Bear in mind that Monday is a Bank Holiday Monday and the roads, etc. will be crowded and busy. If you are driving down from The Shores, you may need to re-assess your itinerary (based upon what time it is when you get past Killarney. The route from Killarney to Kenmare (N71) is INCREDIBLE, but it is narrow, twisty and filled with awe-inspiring vista that compell 'rubbernecking' and pull-offs for photos. From Kenmare, the Route back to the N72 isn't much 'faster'. You will intersect the N22 in Poulgorin Bridge (It runs from Killarney to Cork, via Macroom)and could follow it, instead, through Cork, and pick up the N8 to Cahir. Probably not much longer, slightly better road AND more scenic, in my opinion. Either route is definitely do-able, but to keep your stress level down, bring along the phone number to Carrigeen and give Peig a call about 3 or 3:30, just to let her know where you are and that you ARE still coming. She is not unreasonable -- she actually let my wife and I (GASP!) CHECK IN EARLY!!! when we stayed there. It had been a bad flight, rainy and chill, and the airlines had lost our luggage, which means that we had no coats.

Four of us are coming from Florida (Orlando), scheduled to arrive Boston at 6:50 PM. Meeting my wife's cousin and his son there. Have the two hours of so wait time as well as the flight, so by all means, look us up. We can compare notes. We shouldn't be too hard to spot -- five of us, 50 and above and one young man of 19. Can't wait to get back. The 'cousins'always ask: "And how long are ye home, this trip?"

Will do. thanks for the routing.. See you in a couple of weeks! If you think of any last minute things I should be aware of (as a first time overseas traveler) let me know, k? much appreciated !!!

Ok, it really happened to us. We got a master card platinum specifically for this purpose. We rented from Dan Dooley and had no problem with the CDW - didn't have to show a letter, etc. The woman handling the paperwork did tell us we were making a big mistake, etc. but we stuck to our guns. OK so first day I scraped the car on a construction sign, that was the first and last time I drove the whole trip.
At the end of the trip, the Dan Dooley rep looked at the car and called someone to describe the damage. An estimate for repair was given over the phone and our card was charged $500. Upon return to the States, we filed with MC for reimbursement.

The reimbursement check finally arrived from the credit card company after about 4 months and several phone calls. The amount was around $425 instead of the $500 we were charged by the rental company. Turns out they deducted 'VAT' and a 'conversion fee'. My husband has requested the backup documentation from the credit card company but we're not sure what difference it will make. It appears we have no opportunity to get the VAT refunded and the conversion fee seems to be some nebulous number that may be further explained by the documentation. At any rate, we're pleased to have the $425 after a 4 month wait.

In the future, we will take the full rental insurance. It was pointed out to us by both Dan Dooley and MC that, had the car been undrivable for any period of time, we would have been responsible for paying for each day it was not available for rental. Since there would be no way of us controlling or influencing that if that happened, it's just not worth the aggravation and expense.

I guess it's a 'glass is half full / half empty' kinda thing...

I think pegoode' tale is a SPARKLING RECOMMENDATION for waiving the CDW and using MasterCard!

Let's consider:
1) They had an accident, with damages totaling $500. MasterRental paid $425 of that, after deducting those GODFORSAKEN transaction fees, which everyone seems to be charging now.

20 If pegoode had bought the CDW from the rental company, they would have paid AT LEAST 7-10 euro per day for the basic. Even if their trip was only for one week, that fee would have been 49-70 euro (approx $62.72 - $89.60)AND, they STILL would have owed the $500 as DEDUCTABLE on the standard CDW!
Even if they bought the 'Super CDW' at an ADDITIONAL 7-8 euro per day (another $62.72 - $71.68 --PLUS TRANSACTION FEES!), there would have been a 100 euro deductable, even then.
So let's recap, shall we?
WAIVE CDW: Cost of Insurance= $0
Cost of damage = $500
MasterRental paid= $425
Total cost to pegoode = $75

Buying the insurance = $125.44
CDW and Super CDW
100 euro deductible = $128.00
Total cost to pegoode= $253.44

How is waiving the CDW a BAD thing?

