I need to rent a car for my stay in Ireland. I assume you make arrangements before you go to Ireland-can you use Hertz, Avis any of the US car rentals or do you rent from Ireland car rentals and how do you shop around if that is the case. Thank you.

I would try Argus, I know my aunt has gone through them and hasn't had any complaints... www.argus-rentacar.com... they are located in Dublin if I remember correctly... I know you can use some of the US places like Alamo and Budget, but my aunt said Argus had a better rate...

Can also try Autoeurope. But even then still stop around - by filling out Autoeurope's 'best rate' form comparing the rate they initially offered me with what Dan Dooley (another Irish car rental company) would give me, I was able to almost cut my rental costs in half. Also beware that there will be extra costs for airport pickup and road tax that you will pay when you pick up the car.

I would strongly suggest you avoid Hertz. We used them on our last trip in Europe and they were awful. We're still fighting with them about the bill. We've had good luck with Avis and I've heard good things about Autoeurope.

List of car rental companies in Ireland: http://www.irelandyes.com/cars.html

We have been to Ireland twice for extended periods in the past year and found Budget to give a great rate. The best things is to book online from the U.S. for a better rate than you would get there. Also, try to avoid getting the smallest car because their small car is realllly small. Also, if you can drive a stick you will save a lot of money. Good luck!