September Ireland Trip
Jun 23rd, 2004, 11:09 AM
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September Ireland Trip
My husband and I are going to Ireland in September for about 2 weeks. We're landing in Dublin and staying there for three nights (including a day trip to Newgrange and environs), then one night in Kilkenny, then two nights in Wexford (for a wedding).
After that, our plans are more tentative. So far, we're thinking of the following itinerary:
2 nights Kinsale (Cahir Castle, maybe Blarney)
2 nights Dingle
2 nights Doolin (Cliffs of Moher, the Burren)
1 night Galway
2 nights Dublin (with a day trip across to Holyhead and around the north coast of Anglesey to see my husband's ancestral grounds)
I have some variations of this in mind, and I'd like to be flexible, although I expect we need to reserve lodging in advance in Dublin. Do we need to make reservations for Kilkenny, Kinsale, Dingle, Doolin, and Galway, or can we easily find reasonably priced lodging (80 Euros or less) on short notice the second half of September?
We're planning to rent a car to pick up in Dublin the day we leave for Kilkenny. I've read the posts about CDW insurance and using a gold/platinum MasterCard. Is it worthwhile to apply for a MasterCard that offers coverage (all our cards are Visa) before we go?
We're interested in ancient and medieval history and in the outdoor scenery, with some pub and trad music thrown in (although we're not party animals). I have some professional interest in crafts, especially metalwork/jewelry.
We have some trepidation about driving stick shift on the left. If we can find an affordable automatic we'd prefer it. Are there specific car rental companies that you'd recommend?
Any and all advice is welcome.
After that, our plans are more tentative. So far, we're thinking of the following itinerary:
2 nights Kinsale (Cahir Castle, maybe Blarney)
2 nights Dingle
2 nights Doolin (Cliffs of Moher, the Burren)
1 night Galway
2 nights Dublin (with a day trip across to Holyhead and around the north coast of Anglesey to see my husband's ancestral grounds)
I have some variations of this in mind, and I'd like to be flexible, although I expect we need to reserve lodging in advance in Dublin. Do we need to make reservations for Kilkenny, Kinsale, Dingle, Doolin, and Galway, or can we easily find reasonably priced lodging (80 Euros or less) on short notice the second half of September?
We're planning to rent a car to pick up in Dublin the day we leave for Kilkenny. I've read the posts about CDW insurance and using a gold/platinum MasterCard. Is it worthwhile to apply for a MasterCard that offers coverage (all our cards are Visa) before we go?
We're interested in ancient and medieval history and in the outdoor scenery, with some pub and trad music thrown in (although we're not party animals). I have some professional interest in crafts, especially metalwork/jewelry.
We have some trepidation about driving stick shift on the left. If we can find an affordable automatic we'd prefer it. Are there specific car rental companies that you'd recommend?
Any and all advice is welcome.
Jun 23rd, 2004, 12:33 PM
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As for a car rental, I can recommend O'Scannlain/Hertz. Here's their website:
http://www.oscannlain.com/
http://www.oscannlain.com/
Jun 24th, 2004, 09:59 AM
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O'Scannlain is a good choice. Prices tend to vary. Also try Budget (www.budget.ie), Dan Dooley (http://www.dan-dooley.ie/), Irish car rentals (http://www.dan-dooley.ie/), Europcar (http://www.europcar.ie/#) and autoeurpoe (http://www.autoeurope.com/). There are others of course. Depending on what you are looking for, different companies will have different rates.
Free CDW to replace "Super CDW" could save you $200-300 depending again on what you rent. I would definitely consider getting a MC.
I've driven a stick shift over there and it is not a big deal though a standard is perhaps a bit easier. If you are use to driving a stick it shouldn't be a huge problem. An automatic can cost 50-100% more. They really "stick" it to you in Ireland. The difference in the UK was only about $60.
The itinerary looks pretty good. Some will suggest that you don't need two days in Doolin. The town of Doolin itself has very little to occupy your time during the day, but the pubs usually have some pretty decent music. You should get there plenty early (I mean a couple of hours) to sit anywhere near the band, which is required to actually hear them. There is plenty of scenery to see around Doolin to keep you occupied.
I was on Anglesey in May and saw lot of flyers to take a quick trip to Dublin. It seems that the high speed boats will get you there in about 2 hours. I didn't really explore the island at all, just visited Beaumaris Castle. There is a lot to see and Wales and I need to return sometime.
