We are planning a two week trip in May flying in to Dublin and out of Shannon. The first few days we will be staying in Dublin in the St. Stephens Green area and then renting a car and heading to Kilkenny.

I am looking for recommendations for car rental companies that will have automatic transmission cars. I would also like to know if my best bet is to head back to the airport to pick up the car since I want an automatic or can I just as well pick one up at a city site more towards my eventual destination.

Advice appreciated!

JamesH, we tried to do just that in September. My sister, a friend and I spent two nights in Dublin then went to the "in town" location given to us by AutoEurope to pick up our automatic car. First of all the location (a Budget office) was almost to the airport. Secondly, we were told that the automatics had not been turned in yet, then an hour later told that they were all turned in with too much damage for us to drive them. As several other people came in to pick up their automatic vehicles, we heard various stories as to why they were unavailable.

We eventually took a manual transmission as we were meeting friends for dinner near Shannon and we'd already wasted two hours. Budget assured us that we could trade the car at Shannon Airport the next day. We were picking up my daughter there in the morning so it seemed like a solution and we put the most experienced manual transmission driver behind the wheel and took off. The next day at the airport we were told there were no automatics available and they claim they told the Dublin office that yesterday!! We have since given all of this information to AutoEurope.

The good news is that we all became somewhat proficient at the left handed shifting and in the future will take the manual transmission to start with! It was not as difficult as we all imagined...and only knocked the mirror off a couple of times.

Bottom line is...I think your chances of actually receiving the automatic you reserve might be better at the Dublin Airport.

JamesH

You have a very good chance of actually getting an automatic car since you are going in May. The earlier in May the better your chances.

We always rent through RentACarIreland (add .com to find their web site; book online or just call their 800 number.) Have tried a few other places but always come back to RentACarIreland. They book exclusively through Hertz so you can go to Hertz directly.

Having said that, if you do end up with a manual you will get used to driving it fairly quickly - considering you know how to drive a manual in the first place. Mirrors fold in for a reason. Plenty of other threads in the Ireland forum on CDW and using credit cards to book your car. I won't get into that here but be sure to check out the disussions. Bill has excellent advice and thoughts about insurance in Ireland. Found all his info to be bang on.

You will not really need your car while staying in Dublin itself. It's a pain to drive there and expensive to park unless you know where you are staying has parking available. If you are worried about getting that automatic though then get it while the gettin's good! And you do have a better chance of picking one up at th airport car rentals places - some are inside the terminals, others have offices just outside the airport so use/follow a shuttle.

Safe and happy travels,
Wendy

We visited Ireland in September, into Dublin and out of Shannon. We also stayed on St. Stephens Green...rented a car and drove to Kilkenny. It was wonderful.

We rented an automatic mini van from Dan Dooley who has an office not far from our hotel. This was very convenient and we were totally satisfied with our car and this rental company. No problems. We were 2 couples. Our husbands walked to the rental company and drove back to our hotel to pick up us and our luggage.

June

I have done similar as June except in reverse. Picked up in Shannon and deposited at the same Dan Dooley which is close by Trinity college and right next to a train station. My only word of caution is try to leave town during low traffic as it can get quite congested. If you book now, you should be able to secure the car that you want. Enjoy the planning and the trip. You could always train or bus down to Kilkenny then rent a car saving you a few headaches as the drive from Dublin is not too remarkable.

Thanks to all for your comments and suggestions.

I assume that if you have reserved an automatic transmission car and the rental company gives you a manual that they also give you a drastic rate reduction!

BTW-we are planning on picking up the car on a Monday morning, May 24.