mkd

I know what it is like to drive in England. What car/mini van would anyone recommend for 6 adults visiting Ireland and who have become accustomed to a degree of closeness?

janis

You would have to get a "people mover" like a Toyota Previa.

But you might be better off renting two smaller cars. the folks stuck in the back of a people mover can get pretty uncomfortable - especially on the narrow winding roads.

rorymclaren

If you go with all 6 individuals in a people mover, you all will need to pack very lightly. On my trip to Ireland, our group of four followed the advice of our car rental webpage on the number of pieces and size of luggage the car would accomodate and it barely fit.

mkd

Thanks for the idea of a Previa, I like Toyota reliability. I have warned the group to pack lightly, or use a roof rack.Scrunchable duffles are the choice over hard rimmed cases. Does anyone know if a Previa is the smallest mini van available? I know the roads are narrow.

Alec

Previa is hardly 'small' by European standard. There is a class of MVP below full-size like Previa and Ford Galaxy, with Opel Zafira being a prime example. The rearmost seats are only suitable for children except for short journeys, though, and lugagge space is even more limited.
I would go for the option of two mid-size cars like Ford Focus and Open Astra. There should be enough room for 3 and luggage in each, and the combined rental cost is likely to be lower than a MVP. You'll pay more for fuel though. Get diesel cars as the fuel is 20% cheaper and engines 30% more fuel-efficient.

brooke

Wow. How weird! I just posted this same question on the www.ireland-withpatpreston.com web site. 6 adults traveling in Ireland. They suggested the VW Minibus. Approx. $1300 for 6 people. But I am worried about the same thing - the roads being so narrow and dangerous and driving in a mini van! Should I go this route? Would really rather go in one car vs. 2!

janis

mkd - it is not a good idea to plan on using a roof rack. Ireland is a very safe country - but car burgleries are one of the things to worry about. it is not a good idea to leave valuables visible inside a locked car, let alone on the roof.

That is another reason two small or mid-sized acrs would be a better idea. You can conceal things inside the boots while you are touring castles, etc.

mkd

To Alec and Janis, the two cars idea is a good one if we had two willing drivers, and one I would like to adopt but I am sorry to say we have only one, and no one wants to force tight driving conditions on anyone who is freaked out without the left side of the road thing. SO, back to figuring out the best rental under the circumstances.

Ann41

If you're set on a minivan, I think the VW might be the best choice. The body at least looks more narrow than other minivans.

Vik_k

Please rent a mini van and I will give you all the details of rent a car.
It's www.autoeurope.com