Southern Ireland

Old Apr 11th, 2009, 05:53 PM
  #21  
 
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Haven't done it yet myself, but it's not unreasonable...but better to set out early.
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Old Apr 12th, 2009, 04:29 PM
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Thx skibumette. We do plan to leave early. If you know of anything else that might be helpful I'm open to suggestions.
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Old Apr 18th, 2009, 07:38 AM
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shturner, There is a toll on the M50 after you leave the airport just before the exit to the City. It is right before the exit for the N4 :=( which is the one I always need to use. They have made it one of those electronic ones so you don't stop and pay. When I was home last year, the rental car agency just asked me when I returned the car how many times I went through it and they added it on to my bill. Not sure if they have changed that or gotten an electronic tracking thingy for the car. You might ask at the rental counter when picking up the car.
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Old Apr 18th, 2009, 05:04 PM
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maureencol - thanks for this information. After spending arrival night at Dublin airport, picking up rental car about 9 a.m. next morning at airport, we plan to head toward Kildare and spend that night in Cahir (Day 2). Then to Killarney for two nights (Days 3&4), drive to Tarbert ferry through Cliff of Moher and The Burren (Day 5) and spend that night in Bunrarry. Day 6 drive to Limerick to turn in car and either catch bus or train back to Dublin and spend remaining time in Dublin city hotel, then catch a bus to airport for our return home.

I'm very confused on car rental. Planned to use Autoeurope but then read negative reviews. Do you have a suggestion? I have a World MC and was told not to purchase additional CDW insurance. Some of the comments I have read indicate the car rental place will force one to buy additional insurance.

Also would you suggest turning in car in Shannon or Limerick? Not sure if a train or bus leaves from Shannon to Dublin.

Appreciate any help or suggestions.
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Old Apr 20th, 2009, 05:23 AM
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Bring the number to Mastercare with you. The car rental agency may need to call them to verify that CDW is included, otherwise they will try to make you purchase it. Try to make sure it's not a 1800 number, as not all of those work outside the US.
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Old Apr 20th, 2009, 06:23 AM
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Thanks GreenDragon. I called and asked WorldMC to send me a letter and was told that the only letter they have is a generic one which they are sending to me. I will take it w/me. Hopefully it works. Only number I have is a 1-800. I will call and see if they have a number that can be used in IE.
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Old Apr 20th, 2009, 10:22 AM
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It is a generic one, that usually says you 'may' be covered in Ireland. That's why I bring a number. When I was in Scotland, they called from Enterprise to verify coverage. Some 1-800 numbers do work, but find out for certain.

Another thing to watch out for, though it's not as bad right now. Most insurance coverages have a $50,000 value limit on the vehicle, considering anythign above that to be 'luxury'. Shouldn't be a problem for a regular sized car, but we had a minivan in Scotland last summer, when the exchange rate was about 2:1, so a £25,000 minivan was above $50,000, and therefore not covered.
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Old Apr 20th, 2009, 10:26 AM
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Look on the back of your MasterCard, down toward the bottom. Mine has a number to call collect if out of the country.
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Old Apr 20th, 2009, 11:34 AM
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Thanks jaja & GreenDragon. I found the number. Hopefully when I get to Dublin airport if there is a problem with the car rental, they will call MC. Now I wish we had selected another country to go to since it sounds so difficult to rent a car in Ireland with many additional Euros/$$ added. I have checked several recommended car rental places and it appears they are all the same. My World MC does have a $50,000 value limit and we are renting an economy automatic car. Haven't decided on which car rental agency to use. Any suggestions as to the best to use in Ireland and the easiest to deal with? Thanks again for all of your help.
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Old Apr 20th, 2009, 01:24 PM
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I've tried the Call Collect number before, and had the request denied. I always make sure I have a good number with me

I've used Dan Dooley, Enterprise, and Autoeurope in the past with success.
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Old Apr 20th, 2009, 03:55 PM
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Dan Dooley is the only rental agent I know of that has an all-inclusive rate. And cheaper than any I have checked for my next trip.
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Old Apr 21st, 2009, 05:54 AM
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GreenDragon & jaja: Thanks again for your comments. I prefer an all-inclusive rate so won't be surprised with add ons. Will contact Dooley, then will also check w/others before finalizing. You have been very helpful.
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Old Apr 21st, 2009, 02:26 PM
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shturner,

