keeping the same rental car in Ireland and Scotland?
 

We plan an October 3-week visit to Scotland and Ireland. I have lots of questions, but one of the first concerns how to set up the trip. Should I fly to Scotland first, tour it in a rental, then fly to Ireland and get a new rental? or should I drive the car across on the ferry to Northern Ireland and then Ireland? My basic plan is to circle each island; not sure if it's better to fly into Ireland or Scotland from the US. Or if it's better to do an open jaw - fly into Scotland and leave from Ireland? Costs are a consideration, too. Any advice appreciated. Bob Stewart

We are taking a similar trip leaving May 22nd from Texas. We are using AMEX miles through Delta. We decided to fly into Shannon and visit County Clare, County Kerry, County Waterford and then County Dublin. <BR><BR>Then we fly Ryanair for about $48 (total for both my wife and me) from Dublin to Glasgow Prestwick. After touring Scotland, we again take Ryanair (this time $38 for the both of us)to London Stansted.<BR><BR>Couple shows in London and then back to states.<BR><BR>I have a very complete itinerary. Be happy to share it with you if you would like. Let me know.

As long as you have each rental car for at least 7 full days (so you get the cheaper weekly rates) definitely rent two different cars. There is no reason to pay the high rates for a car on the ferry - You could take a ferry as foot passengers or fly very cheaply.

Most rental companies won't allow you to take their car outside of Great Britain or Island of Ireland respectively.

Philip, I'd love to see your itinerary. You could send it to [email protected], if you don't want to post. Thanks much. Where are you in Texas? I have a son-in-law from Austin.