We have reserved a Ford Mondeo from Hertz for our Ireland trip in June. Has anyone driven one of these in Ireland. Is it too big ? Would we be better off with a Mazda 23? Has anyone ever used a car's AC in the West of Ireland in late June ......or are we dreaming?

Many thanks for your thoughts.

Sorry, that should say "Mazda 323".

It probably depends on how many people and how much luggage you're hauling. I'm not entirely sure how large a Mondeo is. We had a Ford Focus which was designated a "compact", one size up from the "micro" or "economy" designation. It felt pretty comfortable for the two of us. I personally wouldn't go any bigger than the compact. There were a few times in villages, with cars parked down both sides of a street, where we just squeeeeezed through.

As far as AC, I've not been there as late as late June, but Ireland isn't known for heat. I can imagine that I'd have the windows down, breathing in that fresh air. Rain not withstanding, of course. That's bound to happen with some regularity.

I've never used AC in Ireland during visits in July and August.

Hi

The Mondeo is the next size up from the focus. The current model is a little larger than the last one. I think there may be an equivalent model available in US ?

You can read about cars in Europe here : http://www.whatcar.co.uk

I think the AC is installed to demist the screen when it rains !

Peter
http://tlp.netfirms.com

On our trip to Ireland last summer we got the smallest rental size and folded in the mirrors. We went down roads that the bushes on the road side hit both sides of our car. It was not unusual to find weeds imbedded in the car. We did take some "shortcuts". Advice, stay on the "main" roads.

Also, when those trucks whiz by you or you come around a curve and meet a car/truck it gets your attention. Driving through the little towns is also interesting. Believe me a couple of inches matter.

That said, we didn't get a scratch on the car. But, I'd get the smallest car you can handle.

We were there in late June and I think we did use the AC, don't remember. I do know that we could have saved a lot of space in our suitcases because we didn't use long sleeved sweaters or heavy clothes. Just FYI, pubs get packed and hot.

More important than AC, we were pleasantly surprised that our car had a CD player. This is especially nice because you can collect and listen to all the great music you buy from local musicians. We did find the news on the radio very interesting, a lot different than in the US.

Oh, one more thing, it is a little unnerving that as you enter each county there is a big sign that informs you how many people have been killed driving that year.

Stay left!

Thanks all for the help.
Since there are just two of us,I think we'll move down one category to a compact and do without the AC which doesn't seem to be available on compacts from Hertz.

As I live in Ireland think I can honestly say...Really.. you should have no problem driving any sort of car in Ireland..

We do have large MPV's, and lots of people drive large cars....we all get along fine !!!. Wouldn't worry if I were you.. The main thing is to choose a car you will feel comfortable in.

As with any country when you are driving on the opposite side from what you are used to you have to take more care...

Pot holes down the country are the things to watch.. they can give you a right old bump when you go over them.. Co. Clare is well known for them !.

Hope you enjoy coming here.. hope the weather stays good for you..

Have a great time !.

Lyn,

While driving around Ireland, it might be instructive to recall the old aphorism, "No one ever washes a rented car."

In other words, pay little mind to the size of your rental vehicle, dismiss the tired and largely outdated notions about Irish roads, and get out and enjoy one of Ireland's true highlights, it's off the beaten path backroads. Yes, by staying on Ireland's "main roads" you'll no doubt feel a bit safer and perhaps save the car a few nicks and dings, but it's driving the country's byways, rather than highways, that will provide you with your fondest memories.

As regards car size, a subcompact, such as a Nissan Micra, is nimble and gives you great gas mileage, but comfort should also be considered. Moving up to a compact, say a Toyota Corolla, offers tall drivers improved comfort while not sacrificing too much concerning gas mileage.

Best of luck.

Regarding the AC - I was there last August during Europe's major heat wave and we never needed AC in Ireland so I certainly wouldn't make that a criteria for choosing a car.

Regarding size - we got one size up from the smallest. It was plenty big for two people and luggage - would have even been fine with a kid or two. For more than two adults, especially if you have big luggage then you might want a bigger car.

Yes there are all kinds of mini vans, etc in Ireland BUT I certainly wouldn't want to drive one there. The person who mentioned "outdated notions of Irish roads" - well, I was just there last summer and those roads are still mighty narrow - and the hedges come right to the side of the driving lane - no shoulder except in a few rare areas where there are "highways". If you would like a visual of what I am talking about go to: pbase.com/annforcier and go to the Ireland gallery. I took a couple of shots from inside the car. These were not unusual instances, we saw this all the time. But having said that, we did manage to get through without any scratches. But I'm still glad we had a tiny car.

Have driven in Ireland in the summer and used the air conditioning a couple of times - not because the temps were high but because the humidity was so high everything was really sticky. You definitely do not need any type of heavy clothing. A thin cotton sweater or very light jacket is the most you might need.

As far as the car is concerned I would get whatever size you need to feel comfy and will hold you luggage. There are some roads that are quite narrow but we didn't find any that were impassable with a medium size car. (Once we had to back up to a driveway when we came face to face with a furniture delivery van on a (very) local road - but it's no big deal.) But you do need to get info on the model of car rather than the class - per the above post the classes are different in euope than in the US - they class the Corolla as a compact where we class it a subcompact - and don't have cars as small as the ones they call sub compant or minis.

Don't worry, you'll have a great time.

Isabel - nice pictures. We're planning a trip in May and you have given me some new ideas.

I just did a quick internet search, and by far autoeurope.com has the best rates for rental cars in Ireland.

I would recommend not renting a vehicle with a stick shift as learning to drive on the left side of the road is difficult enough without adding the problem of shifting left handed. Beginning drivers tend to hug the left side of the road, hence all the scratches from brush, etc. We rented a Ford Mondeo on last year's trip to Ireland, but had to upgrade at the airport to fit all of the luggage for our party of four.

Stick Shift? If you know how to drive one, it will take you about the same amount of time to learn to shift with your left hand as it does to drive on the left hand side of the road. At least that was my experience.

Peter,many thanks for the great link to "whatcar". That was really helpful,as were the other opinions expressed,varied though they may be!
My husband has determined which American model is the equivalent to the Ford Mondeo, and we will visit our friendly Ford dealer this weekend to check the car out.I think it really helps to see the size of the car.

If two people are carrying enough luggage to need a Mondeo, you should probably rethink your packing. I've used the Nissan Micra and the Fiat Punto and Have been fine with the amount of room. A compact should be plenty.

I agree with Isabel on the notion that "tired and largely outdated notions about Irish roads" is not accurate. Ireland is making great strides in updating the main (N) roads but there are still houndreds or thousands of miles of backroads that are very narrow. The very well traveled Conot Pass Rd is a perfect example. There are still a few spots that you may have to back up to let other cars pass (not many). This road gets a lot of business, especially on clear days in the summer.

Still, I wouldn't consider sticking to the main roads unless you have to get some place in a hurry and even then, good luck. The bulk of the main roads go right through the middle of the smaller towns. There have been a few bypasses built but not many. The backroads are fantastic and will take you to places that many times the tour buses don't go. That is a beautiful thing.

Bill