Two questions for the experienced Ireland traveler:

1. Should we rent a van or station wagon? We five adults need a vehicle for 7 days to explore western Ireland. Our longest leg of the journal will take 5 hours. In terms of luggage, we will have five 21" rolling suitcases. But we also need room for our day bags, snacks, and purchases. The minivan will be a few hundred dollars more expensive. We're wondering if vans are commonplace. Are they tough to drive on narrow roads?

2. Should we pay more to have AC in our vehicle? We will be traveling the 2nd week of August.

Thanks for you help!

Hi LK,

I think AC would be a good idea.

I suggest that you would be happier with two smaller cars.

You can split up to do different things, easier to negotiate minor roads.

They might even be cheaper.

See http://www.auto-europe.co.uk/

I'm no car rental expert, but I think 5 adults in a station wagon will be WAY too crowded!

5 adults will be VERY cramped in an estate car (station wagon)

A people mover (Toyota Previa-type vehicle) would be better.

Be careful w/ your terminology - a van will be a totally different type of vehicle. EXCEPT for AutoEurope - since they market primarily to US residents, they do use "station wagon" and "van"

5 in a "van" wouldn't be terrible - I've done 5 in both an estate and a Previa and while neither was impossible, the Previa was MUCH more comfortable.

But I would also definitely consider renting two cars. Not only will 2 small cars probably cost less than 1 van, you will have more space and will also be able to do some things seperately and not be connected at the hip 24/7.

If you want all five adults to fit comfortably in one vehicle, not only do you need a 'people mover', but you need to get a 8 or 9 passenger people mover (van). Several rental companies offer a 5 passenger PM, 7 passenger PM and the 8 or 9 passenger PM options (and OF COURSE, they are progressively more expensive).
The 5 passenger is usually an Opel Meriva / Fiat Doblo, the 7 is a Kia Sedona / Opel / Renault Scenic and the 8 / 9 is usually a VW Caravelle / Toyota Hiace / Mercedes Vito.
Most passenger suitability assumes that at least two and possibly three of those passengers are small children. Of the 7 passenger models, only the Kia would comfortably seat 5 adults with luggage. The Opel and Renault both have two "jump seats" that fold up out of the floor of the luggage area, utilizing almost ALL of that space. Additionally, they are not terribly comfortable, have limited visibility and are difficult to enter and exit.
I have driven the Vw Caravelle and the Mercedes Vito around Ireland (including the Ring of Kerry), but that was in April and Feb, when traffic was slight (though both were driven in and around Cork, Limmerick and Galway without major mishap).
Two mid-size cars would probably be cheaper (or at least, no more costly)but it can make logistics more difficult, plus you have to factor in the extra feul and insurance, etc.
The narrow roads ARE a challenge, but you will doubtless feel that is true, even if you are driving a Nissan Micra!

In May, 2003 I 'hitched' a ride on N-59 in a Mercedes Van w/two couples from the Houston area. They had all their luggage including at least two sets of Golf Clubs; and there was me with a rolling duffle bag (about 28&quot. Of course I was just with them for about 12km.

I don't know what that Mercedes model is called, I guess it was a 7-passenger van - there was plenty of room for four Texas-size people.

You have all been so helpful. Why ruin an expensive trip by skimping on the vehicle size? Not to mention that one of these adults is my mother in law! I'm a bit nervous about getting two small cars b/c of logistics, unless we invested in the new push-to-talk cel phones that can help us communicate. Most likely, we'll go for the 7 passenger van. Thanks, Italian_Chauffer, for all the specific model suggestions.

A couple years ago we rented a "people mover" from Dan Dooley (some kind of Ford). We were 2 couples seeing the west of Ireland. We were very pleased with the comfort, room, and best of all, the fact that we could all see the sights. You are higher off the ground, and the windows are larger. Go for it!

I am not sure about needing A/C. Even in August, it shouldn't get that hot. We went in late June, and it rarely broke 70deg. It was perfect weather.

But, the locals can tell better what the average temp would be, but I'm pretty sure it's such a moderate weather I wouldn't think it'd be hot enough for A/C. Just opinion. Depends on how much more expensive it is.