June vacation-minivan drivability???
 

We will be going to Ireland as a family (6 adults) the first of June & are planning to drive on our own, leaving from Dublin and working around to Shannon for a total of 13 days. My concern is driving a mini-van. I'm told that only manuals are available. How difficult is it driving & shifting from the left instead of the right? Any suggestions? Also, any feedback on CIE trip packages with B&B vouchers?

I did a manual on one trip to England. Said never again and requested an automatic on next trip. I highly recommend finding a rental company that has automatics and paying the extra. You will not be sorry. I have no problem driving manuals and always get them in Europe, but in England, especially in traffic with the wrong side of the road, it is a major pain. Go auto! <BR>

I definitely WANT and automatic but I can't find a company that has an automatic mini-van. From what I have read the cars are smaller and in order to seat 6 adults (4 kids 19-24)we would need a minivan. I think driving a manual minivan will be a nightmare. I'm open for any other options.

My sister and her husband did Ireland a few years ago with a total of 6 people. They got two cars and brought walkie talkies with them to coordinate stops, etc. Said it worked out fine. Hopefully your entire trip will not be in a vehicle. That way you could get two automatic cars that were smaller and the price would probably not be that much different from one minivan loaded to the hilt. Just a thought. <BR>

Liz, <BR> <BR>We used a mini-van on our first trip to Ireland. 5 adult women for two weeks. My cousin adapted to the dirving and shifting on the left very easily, but life with an automatic is much easier. the min-van was very small and the back seat was tight for 3 adults. The front seat, driver and navigator (me) was ok. The idea to get two cars is very good. It would give you more room and also would allow the party to split up a little, if they want to. <BR> <BR>We've used CIE two years in a row (1997 and 1998). The cars were fine and the vouchers worked great. We did make a habit of using the Irish Toursit Board (in most larger towns)to call ahead a couple of days to make our reservations. It costs couple of pounds, but was a great service. Remember too that a room with bathroom attached (en suite) will cost a few pounds extra when you get there....worth it. I would use CIE again, and hope to sometime soon! <BR> <BR>Please let me know if you have any other questions...I loved both of my trips. Have a great trip <BR> <BR>