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-   -   rental car in Ireland (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/rental-car-in-ireland-308987/)

pompa1 Feb 21st, 2008 11:23 AM

rental car in Ireland
 
We are leaving for Ireland in April and decided to go with a Ford Focus through Hertz. I am trying to make sure that I restrict our bags to only what will fit in the trunk so that I can worry less about theft. Can anyone tell me the inside dimensions of the trunk? I was going to just look in the US but heard that the models are different in Ireland. We are planning on taking 2 25" suitcases and 2 backpacks. The suitcases are about 24" x 30" x 12". Thanks for the help.

JRKite Feb 23rd, 2008 03:34 PM

Hi Pompa,

You should be able to call Hertz and they can tell you the dimensions of any of their cars at any locations, worldwide.

Hope it helps, have a great time! I'll be there in May, YAY!!

Masterphil Feb 23rd, 2008 04:19 PM

Jusr a side note. If possible, you might want to "tuck in" the driver side mirror on your car. During my trip to Ireland, I wound up paying Avis a couple of hundred dollars to repair the passenger side mirror on the BMW they rented me! I'm a good driver in the US, but wound up hitting that mirror on a small bridge and finally knocking it off on the rear of a truck. Upon my return to Avis, they told me knocking off this mirror is very common with US drivers. Ireland is a wonderful place, with wonderful people and small roads! Enjoy!

janisj Feb 23rd, 2008 09:30 PM

I suggest one drive more carefully and NOT fold in the wing/side mirrors. That could be very dangerous. If one is unfamiliar w/ the roads/driving - then being able to see in wing mirrors is even that much more important.

JOHNOD Feb 24th, 2008 02:24 AM

I have driven many miles in Ireland and as long as the drivers side and center windshield mirror are not obstructed I can live without the passenger side mirror except on the major N roads. Passing or overtaking as it is referred to in Europe is quite common and I like to keep track of everyone close behind me and pull over a a little when they pass. When you get on the narrow country roads with hedgerows I fold the mirror in. Be sure to check your rental for passenger side scratches before you leave the rental lot, they are quite common. I had a Ford Focus twice in the last three years and you should have no trouble. Have fun

Tanner3 Feb 29th, 2008 12:50 PM

We rented a 4-door Ford Focus last week in Ireland. We fit three suitcases that measure around 25" long x 17" wide x 9" deep in the trunk. We had to turn them on their side to fit. We also stowed flexible smaller day packs in the trunk. You should have no problem with two 25" suitcases.

jkbritt Feb 29th, 2008 12:59 PM

The majority of cars in Ireland are stick shift. You might want to request an automatic, unless you are familiar with shifting with your left hand. Also, on round-a-bouts, remember, go left to go right.

pompa1 Mar 3rd, 2008 10:43 AM

Thanks for the help. I'm now confident all will fit in the trunk. I'm not concerned about driving a stick or on the left. When I was in Ireland in the 80's for work I had a stick and found it to be no problem to get used to.

I'm counting on my Garmin to talk me through the roundabouts. It is quite obnoxious as it continuously tells me to keep right or keep left which will really help with the roundabouts. I think I'm more concerned about my backseat driver wife freaking out every time something gets close.

7 weeks and counting!

beargirl Mar 8th, 2008 01:59 AM

I have ordered a rental car from Hertz in Cork Ireland for April 08. We will have four medium suitecases, I am wondering if four is going to fit, I have been assured that they will fit in a Mazda 6. On my voucher is doesnt say what type car. I might be in trouble!!!!


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