Where to rent a car in Dublin
I have been reading all your wonderful tips about renting cars in Dublin. I was wondering if there was a specific one (Avis, National, etc. or a local one) that anyone would suggest renting from. Cost and reliable cars are the top concerns. THANKS :) Ambur
Ambur
Cleveland, MS USA 9/6/07
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I recommend www.autoeurope.com, a consolidator that finds you the best rate from among the companies with which it has contracts. You can book online, but I suggest you call their toll-free number and ask if there are any special deals that don't appear on the Web site.
You will fall in love with Ireland!
I've always rented from Irish Car Rental (www.eirecar.com). They have a toll free number for their office here in the States in case you have any questions before renting.
My family and I have used Hertz in Ireland on 4 occasions and wouldn't go anywhere else.
Thank you all! I checked out www.autoeurope.com and will compare it with Nancy's suggestion of Irish Car Rental (www.eirecar.com). And Thank you Judy for the Hertz vote, was that the Dublin airport Hertz? I am finding out that although I am proficient in manual stick driving here in the USA, I don't think I want to attempt it while driving on the opposite side of my comfort level. Thanks again for all the ideas. Keep them coming and I'll wade through them. I think planning this trip might give me several weeks of enjoyment all in its self. Thanks again, Ambur :)
I have used autoeurope on three occasions and they always had the lowest price of the 6-8 companies I checked. If you normally drive a manual transmission then driving one in Ireland is not really a problem. The shifting pattern is the same except you are using your left hand. Of course if you are more comfortable with the automatic then by all means go for it. Be sure and get the super CDW insurance,if you so much as lose a wheel cover it has paid for itself.
The insurance info reminded me. I checked with my credit card company and they informed me THEY COVER IN IRELAND -Theft, collision, and everything. I was shocked. Just in case, what is CDW insurance? Also I think I read somewhere I have to provide proof to the rental agency my card covers as they said in order to rent the car. Anyone know if that is true? Thanks Pat. I'd love to get away with renting a manuel as they are about 1/3 less expensive. We will ponder the prospects. :) Ambur
I've priced them all. Internet special with Enterprise is the cheapest. Their cars are nice, and easy in and out at the Airport.
When you come back to the airport you park anywhere in the garage, write down the number and give to them. No hassle
Amber, FYI: If you are flying Aer Lingus you can go on their web-site to the Hertz tab. They have a partnership and you can actually get a better deal w/Hertz going thru Aer Lingus vs. Hertz own website. In regards to automatic vs manual - please whatever you do get an AUTOMATIC. Also, most of the rental car companies have locations @ Dublin aerport & in City Centre, however, you want to have the rental car shuttle pick you up from your hotel/B&B and take you to the Aerport location. I have used Irish providers & US based providers(Avis, National etc..)and I actually prefer Hertz. Whatever you do - do not get Dan Dooley - terrible expierence
Ambur, you'll most likely get a newer model car. Manual transmission is cheaper than automatic. I used Autoeurope and had a good experience. And I also requested a price match with another company and they met it.
If you are used to driving a manual transmission, you can manage a manual over there. The only thing to be aware of is that it is more tiring to drive over there because everything is opposite.
An automatic would be easier, but, depending on the model of car, it could cost you as much as 30 euro a day for an automatic. You can buy a lot of Guinness (or Waterford crystal, or woolens, etc.) for 30 euro a day!