car rental & distances in Ireland

The unique thing about driving in Ireland is the roads, which can be winding and very, very narrow. And since they drive on the left, it's common to scrape a wall or hit a mirror on some obstruction. You really should get as much insurance as you can (Super CDW) to get your deductible to 0. No, your credit card won't cover it - and I wouldn't trust it, anyway (I had a bad experience trusting credit card insurance there years ago, before virtually all credit cards specifically excluded coverage in Ireland). The best company to rent from is whichever one gives you the best price - they are virtually the same except for that (somebody has a horror story about whatever company you can name). Since you don't say what else you plan to do in the Co. Clare area, it's hard to guess if you have enough time to get to Clifden and then down to Dingle. Use www.viamichelin.com to look at distances and driving times, but add about 25%, plus time for lunch stops, etc., to their estimates.

We just did that trip, Shannon to Clifden best part of a day. Clifden to Dingle a whole day.

We just did that trip, Shannon to Clifden best part of a day. Clifden to Dingle a whole day.

I strongly recommend the super CDW. Credit card insurance will work in the rest of Europe but not anywhere on the island (North and ROI). The super CDW does not cover the tires. The roads are generally good over a large part of Ireland. When you get rural, the roads get smaller just like in the US. The only roads I really felt uncomfortable with were along the western side of Ireland just south of Galway. The drive from Dingle to most of Connemara would be a solid day of driving. I'm not sure what your other plans are but it might be a good opportunity to see the Rock of Cashell, the Ring of Kerry and/or Killarney National Park.

Thanks to all of you. Your answers are helpful. Julia

Since the roads are so narrow, I would get the most practical size car you can, not too small or tool large. Take pictures with the date/time stamp turned on. Check and re-check the sheet the dealership gives you with any dings, dents, scratches already highlighted. If you find ANYTHING on the car that is not on the highlighted sheet, make sure you point it out to someone at the dealership & have them either add it or sign off on it as insignificant. Some drivers take the driver's side hubcaps off for the trip duration to avoid 'scraping' them off on narrow roads with no shoulders, but walls. If you are a bit nervous driving on the left side, go to a petrol station and buy a learner's permit window stencil, a big 'L'. Other drivers will be more cautious with you. Learn roundabout etiquette before entering your first one; our lack of caused our fender bender. Don't be wary about getting off the main roads in Western Ireland-that's where we saw some of our most breathtaking views. Above all, have fun and talk to the local folks.

With super CDW photos are not needed, just hand in the keys. That's why you pay for the extra coverage. I don't think the "L" sign is a good idea. There is driving restrictions while displaying it ie: no motor way driving, night driving limits, numbers of passengers, your co-driver must be licensed, top speed limited, which one do you want to attract the attention of the local Garda with? And potential fine. You don't need it, Irish drivers are very courteous, and will cut you loads of slack without the sign.

Julia - January 2009 I was in Ireland for 3 weeks with my daughter. We rented a car From Dan Dooley Car Rentals and I took all the insurance they offered. I did this because I had heard that Ireland and Italy were hard when it came to accident coverage. I was very happy I did it. The car was rented in Ireland and I had an accident in No. Ireland in Derry. I called right away and then headed back to Dublin to return car. When I checked in the car they were great because I had all the extra insurance it did not cost me anything extra. When I got home I was even happier because the other driver sued for injuries. The insurance coverage took care of it all. Please take all insurance offered and if you do get into an accident take pictures of damage on both cars and pictures of all passageners along with names. The guy that sued me claimed more people in the car then there was.
Enjoy your trip and remember to add 25 to 35% more time then the allotted drive time. Ireland does not believe in road signs easy to get lost on the back roads but they are the most fun.