At this point,with 6 people (ages 12-50, active adults), we plan to rent 2 small cars as it appears much cheaper (we were told to use Dooley car rentals) and easier to get around with than a minivan. Is this a good idea? We'll be there 10 days.

I would also check out the prices on autoeurope.com.

I just used autoeurope and they were fine. The big deal is the insurance cost. Check with mastercard. Also before you leave the airport check the car carefully for scratches and dings and inform them of any problems.

Yes, I would agree that 2 cars are a much better plan. Minivans are larger, and harder to navigate in some local roads, and who knows when some of you want to do something the others don't? 2 cars give you all the flexibility of branching apart for a day, an afternoon, a meal, etc.

I'm leaving tomorrow and using Autoeurope... I've heard good things about both them and Dan Dooley.

What is the "deal" with rental car insurance? if we rent a car on a travel visa we are covered for Auto Rental Collision/Loss Damage Insurance but not third party. Do you recommend we take out additional coverage?

I would definitely prefer driving a small car over a mini van in Ireland. In many places where there is no parking they will just park their cars half on the sidewalk and half in the street making an already narrow street even worse. I cannot imagine the horror of driving a minivan. We rented from Dan Dooley and liked them. The man who sent me on my way looked like he really didn’t want to give me the keys – he begged me to be careful!

Weve been to Ireland both North and South 15 times, and have driven a small car and a minivan(called people mover over there) had no problems at all with the roads. Especially since EU many of the roads have been improved and even on the narrow ones you are ok. Its a bit hairy getting used to the wrong side but after you get over your first case of nerves you feel like a pro. Have a great time

Re insurance: Both Amex and MsterCard told me their coverage does not apply in Ireland. Both had identical lists of exception (Australia, Ireland, Jamaica ... ) Anyone know why that is? AutoEurope has attractive rates including the CDW, which I have never purchased on any rental before, but seems I must do in Ireland -- correct?

Last year when I rented a car from AutoEurope, my CapitalOne platinum MasterCard DID include insurance coverage in Ireland through the MC-ASSIST Master Rental program and I was able to decline CDW coverage. However, recent posts on this board have announced that this is changing. Some people were told "yes" and others were told "no." Some reported that the final word belongs to the rental agency. To be certain, get a statement in writing that your credit card covers driving in Ireland.

Has anyone gotten a GPS through AutoEurope? We are considering renting one for the rental car. Have used them in US and are very helpful. Has anyone used one in Ireland? I am wondering if the GPS will be installed in the car when we get there or how that would work?

We got a great deal for Corrolla-sized automatic for 18 days in July through O'Scannlain - Hertz Ireland - $609. Our Platinum MC covers CDW up to 31 continuous days. HOWEVER, Hertz told us to bring proof of the coverage. I contacted MC, they referred me to a website which says only 15 days coverage. I called and they told be to call the bank. My card does have 31 days, so they are mailing me the benefits pages. I asked them to fax the needed page and they haven't. I leave next week - time to call again.

I rented a car through Hertz in January, 2006. I flew in on Aer Lingus and according to an ad in the Aer Lingus magazine passengers qualify for lower rates if booked and paid for in advance. Their ad also states that there will be no additional charges. Upon my arrival in Ireland I was told (rather rudely in my opinion) that if I declined the CDW there would be a hold of 2,000 Euro placed on my credit card. Because I didn't have that I had no choice but to pay the additional fee for the CDW. I'm going back to Ireland in August and haven't decided which company to use. If I use Hertz I will most definitely make sure I have a credit card with sufficient available funds on it in order to decline the CDW.

Prior to our trip, we arranged with Hertz for a rental with full insurance included PROVIDED we paid for the full rental in advance. We did this. It was a bad idea. When we got there, they gave us a difficult time about the car. They tried to unload an old, beat up car that was smaller than we reserved. We just sat down and waited which was hard to do after spending all that time on the plane. Anyway, when they saw we were willing to wait, they 'found' a car for us. Moral: I would not prepay again. Because we had, we didn't have any other options.

I must respectfully disagree with a post above. To me, the highways of Ireland are by far the worst I have ever experienced and we travel a lot. You will see many beat up autos because the roads (and some of the drivers) are so bad. And this, no doubt, is why some insurers refuse coverage for Ireland. The result is that auto rental insurance for travel in Ireland is something that you want to be sure of.

Please do not let this discourage you. Ireland is a wonderful travel experience.

As far as being paved, the roads in Ireland are excellent. They are just extremely narrow. It's the roads in the North that are full of potholes. I believe the insurance is because of the high number of accidents due to speeding, extremely narrow roads and dangerouse curves. I love the signs painted on the highways "SLOW" followed by "DEAD SLOW".

Hi! Just returned from Ireland. We rented a Renault Scenic minivan from Avis for 2 weeks. We have 5 people, and let me tell you we came loaded with luggage - 17 pieces all together (including back packs, waist bags, purses) and all of it and us fit into this van wonderfully, yet it is a rather compact vehicle (our bags were only packed up to and just a little above the height of the back seat - had plenty of room to see out back.) We felt small enuf for the narrow (and I mean narrow!!!) roads and driving in town. We really liked it and were surprised at how roomy it was despite its rather small/compact size.

You could consider one of these, and then another small compact. It will only hold 5 people.

We used a Mastercard to rent it, so the CDW insurance was covered there. We rented for two weeks for $437 US. Best price we saw anywhere - Dooley and Oscannlion (sp?) included.

Enjoy!

P.S. - our rental was out of Shannon Airport, and I reserved it about 4 weeks ahead.

Just returned from Ireland a couple of weeks ago and the best advise that I can give anyone --- DO NOT USE HERTZ. They rip you off after you get over there. We got a "special" rate through Air Lingus and paid for the car and insurance before we left. We asked for a small stationwagon that would hold the 4 large suitcases. Their ad said it would hold 5. We got over there and the car they had picked for us would not hold our luggage and so they had to give us a larger car. We knew we would have additional money to pay for the additional insurance, 2nd driver and taxes, but almost $1,400 more is ridiculous!!!. I will never rent from Hertz again, either here or abroad. Go with a company that gives you all the charges upfront. It may seem higher than the others, but believe me it will be cheaper in the long run.
This was the only disappointment in our 3 week vacation. Be flexible in the driving. The street and road signs are not in abundance, so it takes more effort to get where you want to go.

Have a wonderful time and if I can help in anyway just e-mail me. [email protected]

I'm really sorry to hear about these unpleasant experiences with Hertz.I chose them for price and based on earlier recommendations from these boards. Also, my confirmation acknowledes the insurance waiver - I just need to bring proof of coverage - and specifies the size car. My deal was not through Air Lingus - I hope we have a better experience!

We've also rented through Hertz for our August trip. $309.84 for 2 weeks. It's the smallest car and it's manuel. I have the CDW through our credit card and already declined it when I made the reservation. My expectations are already pretty low as far as the car goes, so hopefully they can't do much more damage than that.
Carrie

Could I get a few details for AutoEurope? I'm wondering if it works like Expedia, Travelocity, etc. where they find the best price from many companies or do they have their own desk at the airport? When would I find out where to pick up the car at the Shannon airport? I haven't found these things out from their website and am curious.