What a sexy message title! I've really captivated you, haven't I?
My fiance and I will be traveling around Ireland early in October, and since I've been doing most of the planning blind on the web, I'd appreciate some real human experience.
#1: We are hiring a car in Dublin to drive to the West, and I've been told that we absolutely must purchase the optional extra insurance because something will inevitably happen to the car. Is this true? Does anyone have experience with this?
#2: Here is a list of the B&B's I've booked so far. If you feel stongly about any of them- positively but ESPECIALLY IF THEY ARE RUN BY AX MURDERERS WHO MAKE TERRIBLE BREAKFAST!!!- please respond
Dun Laoghaire- Ariemond B&B
Doolin- Seascape B&B
Galway CIty- St. Judes B&B
Swords (near Dub Airport)- Drynam House B&B

thanks!

If you use a Platinum Mastercard you don't need to get the CD Insurance. We have rented a number of times in Ireland(10) using our card no problems. We did have a slight scratch and the MC Assist took care of everything. Driving in Ireland is different but not to difficult, just make sure you have a good navigator and no night time driving. I also recommend you check with Enterprise for a rental in Dublin. They have some very good rates for an Automatic. We are using them in November.Can't offer much advise on the B&B's, but have heard good things about Seascape. I am sure you will receive much information from those whom are regulars on this site. Have a great trip and drink a Guinness for all who can't go as soon as you are.

I just got back from Ireland last night, and I would strongly encourage you to NOT rent a car with Hertz.

They botched our rental from start to finish, made us pay for an upgrade when the car we ordered wasn't available... and at the end, tried to charge us for pre-existing tire damage.

As far as insurance goes, we did get the "Super" insurance to be safe- without it, if something goes wrong, you are still liable for the first 1200 euro of damages. We did not want to take this risk, so we upped the insurance.

I have heard good things about some other companies (Dan Dooley or something like that?) so I would give them a try.

Have a great time- I miss it already!

thanks people! I have a reservation with Argus car rentals. Any experience?

Re: Extra Auto Insurance; DO call your credit card company (even if it is a platinum card!) to verify that they do indeed insure in Ireland - we found out the hard way after the fact that Ireland and a few other countries (coincidentally beginning with the letter "I&quot are not part of the auto insurance on all platinum cards!! Other than that, have a wonderful time...

You don't need B&B reservations in Ireland at the time of year you are going.Better to stumble upon a place instead of hunting for your reserved room.
A good driving tip is to know the "Hail Mary" prayer and give donations to the Church alms box.This will ward off any problems.

I agree Mugzie...it enables you to be a little more flexable without reservations. We book the first night and last night only then wing it from there. We have found all of our favorite places that way.You can ask to inspect the room before you buy as well!
As far as Insurance...do check as one of our cards covered and one didnt (Also w/ countries starting with "I" !! =)

Would also recommend that you stay within walking distance to the pubs! Driving in Ireland is quite a challenge. If at all possible, avoid driving at night. You certainly don't want to drive AFTER having a couple of pints of Guinness. I'd also strongly advise renting an automatic transmission. Yes, it will be more expensive but not having to shift gears while going clockwise rather than counter-clockwise around a "roundabout" all the while trying to read street signs makes the experience less scary. And, do be prepared for returning the car having done some kind of damage!

Dan Dooley was great for us. See story in Melissa5..We have gold M/C and Amer/Exp. Check with your credit card people as to their protocols re: car rental in Ireland. We lost a hubcap and instead of taking the car back without one we went Ford in Roscommon and for 14 Euros got on put on..Probably saved a bundle.. Don't know any of your B&Bs but they should all be certified by the Gov't. Doolin is a cute little place. Have a great time.

Do check your rental rates with O'Scannlain. This is a great family-owned US company. We rented through them on our last trip to Ireland and everything went smoothly. There rate on a Hertz car was much better than going direct to Hertz. I have rented Hertz cars twice in Ireland (once direct, once through O'Scannlain) and never had ANY trouble with either rental.

http://www.oscannlain.com/