as the morning of our flight. It was easy to return the car, and the Shannon Airpot, being much smaller than Dublin, was very comfortable.

We hope all works out well and that you have an enjoyable trip to the Emerald Isle.

RobinBinNYC, we're interested in what you decided with regard to your car rental. Are you flying in and out of the Dublin Airport? And are you planning to stay in downtown Dublin? The stores are open on Thursday evenings only, unless that was recently changed. One tip for car rental: get as small of a car as will accommodate the three of you and your luggage. The roads in Ireland (except for some of the highways) are narrow, stone walls line many of them, and parking with a smaller car is a lot easier. We booked our car from home with Avis, and has no issues with them; however, we picked up at the airport. Not sure about the downtown Dublin location. Good luck in your planning!

I would reiterate what others have said. In comparing quotes make sure you are comparing the same coverage. I decided to go with Dooley as their super collision deductible is about €100 whereas Avis, I believe was €1000 or thereabouts. Overall, I did not find Dooley to be more expensive even without that difference.