Italian Chauffer-
I completely see what you are saying and it makes sense for a small fender bender but...
What if it the swipe had involved another car? or, was worse damage? What if the car was put out of commission?

A Dan Dooley rep told me that I can waive the CDW using my letter from Master Rental and still purchase the Super CDW (not only for the deductable but for the other things it covers so that if any of the above happens we won't have to worry)

I also spoke with a Master Rental claims agent and we both came to the rather nebulous conclusion that the extra insurance would be primary and the MasterRental would be a secondary insurance.

Between working (and reworking) my itinerary and this hair pulling car rental stuff I want to be sure. (I just don't want to be the one to tell Mr 12 that I made a booboo!)

Anxiously awaiting your wisdom!
Thanks for everything...Dawn

First, a disclaimer. ANYONE who gives advice on this site is merely expressing THEIR OPINION. Albeit, it is generally based upon experience, but none of us speak for the rental car companies OR for MasterCard. Only THEY can tell you what is or is not covered FOR CERTAIN.

BUT...

I have a Kia Sedona minivan (7 passenger) reserved from Atlas Car Hire (a consolidator) for 4 June- 15 June. The difference quoted between waiving the CDW and buying it is currently 67.69 Euro. At an exchange rate )less FEES) of $1.28 per Euro, I make that to be $86.64, by using the free insurance provided by MasterCard.
My theory is that I haven't had any claims the last six trips and I do not expect one this time, but even if I do, I will have saved over $500 so far. That should go a long way toward covering any incidental payments like those suffered by pegoode, although, in truth, it has actually meant that I can afford one more night in a nice B&B each trip.
Atlas's OWN WORDS on the subject, from their website:

" Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
This option limits your liability for the damage to the Atlas Car Rentals vehicle, however it excludes rentals on Master Car CDW waiver, or rentals using their own motor insurance cover

CDW Excess
If you choose a rate inclusive of CDW insurance, a CDW Excess will apply at all times All rentals are subject to a liability excess of €800 for which you are responsible in the event of damage to the Atlas vehicle during the rental, you may reduce your liability to €100 for a charge of €7.00 per day. It should be noted that the insurance does not cover damaged tyres and punctures.

THEFT LOSS INSURANCE
This insurance limits your liability for loss or theft of the Atlas Car Rentals Vehicle provided the vehicle is used within the Terms and Conditions of the Rental Agreement.

Theft Loss Waiver
By accepting Theft Loss Waiver you are subject to a liability excess of €600, you may reduce this liability to €100 for a charge of €5.00 per day.

Credit Cards Top of Page
Atlas Car Rentals accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club. We regret we cannot accept the credit card of a third party who will not be present at the time of the rental

MasterCard CDW waiver (US and Canada only)
MasterRental Insurance may allow you to avoid the additional cost of the theft and Collision Damage Waiver for Rental cars in Ireland. This coverage is only available with Gold or Platinum MasterCard issued by US banks. If you pay for the full rental with your eligible MasterCard you may be covered for the loss or damage to the Atlas vehicle. This is an insurance program, certain restrictions and exclusions apply. In order to establish if your MasterCard includes Auto Rental Insurance, please call your credit card issuer or MasterCard in the USA, Toll Free 1 800 6227747. This coverage is a service provided by MasterCard to the cardholder and therefore it is the cardholder's responsibility to ensure that they are adequately covered for the duration of the rental period. "

I have used Europecar, Irishcarrental, Sixt, National and Budget, as well and never received any significant grief at pick up and NONE whatsoever at drop off, so far, so I'm sticking with my opinion until experience proves otherwise.

You should do what YOU think best for yourself, but it seems to me that SOME of you out there need to reassess your choice of rental car company, if they are giving you that much grief over the insurance.

holycanoli - i'm sure gonna make sure i drive specially careful... so as to not have to find out if i made the right decision.