I have rented in Ireland for the past 15 years and they have never asked to see any documentation from my Mastercard regarding coverage of the CDW. I would think just the "generic" brochure would do if they happen to ask. I think you were on the other subject regarding car rentals where I gave Dan Montoya's phone number here in California... 800/284-2354. I use him every year and there are no surprises.
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Old Apr 21st, 2009, 02:32 PM
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Actually, if any of you get a quote from Dan and then rent with another company, I would be curious as to how they compare once you return from your trip...the actual cost you pay vs. Dan's quote. If I am recommending him, I would like to know how he compares. I don't really bother with the other companies anymore since I am fed up with the "add ons". I know there are other good companies that give you all inclusive and that's what you actually pay. I totally agree with another poster that said the Irish Government should put some kind of controls on the car rentals. That alone could drive people away from visiting!!!
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Old Apr 21st, 2009, 05:38 PM
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maureencol: thanks for this information. I did see Dan Montoya's phone in one of the forums and will call him. Maybe you can help me with another question. After picking up car at Dublin airport and driving through Southern and Western Ireland, our last night will be in Bunratty before returning to Dublin for two nights. I am thinking about turning in car at Shannon airport, then catching train into Dublin as we'll be spending our last two nights at Best Western, Findlater Place off O'Connell St. Of course, we would have to get from Shannon airport to train station and I'm not sure of the mode of transportation or how far it is. Also we would backtrack a few miles from Bunratty to Shannon airport.

Second thought is we could keep car and drive from Bunratty to Dublin city to turn in car. Does this sound like a better idea? Or we could drive to Dublin airport, turn in car, then catch bus to city. Any suggestions on which of these would be best. Picking up/turning in car at airports is additional 25 Euros as you know.
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Old Apr 21st, 2009, 06:31 PM
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I played a few golf courses in Southwest Ireland. The course closest to Killarney that I would highly recommend is Tralee. I had a group of 16 guys over there for a golf tourney. Our overall favorite was Lahinch. Our favorite near Killarney was Tralee. (We played Old Head at Kinsale, Tralee, Waterville, Killarney Mahoney's Point, Ballybunion (both courses), Lahinch and Doonbeg.)
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Old Apr 21st, 2009, 07:09 PM
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I used to rent with Dan Dooley until in 2006,they gave us the oldest, most desperate looking car I'd ever seen. This was after I'd rented with them twice. Also they don't answer any e-mails that you send requesting further information, (e.g. can we take the car on a ferry to Scotland). They seem very small town. Upon arriving,they deigned to tell me that we had to put up 500 pound cash to take the car to Scotland, no problem, but wouldn't it have been more helpful to answer my e-mail in the first place? They also couldn't provide a listing of the makes of the vehicles, e.g. what was an economy, which Fiat, etc.

Last time I rented with AutoEurope in 2007 and we got a lovely upgrade, so new, it still had the sticker on it and it was also DIESEL! Oh joy,the money we saved.
Bottom line, with Dan Dooley, you do get what you pay for. It may be a little more with AutoEurope, but we saved the money in petrol.
The end. I'm amazed I'm still ticked with Dooley but a little bit of service goes a long way.
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Old Apr 22nd, 2009, 07:05 AM
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Masterphil - thanks for the info about golf courses. I'm taking all info I get w/us. The proprietors of the place where we'll be staying in Killarney also said they would help Shane (grandson)find a place to golf. He's not taking his clubs - too much hassle.
librarygirrrl - I appreciate this info about Dooley. Definitely don't want to deal w/someone who won't answer questions. I can rent a car through American Airlines at a discount rate and the best rate they gave was w/Thrifty. Might go this way. Also World MC emailed me its Masterrental Insurance policy which states "...decline the CDW offer by the vehicle rental company." Even if I don't need it, I'll take this policy w/me.
No one answered my questions about whether it is best to turn in car at either Shannon airport or drive to Dublin city, or drive to Dublin airport. I would like to drive to Dublin city since our hotel is in the city but don't know about the traffic. See my 2nd paragraph in 4/21 above.
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Old Apr 22nd, 2009, 07:26 AM
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With all respect to librarygirrrl, I am currently renting from Dooley for June. While of course I don't know what car I will have, the employees have been extremely helpful, returning phone calls and answering e-mails, and two different people have reserved the GPS I missed while signing up; let's hope I don't end up with two of the things arguing about where to turn next.

shturner, I would avoid driving in Dublin at all costs, having done it once when I was young(er) and hadn't found all these wonderful travel sites to guide me. I'd either turn the car in at Shannon or drive to Dublin airport and take public transport to the city. Going by train or bus would entail getting from Shannon airport and to Dublin accommodations by another mode of transport and seems too complicated (and more expensive?) to me. 'Twere me, I'd drive to Dublin airport and take bus into the city. Too bad you can't just fly out of Shannon.
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Old Apr 22nd, 2009, 07:27 AM
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It's no pleasure driving in Dublin, and having a car there confers no great benefit unless you plan to use the time for expeditions out of the city.
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