I hope this helps. Feel free to ask more questions.
Bill
Free CDW to replace "Super CDW" could save you $200-300 depending again on what you rent. I would definitely consider getting a MC.
I've driven a stick shift over there and it is not a big deal though a standard is perhaps a bit easier. If you are use to driving a stick it shouldn't be a huge problem. An automatic can cost 50-100% more. They really "stick" it to you in Ireland. The difference in the UK was only about $60.
The itinerary looks pretty good. Some will suggest that you don't need two days in Doolin. The town of Doolin itself has very little to occupy your time during the day, but the pubs usually have some pretty decent music. You should get there plenty early (I mean a couple of hours) to sit anywhere near the band, which is required to actually hear them. There is plenty of scenery to see around Doolin to keep you occupied.
I was on Anglesey in May and saw lot of flyers to take a quick trip to Dublin. It seems that the high speed boats will get you there in about 2 hours. I didn't really explore the island at all, just visited Beaumaris Castle. There is a lot to see and Wales and I need to return sometime.
I hope this helps. Feel free to ask more questions.
Bill
Jun 25th, 2004, 10:36 AM
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Corbow
If you are interested in ancient and medieval history then be sure to check out GoIreland.com
Go to GoIreland.com
Highlight "Things To See & Do"
Highlight "Irish History"
There you'll find a list of all kinds of things dealing with Ireland's history. From Stone Circle to Castles, Museums to Round Towers. I'm sure you can find plenty of places in the areas you have written here about that will interest you.
I personally like Hertz and go through RentACarIreland (add ".com" for their web site) but I'm sure that the other's people have mentioned here will be fine, too. Make sure you specify Automatic and ask again at the counter when you get there. They are normally a "first come, first served" so just by reserving one doesn't mean one will actually be there waiting for you. Still, end of September will give you a good chance of getting what you want.
We changed over to Mastercard from Visa for the very reason of having CDW coverage. Luckily, we've not needed to use any sort of insurance during our trips back but I feel better knowing I have the coverage and less out of pocket expenses, too. Just make sure the card you get does cover Ireland. (Bill has many great posts here all about CDW coverage. I'd follow his advice.)
I think you itinerary looks fine. My only change would be to stay either elsewhere than Doolin or at least one less night there. I know lots of folks here just love the place but I?m not a fan. I am a fan of Galway including Connemara. So I'd probably opt for a second night in or around the Galway area rather than 2 in Doolin.
You're off to a great start and I hope to hear how it all works out in the end, too. I'm happy to answer more if you have any other questions, too.
Safe travels,
Wendy
[email protected]
If you are interested in ancient and medieval history then be sure to check out GoIreland.com
Go to GoIreland.com
Highlight "Things To See & Do"
Highlight "Irish History"
There you'll find a list of all kinds of things dealing with Ireland's history. From Stone Circle to Castles, Museums to Round Towers. I'm sure you can find plenty of places in the areas you have written here about that will interest you.
I personally like Hertz and go through RentACarIreland (add ".com" for their web site) but I'm sure that the other's people have mentioned here will be fine, too. Make sure you specify Automatic and ask again at the counter when you get there. They are normally a "first come, first served" so just by reserving one doesn't mean one will actually be there waiting for you. Still, end of September will give you a good chance of getting what you want.
We changed over to Mastercard from Visa for the very reason of having CDW coverage. Luckily, we've not needed to use any sort of insurance during our trips back but I feel better knowing I have the coverage and less out of pocket expenses, too. Just make sure the card you get does cover Ireland. (Bill has many great posts here all about CDW coverage. I'd follow his advice.)
I think you itinerary looks fine. My only change would be to stay either elsewhere than Doolin or at least one less night there. I know lots of folks here just love the place but I?m not a fan. I am a fan of Galway including Connemara. So I'd probably opt for a second night in or around the Galway area rather than 2 in Doolin.
You're off to a great start and I hope to hear how it all works out in the end, too. I'm happy to answer more if you have any other questions, too.