Italian Chauffer-
Of course as all should know, it is only each person responding's OPINION and not stated fact.

Now that that is out of the way, I just want to thank you for the response. You have been very gracious and in this travel nut's OPINION very helpful. I do believe I will let the Mr. give this a read!

I look forward to your next pictures and trip report. 147 more days for our 1st Ireland adventure and I'm sure a question or three I'll be sending your way in the future.

Many, many thanks again!(big cheesy smile and a wave!)

The 'out of commission' piece is still unclear for me. Thankfully our damage wasn't such that we had to deal with that.

The 'out of commission thing' is why VISA and AMEX no longer cover rentals in Ireland. They couldn't and/or wouldn't agree to cover it. I believe only MasterRental does, but I would need to re-read the "fine print" of my MasterCard brochure.

I drive pretty careful, anyway, just 'cause an accident can really put a damper on any vacation -- even if someone else is paying for it.

Not that I'm counting, but we leave in SEVENTEEN days!!!! But, I'm not EXCITED, much, really... well, OK, yeah, I AM!
A LOT!!!!!

The person my husband spoke with at MC about the claim said any charges for the days the car was unusable would not be covered. The Dan Dooley rep had told us the same thing at the time of rental but we disregarded that as a way to get us to buy unnecessary coverage. We consider ourselves lucky this time and will make sure we have all those bases covered the next time we go - and there will definitely be a next time!

OK... I just received my letter from MasterCard... all looks good -- except there is one small sentence that throws me.
>While in most cases MasterRental coverage sufficiently meets your needs, the rental agency or applicable local ordinance may require you to purchase additional insurance.< whattheheck? So -- reading my MasterRental Insurance Coverage more closely...
>Kind of coverage you recieve:
(b) the insurance deductible...<
also
>Coverage will be provided for:
(b) reasonable and customary charges imposed by the car rental company for the period of time the car is being repared ("Loss of Use" charges)...<

To me this says -- no worries ! yippeee! I'm ready for a great trip --- 16 days and counting !!

oops... the 'insurance deductible' is point (a).

Callalilli:

First time abroad/Ireland tips and suggestions:

1) Photocopy your passport and driver's licenses and keep them safe and separate from the originals.

2)If you are a 'wash cloth' person, bring one with you. Ditto on bar soap. You might also wish to have one of those scrunchy sponge things for liquid soap, as I know my wife packs one. The Irish don't seem to use/provide wash cloths and prefer liquid soap.
3)Bring a few SEALABLE storage bags (zip-lock, glad, baggies) for damp stuff like wash cloths, bar soap, etc. They are INCREDIBLY useful. We snagged a chunk of sheep's wool from off a barbed wire fence that my wife HAD to have. Were it not for the baggie, everything in our suitcase would have REEKED for MONTHS afterward!
4)We usually pack an empty, lightweight, medium sized duffle bag in our big suitcase. While there, it is handy as an overnight bag or for dirty clothes. Returning home, it can be used as a carry-on, making room for souveniers. Great for avoiding the new, stricter, 'OVERWEIGHT LUGGAGE' charges.
5)Let your navigator navigate, so that you can concentrate on the actual driving. Not only are you driving on the 'wrong' side of the road, but SO IS EVERYONE ELSE! That means that cars will be approaching from the 'wrong' direction when you are stepping off the curb to cross the street, or when pulling out onto a connecting highway. This is harder to remember than staying on the correct side of the road, and potentially, more dangerous, as it can 'get you' when you are walking.
The steering wheel ALWAYS goes closest to the MIDDLE of the ROAD. Roundabouts are traveled in a CLOCKWISE direction, and in the absence of controlling lights, cars IN the Roundabout have the Right of Way.
As always, if you notice a line of cars behind you, ease over to the side of the road to let them pass. They will appreciate it.
You will see cars with big, red 'L' in/on the front windshields. This indicates that they are learner's (begining drivers) - I always thought that they should have big 'T' placed front and rear on rental cars in order to warn the locals of approaching TOURIST drivers.
While violent crime is very low in Ireland, it is NOT nonexistant. Normal rules of commonsense still apply as to dark, run-down, seedy-looking areas, etc. Car burglary seems QUITE high - especially in the larger cities. Do NOT leave valuables laying about visible in the car when you park it as 'smash and grab' theft from cars is common. I guess that precludes my big, red 'T' idea...
Overall, Ireland is one of the SAFEST, FRIENDLIEST and NOST COMFORTABLE foreign countries you are ever likely to visit. I have little doubt that you will be returning.

