sherry83

Four newly retired friends who have done some international travel are interested in a self-drive trip to Ireland in Sept. or October 2012. Any suggestions on which month would be better? There are a lot of companies with self-drive plans....any suggestions on companies to use? We would prefer to have them book airfare from the US for us. With a rental car, can all 4 drive without paying more or only one driver is allowed?
Is it safe driving in Northern Ireland?

Stellarossa

Better month: September
You're looking for a company that will book everything for you and plan your trip, correct?
Safe to drive in NI, yes.

zorrosf

Last year, we used Dan Doolan car rental and were very happy. I even saw a cheaper rate after I had booked and DD gave me a gas card for the difference. Be sure to check your own car insurance and/or credit card to make CERTAIN that the CDW fees is covered without having to pay extra for it. Some credit cards SAY they cover CDW, but then exclude Ireland, Italy, etc. You can get CDW coverage on the internet very cheaply. Get a GOOD map of Ireland and do NOT expect to cover much ground in a day, even on the motorways. In any event, one of the best parts of an Ireland trip is taking it slowly and being open to the quirky and spectacular things you would miss at 120 km/hr. You should plan on rain at least part of the time in Ireland no matter what month you travel. Depending on your departure city, you may want to inquire into "fly/drive" packages. Good luck!

longhorn55

Car rentals are somewhat tricky in Ireland because of the insurance issue. If you decide to go with a Fly/Drive package, be very sure that it includes the correct insurance. A good source of information about renting cars in Ireland is: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-...ng.A.Car..html

You would need to check with the car rental agency about extra drivers, but while the spouse of the person on the rental agreement MIGHT be able to drive without paying extra, I doubt seriously that all 4 people in your group could drive without an additional fee.

If you decide to go with a Fly/Drive package, do NOT choose a package that offers vouchers for B&Bs. I have never heard nor read anything positive about these vouchers. They are available only for a limited number of B&Bs and you can generally do better by choosing and booking your B&Bs on your own.

You should have no problem driving in Northern Ireland--it's great. Also, none of the major rental car companies restrict driving their cars in NI nor do they charge extra for it.

Tony2phones

Probably more crime in New York last night than the six counties(NI)last year. You will though have to inform the car hire as there are boundary problems with Insurance legislation and the remote possibility of breakdown recovery.

As a resident I cant help with packages from the US but Fly,Drive without vouchers can be good. It has already been said to make sure you get full details of the car hire part of the package.

irishface

When I was there with family, we put an exstra driver on the agreement and it did cost extra. It wasn't a lot and it was worth it to have another driver to spell each other at the wheel.

Don't know if this is true with all companies or not.

janisj

Note that the company zorrosf mentions is Dan <u>Dooley</u>.

Not sure that you need/want a "self drive" package. Just rent a car and go where you want. You <i>may</i> find a package cheaper than arranging it independently - but normally not, especially for four.

Haven17

We rented from Dan Dooley and liked them, as well.

The four of us drove all around on our own, I can't imagine why a company would be necessary to help plan your trip. We bought a copy of the Michelin road and touring atlas, and were pleasantly surprised that the road signage in Ireland is much better than what we're used to in the states.

Besides, if you get lost it's a great excuse to get out and make some friends.