Safe travels,
Wendy
[email protected]
Jun 26th, 2004, 11:42 AM
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Thanks for all the comments so far. I sprained my ankle on Sunday, so that gave me lots of time with my foot elevated to research car hire and make a spreadsheet to compare rates--I hadn't seen RentACarIreland.com, though. I did get an online quote from O'Scannlain and it was significantly higher than the quote I got directly from Hertz.ie. I'll check out RentACarIreland.
I'm inclined to get the basic CDW coverage from the car hire agency just to save on hassles (based on another post I saw from someone who had a wreck and is still trying to settle things between MasterCard and the agency). It doesn't seem to add that much to the cost of the rental, and then if we have a MasterCard that will cover the deductible I'll feel more secure without spending for the Super CDW.
Our other big concern is whether we need to make advance lodging reservations for areas outside Dublin. I'd like to have the option of stopping for the night sooner if we're tired or if we stumble upon someplace else that intrigues us. Also, it would be nice to stay on longer if we particularly like a spot--Dingle, for example. I know we're coming outside the highest part of the tourism season, but I also wonder how big the risk is that we would have a hard time finding lodging in our price range. Any thoughts?
I'm off to hunt for a MasterCard Gold or Platinum provider!
I'm inclined to get the basic CDW coverage from the car hire agency just to save on hassles (based on another post I saw from someone who had a wreck and is still trying to settle things between MasterCard and the agency). It doesn't seem to add that much to the cost of the rental, and then if we have a MasterCard that will cover the deductible I'll feel more secure without spending for the Super CDW.
Our other big concern is whether we need to make advance lodging reservations for areas outside Dublin. I'd like to have the option of stopping for the night sooner if we're tired or if we stumble upon someplace else that intrigues us. Also, it would be nice to stay on longer if we particularly like a spot--Dingle, for example. I know we're coming outside the highest part of the tourism season, but I also wonder how big the risk is that we would have a hard time finding lodging in our price range. Any thoughts?
I'm off to hunt for a MasterCard Gold or Platinum provider!
Jun 26th, 2004, 09:39 PM
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corbow, You must choose between getting CDW from your car rental company or MasterCard. YOU CANNOT DO BOTH. In order for MasterCard to cover you for insurance you must decline the CDW. If you just get the regular CDW you are liable for a certain amount (depending on who you rent from) could be a few hundred euros and up.
It always pays to read all the fine print: http://www.mastercard.com/cardholder...insurance.html
It always pays to read all the fine print: http://www.mastercard.com/cardholder...insurance.html
Jun 26th, 2004, 09:46 PM
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One more point to ponder from the MasterCard web site which has changed in the past few months:
"These benefits are provided exclusively with MasterCard [Gold/Platinum] cards that have a credit line of $2000 or more, or otherwise with cards expressly offered with such benefits by the issuer."
Insurance coverage is for up to 15 days.
"These benefits are provided exclusively with MasterCard [Gold/Platinum] cards that have a credit line of $2000 or more, or otherwise with cards expressly offered with such benefits by the issuer."
Insurance coverage is for up to 15 days.
Jun 27th, 2004, 06:14 AM
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USAA Plat M/C offers 30 day CDW coverage. EuropCar (rented thru autoeurope) still put a $1,000 hold on my credit card. If you have a low credit line, that may or may not cause some problems.
The conversion fee for this M/C is 1%.
The conversion fee for this M/C is 1%.
Jun 27th, 2004, 09:50 AM
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Oh, that's right; you can't do both! Thanks, IrishEyes; I needed that reminder (although I hope I'd have read the fine print before making any final decisions!). Well, I've applied for a Platinum MasterCard, so we'll see what kind of credit limit we get--we have a good credit rating, but even that's no guarantee of a $2,000 limit.
We only need the car for about 11 days, so the 15-day coverage limit shouldn't be an issue.
We only need the car for about 11 days, so the 15-day coverage limit shouldn't be an issue.
Jun 30th, 2004, 02:36 PM
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Hi Corbow:
You may consider calling O'Scannlain. There prices were very good for standard shift, but the difference may be automatic. Wendy is absolutely right about what will be available when you get there. There may not be any automatics left. They will probably not offer a refund of the price difference but will tell you that the upgrade to the larger car makes up the difference. That happened to my brother-in-law. Was a bit of a scam.
Bill
You may consider calling O'Scannlain. There prices were very good for standard shift, but the difference may be automatic. Wendy is absolutely right about what will be available when you get there. There may not be any automatics left. They will probably not offer a refund of the price difference but will tell you that the upgrade to the larger car makes up the difference. That happened to my brother-in-law. Was a bit of a scam.