Just returned from 10 days of driving for the first time in Ireland. With regards to the "big T" suggestion above, I thought the whole time we were there that they ought to give American car renters small magnetized American Flags (like the yellow ribbon and support our troups ones you see on cars now) to put on the front and the back of the vehicles they rent. Would alert other drivers that we're on the road and not used to driving on the left. I really think it would help.

Other than that, having everyone in the car say: "Stay Left", was our mantra whenever you turned into another road. That's the easiest time to make a mistake and veer back to the US convension of going right. Also, say "correct" instead of "right" when answering a question avoid confusion and keeps a nervous driver from pulling into the wrong land......you got to do whatever it takes to stay alert cuz regardless of how much , or how correct the insurance is, getting into a potential head-on will ruin any vacation.

Callalilli,
Addenum:
If you are using an ATM card for cash, it generally only accesses your checking account, so you may wish to plan accordingly. Some banks can/will provide a temporary increase in your daily limit if you think that is necessary.

Most pay phones use call cards. They used to be available EVERYWHERE, but are getting harder and harder to find as Mobile (Cell) Phones have become so rampant. You might want to pick up one at the airport or, last I knew, MOST Post Offices still sold them.

Bob

t

Itallian -- great tips.. thanks.. 10 days !!! YEAY. I think I'm ready. YES.. I'm READY !! Oh - do you recommend getting a phone card here? Or just looking when we get there... Also, I am trying to change my Carrigeen Castle till the following night so that we have more leisure time to get there. The thing I want to avoid most is being stressed and on a time-schedule. We'll see.. I haven't heard back from them yet.

callalilli:

Dublin temps the last few days have been high of 58-60, with lows in the low 50's.
www.met.ie/forcasts for weather
www.snn.aero for info on Shannon airport (maps, etc.). Also has links to the Dublin airport website.
www.globalrefund.ie for general info on Vat-Back and Tax-back refund schemes.
Phone card must be international card. I don't suppose it matters where you pick one up??? I think Sam's etc., sell them, but you would want to make sure that it is valid in Ireland AND the UK, given your travel plans.
Have to start thinking about packing, I guess, so advice from Hot, Humid Florida -- DO NOT pack your coat/jacket in your CHECKED bag!!!!
The only time we did that, Delta/Aer Lingus lost it for two days and we FROZE! Use it as a extra blanket/ pillow. We also usually pack one spare set of socks and underwear into our carry-on, for the same reason.
Also, if either of you take any special, critical medicines, get a copy of your prescription to carry along, seperate from the actual medicine. That way, if you lose it, you'll have a better chance of replacing any critical need drugs, with less hassle.

Bob

We are renting a car in Ireland for 9 days in September through Auto Europe. The agency there will be Europcar. I will use my platinum MC to pay for the rental. I called AutoEurope to inquire about the "freeze" that might be put on my credit card at pick up and was shocked to learn that 6300E will be blocked on my card, refundable upon return with no damage. Then I called my issuing Master Card bank (Chase) and inquired about my credit limit. If should total the car, I don't have enough credit to pay the entire amount. MCAssist assures me that the car is fully covered and that I will have to make up the difference between the damage costs and my credit limit either with cash or another credit card, to be determined by the agency. MCAssist will then reimburse me the entire amount (less whatever they choose to deduct such as VAT, foreign transaction fees, etc.). Interestingly, my rental in the UK (AutoEurope-Avis) does not require a freeze on my credit card. You might want to check all of this out.