Renting an RV?

"All the RV places say the roads "are not a problem" "

For the which car should I rent question frequently asked on this Forum, most here would advise renting the smallest car that one is comfortable with that will hold the required people and luggage. The reason for this common advice is that the roads can be a problem-however that depends on where you wish to go. There are lots of quite small roads in Ireland that lead to spectacular places-we had a couple of tight squeezes passing small cars in the small SUV we rented (think Nissan Rogue) going over Conor Pass. Personally, my preference traveling with another couple would be to rent a car, and sleep in B & B's where you can find family rooms to share, or get two rooms, many are very reasonably priced.

Another topic that comes up a lot is auto insurance, I have to guess that this is expensive for a motorhome?

Having been to Ireland four times (and driven a rental car every time), I would not want to try to park an RV, or go through the main street of any small town with it, and no way would I try to take it into a larger city. It's hard to tell, but maybe you are just talking about using it for transportation, not lodging? Keep in mind that once you find a place to camp, you will have to pull up stakes again to go into town for dinner or whatever. There are some great highways, and in many places the roads are wonderful. But the best places are out in the boonies, where it will be difficult to navigate on the narrower roads. Tour buses do it, but they are larger (and they know how).

I agree with Dave and Nancy, staying at B&B's is so easy I believe that is the way to go. Many of the cool spots we visited were squeezing down narrow roads with our small car, I believe an RV would prevent you from hanging with the locals more than it would allow you to visit with them. The Irish people are so engaging you will easily meet up with them in pubs, sporting events, groceries, and festivals. If you have not driven in Ireland or the UK (left side driving) getting around will be a huge part of your vacation!

Thank you everyone who responded to this! It is very helpful! Sounds like an RV is probably not the way to go (especially for first time) in Ireland. I will look at B&Bs and rental cars! Thanks again.

Salejeannette,

I just want to let you know that thousands of RV's are all around Ireland, and they are certainly do-able. Roads (as you no doubt know) are M, N, R, and continue based on size of road. Plenty of RV's "wild camp" around my area, and having talked to many of the drivers, they all would recommend it. One man said "now I know what the letters mean, it's easier!" as they went down a small side road and had a whale of a time turning around!

We met a French couple recently who showered at our house (to give them a bit of space over their rental RV) and they raved about waking up in the middle of the Kerry Dark Sky and being floored by the beauty of the stars. It's a dream come true! Especially since you're experienced as RV drivers.

Susan
Expat living in Waterville, Ring of Kerry