Bill
Jun 30th, 2004, 04:39 PM
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Hi Corbow,
We just reserved a car through O'Scannlain for 10 days in October. We will have a Toyota Corolla size automatic for only $252. They have a two hour "grace period", so if we get the car back on day 9 within two hours of the time we picked it up on day one, they will refund us the 10th day fee. (We decided to go with the extra day to be on the safe side.) I have been pricing cars for a few weeks, and this was by far the best we found.
The problem for me was that we had to put it on our credit card now. I was a bit hestitant because there is a fee to cancel or change, but my tickets are booked, so we're going! At least a big chunk of our trip will be paid for well in advance!
We just reserved a car through O'Scannlain for 10 days in October. We will have a Toyota Corolla size automatic for only $252. They have a two hour "grace period", so if we get the car back on day 9 within two hours of the time we picked it up on day one, they will refund us the 10th day fee. (We decided to go with the extra day to be on the safe side.) I have been pricing cars for a few weeks, and this was by far the best we found.
The problem for me was that we had to put it on our credit card now. I was a bit hestitant because there is a fee to cancel or change, but my tickets are booked, so we're going! At least a big chunk of our trip will be paid for well in advance!
Jun 30th, 2004, 05:14 PM
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Have fun! We were in Ireland recently and have similar interests...definitely see Newgrange or Knowth, also Book of Kells and more in Dublin, and to the south of course Glendalough. We also went to several plays...this is a big year for the Abbey Theatre.
Can you take in Rock of Cashell headed west? We loved Killarney, Dingle, Galway and the Burren. And we did take in lots of trad music in various pubs! Being on an Elderhostel program for much of our time we didn't drive so can't advise on auto.
Bill [email protected]
Can you take in Rock of Cashell headed west? We loved Killarney, Dingle, Galway and the Burren. And we did take in lots of trad music in various pubs! Being on an Elderhostel program for much of our time we didn't drive so can't advise on auto.
Bill [email protected]
Jul 1st, 2004, 06:50 AM
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I would skip Galway and add Kenmare between Kinsale and Dingle.
There is a lot to explore between Kinsale and Kenmare. Also, the drive between Kenmare and Killarney, on the way to Dingle, takes you through Killarney National Park and it is wonderful. You could also visit Muckross House/Abbey and Ross Castle.
Don't miss the Rock of Cashel which is close to Cahir Castle.
On the way back to Dublin, if you have time, you could stop at Clonmacnoise...more high crosses and a round tower.
If you have time I would also suggest a trip to Powerscourt and Glendalough near Dublin.
We rented from Sixt using Platinum MC for CDW and everything went smooth.
There is a lot to explore between Kinsale and Kenmare. Also, the drive between Kenmare and Killarney, on the way to Dingle, takes you through Killarney National Park and it is wonderful. You could also visit Muckross House/Abbey and Ross Castle.
Don't miss the Rock of Cashel which is close to Cahir Castle.
On the way back to Dublin, if you have time, you could stop at Clonmacnoise...more high crosses and a round tower.
If you have time I would also suggest a trip to Powerscourt and Glendalough near Dublin.
We rented from Sixt using Platinum MC for CDW and everything went smooth.
Jul 1st, 2004, 07:45 AM
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Definitely look into visiting Glendalough, just outside of Dublin. The ruins and natural scenery there are just phenomenal.
My husband and I spent two weeks in Ireland in September 2000. We stayed in hostels, but we didn't make reservations ahead of time and didn't have problems finding lodging. There are B&Bs EVERYWHERE--I'd just book lodging for your first city, as to minimize your stress upon arrival.
We rented a car through autoeurope.com (picked it up when we were ready to leave Dublin--no need to drive in the city). Definitely get some sort of insurance--you may have a brush with a road cone like we did.
I also second the Rock of Cashel. We stopped there for a few hours en route from Kilkenny to Killarney. Our itinerary was Dublin, Kilkenny, Killarney, Dingle, Doolin, Galway (daytrip to Aran Islands), and Glendalough. Our least favorite place was Galway.
My husband and I spent two weeks in Ireland in September 2000. We stayed in hostels, but we didn't make reservations ahead of time and didn't have problems finding lodging. There are B&Bs EVERYWHERE--I'd just book lodging for your first city, as to minimize your stress upon arrival.
We rented a car through autoeurope.com (picked it up when we were ready to leave Dublin--no need to drive in the city). Definitely get some sort of insurance--you may have a brush with a road cone like we did.
I also second the Rock of Cashel. We stopped there for a few hours en route from Kilkenny to Killarney. Our itinerary was Dublin, Kilkenny, Killarney, Dingle, Doolin, Galway (daytrip to Aran Islands), and Glendalough. Our least favorite place was Galway.
Jul 1st, 2004, 12:13 PM
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I appreciate everyone's input! We do plan to see many of the suggested sights, so the itinerary might look something like this:
3 nights Dublin (Newgrange, Dublin sights)
1 night Kilkenny or Cashel, seeing Glendalough on the way south (Rock of Cashel)
2 nights Wexford (for a wedding)
2 nights Kinsale (Cahir Castle, Mizen Head area)
1 night Kenmare (Killarney NP, Muckross)
2 nights Dingle (Dingle Peninsula)
1 night Doolin (Cliffs of Moher, The Burren)
1 night Galway (Clonmacnoise on the way to Dublin)
2 nights Dublin (day trip via ferry to Anglesey, Wales)
We don't want to move every night but also don't want to backtrack too much; I'm hoping this will be about the right mix of one-night and two-night stays. We won't pick up a car in Dublin until we're ready to leave for Kilkenny, and we'll turn it back in the day we get back to Dublin. We'll take buses and taxis around Dublin--I don't like driving in traffic in my own city, let alone in another country in an unfamiliar car on the opposite side of the road!
If I had my druthers we wouldn't spend so many nights in Dublin, but that's the way it worked out with the timing of the wedding and advice to take it easy the first few days to recover from jet lag.
3 nights Dublin (Newgrange, Dublin sights)
1 night Kilkenny or Cashel, seeing Glendalough on the way south (Rock of Cashel)
2 nights Wexford (for a wedding)
2 nights Kinsale (Cahir Castle, Mizen Head area)
1 night Kenmare (Killarney NP, Muckross)
2 nights Dingle (Dingle Peninsula)
1 night Doolin (Cliffs of Moher, The Burren)
1 night Galway (Clonmacnoise on the way to Dublin)
2 nights Dublin (day trip via ferry to Anglesey, Wales)
We don't want to move every night but also don't want to backtrack too much; I'm hoping this will be about the right mix of one-night and two-night stays. We won't pick up a car in Dublin until we're ready to leave for Kilkenny, and we'll turn it back in the day we get back to Dublin. We'll take buses and taxis around Dublin--I don't like driving in traffic in my own city, let alone in another country in an unfamiliar car on the opposite side of the road!
If I had my druthers we wouldn't spend so many nights in Dublin, but that's the way it worked out with the timing of the wedding and advice to take it easy the first few days to recover from jet lag.
Jul 8th, 2004, 09:19 PM
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I_C, I had in mind that we would see Cahir Castle on our way to Kinsale (I know it isn't the most direct route).
Mizen Head/Beara would be the next day, assuming we aren't completely knackered from driving.
Mizen Head/Beara would be the next day, assuming we aren't completely knackered from driving.
Jul 10th, 2004, 10:28 AM
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having just returned, I would definitely add at least 2 nights in Kenmare- Kilarney Natl Park is fabulous and we wished we had more time- great town and a it takes 2 days to see the park and gap of dunloe. 2 days in Doolin dont seem to measure up to kenmare.
Jul 10th, 2004, 12:13 PM
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Thanks, I_C. We're pretty flexible at this point since the only lodging reservations I've made are for the first few nights in Dublin and for two nights in Wexford (for the wedding there). I'm trying to balance my desire to see everything with the realization that we can only cram so much into each day without wrecking ourselves...and we know the driving will be strange at first!
It may well make more sense to see the Rock of Cashel and Cahir in the same day (from Kilkenny, or perhaps staying a night near Cashel or Cahir) and then take a more southerly route to Kinsale from Wexford.
It may well make more sense to see the Rock of Cashel and Cahir in the same day (from Kilkenny, or perhaps staying a night near Cashel or Cahir) and then take a more southerly route to Kinsale from Wexford.
